The film studies program is housed in the Department of English. The program is centered on a core curriculum of four courses in the history of film, film genre, and film directors, as well as film theory and criticism. To these core courses are added related courses, particularly those that integrate the study of moving image culture with rhetoric, philosophy, literary criticism, ethnic literature, and visual cultures of all types. The program is designed for students who wish to ultimately work in academic film studies and also for students who wish to understand film better as an art form, as popular culture, and as a major medium of communication.

Study Film Studies at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, a Bachelor degree offered at its main campus in Lincoln , United States of America. This Full Time program is delivered on campus in English and takes approximately 4 years to complete. Students benefit from a structured learning experience designed to build both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The next intake is scheduled for August 21, 2027.
About Bachelor of Film Studies
Graduates of film studies will be able to:
- Understand the history, theory, archival preservation, and criticism of film in diverse cultures, with attention to global perspectives as well as the diversity of cultures within the US, and in media both analog and digital.
- Develop ability to apply knowledge of film language, history, criticism, and theory, i.e. writing a portfolio of film criticism and/or making a film (screenwriting, directing, and/or producing).
- Understand the main contributions of cinematic culture to our society as a whole.
- Understand and appreciate the many contributions by minoritized filmmakers in cinema history.
- Develop critical writing and research skills, encompassing both primary and secondary research.
Disciplines
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Film Studies at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Entry Requirements
Application Fee
There is a $45 application fee payable online with a credit card.
Deadlines
Summer/Fall – May 1
Spring – December 1
Additional Documents
In addition to the online application, International First-Year students are required to submit:
- Final secondary school transcript, preferably officially signed and stamped by a principal of secondary school
- Secondary school certificate/diploma
- English proficiency scores
- Bank statement
- Passport copy
English Proficiency Deadlines
To be fully-admitted, you must meet English proficiency by the following deadlines:
Fall Term – July 15
Spring Term – December 1
Summer Term – May 1
Thanks for your interest in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln! All admissions materials are to be uploaded via MyRED to complete your application.
You can contact the University of Nebraska–Lincoln to apply for admission by yourself. You are not required to use an agent to apply for admission or enroll at the University of Nebraska. If you chose to use someone to assist you in applying for admission or enroll for classes, that is your responsibility.
Completed Coursework Requirements
- A broad section of course work in English
- Native language courses
- Math
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
English Proficiency
Non-native English speakers must submit an IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo score demonstrating proficiency in English. Contact your IELTS testing center or TOEFL to have your official scores sent directly to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
If you do not meet proficiency requirements, you can still be offered conditional admission.
For more detailed information, see the English Proficiency requirements on this page.
ACT/SAT Requirements
ACT/SAT tests are not required for admission to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln but may be required for entry into specific colleges.
Colleges that require ACT/SAT scores:
- College of Architecture
- College of Engineering
Bank Statement Requirements
In order to be issued I-20, you must submit a bank statement to your MyRED account to show sufficient support for the first year of study.
You will still be evaluated for admission without submitting the bank statement, but admission letters and I-20s will not be sent until the bank statement requirement has been met.
Statements must include:
- Student's name
- NUID Number
NOTE: Scholarship letters can be used in place of bank statements.
Items not Required
Letters of recommendation and essays are NOT required for admission.
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6
- TOEFLMin 70
Career Opportunities after Completing Bachelor of Film Studies
The following represents a sample of the internships, jobs and graduate school programs that current students and recent graduates have reported.
Transferable Skills
- Communicate clearly using different forms of writing to and for a variety of different audiences
- Develop and defend evidence based arguments
- Analyze and interpret difficult texts
- Use various methods of literary analysis
- Support and communicate claims using clear evidence
- Express ideas creatively
- Advocate for marginalized or underrepresented groups
- Communicate confidently and appropriately with individuals of different cultures
- Comprehend and critically evaluate complex information
- Defend and discuss complex issues from multiple angles
- More...
- Examine problems from multiple perspectives
- Evaluate the interrelatedness of events and ideas
- Research, identify and knowledgeably discuss current issues and trends in the field
- Gain global perspective and high levels of intercultural awareness
- Perform analysis of social and cultural issues
Jobs of Recent Graduates
- Production Associate, Nebraska Educational Telecommunications - Lincoln NE
- Library Services Associate, University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Lincoln NE
- Account Coordinator, The Minnow Project - Lincoln NE
- Production Assistant, 1865 Entertainment - Los Angeles CA
- Copywriter, Bailey Lauerman - Omaha NE
- Intern, 5 City TV - Lincoln NE
- Video Production Intern, Database USA - Omaha NE
- Content Coordinator, Railyard Entertainment - Lincoln NE
- Office Manager, Bob Kerrey Campaign - Lincoln NE
- Film Marketing Specialist, AMC Theatres - Leawood KS
- More...
- Owner, Camera Man, Editor, Imoerial Productions LLC - Omaha NE
Internships
- Intern, Cannes International Film Festival - Cannes, France
- Film & Image Collection Intern, Nebraska Historical Society - Lincoln NE
- Film Production Intern, Alexander Payne's film "Nebraska" - Norfolk NE
- Intern, Film Streams - Omaha NE
- Intern, Dell - Lincoln NE
- Public Relations Intern, WRK, LLC - Lincoln NE
- Intern, Sandhills Publishing - Lincoln NE
- Summer Intern, Southwestern - International
- Intern, Sandhills Publishing - Lincoln NE
- Intern, Nebraska Dept of Health & Human Services - Lincoln NE
Graduate & Professional Schools
- Master's Degree, Cinema and Media Studies, University of California-Los Angeles - Los Angeles CA
- Master's Degree, Secondary English Education, University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Lincoln NE
Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Film Studies at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
How to Apply for Bachelor of Film Studies at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Review the materials you'll need before starting an application. Complete the application online. You can also apply through the Common App.
Check Your Application Status
Check MyRED to check your application status and verify all documents have been submitted to complete your application.
Pay Enrollment Deposit
Once you're admitted, pay the $250 enrollment deposit to reserve your place at Nebraska.
Enrollment Deposit
All First-Year, Transfer and International students, including students in the Intensive English Program, who have received notification of their admission to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln pay the $250 Enrollment Deposit.
What is the Enrollment Deposit?
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln requires a $250 Enrollment Deposit to be paid by the deadlines below to finalize your admission and secure your space in the incoming class.
- Spring Deposit Deadline: December 1
- Fall/Summer Deposit Deadline: May 1
The Enrollment Deposit is not a new fee. The $250 deposit applies directly toward students' first expenses at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, such as orientation programs and more.
Who is Required to Pay the Enrollment Deposit?
The Enrollment Deposit is required for all new First-Year, Transfer and International students, including students enrolling in the Intensive English Program, who are admitted.
Why Do I Need to Pay the Enrollment Deposit?
The Enrollment Deposit :
- Allows the University to more effectively plan for class offerings and student resources in preparation for your arrival.
- Provides an incentive for students to actively consider their college choice on an appropriate timeline, which increases their selection in housing, New Student Enrollment dates and classes.
- Allows the University to more accurately report new student class data as part of the budgeting process.
Refund
The Enrollment Deposit is fully refundable prior to the deposit deadlines below:
- Spring Deposit Deadline: December 1
- Fall/Summer Deposit Deadline: May 1
If a student chooses not to attend the University and did not request a refund on or before the deadline, the student forfeit's the full amount of their Enrollment Deposit.
To request a refund, please email the Office of Admissions.
Requesting Reinstatement
Admitted students who do not pay the deposit prior to the deadline forfeit their admission and aid. Students may request reinstatement by sending a letter to the admissions committee at:
University of Nebraska–Lincoln Admissions Committee
1410 Q St
Lincoln, NE 68588-0417
OR email the committee at: [email protected]
- Reinstatement of admission cannot be guaranteed.
- Reinstatement of federal, state, and university aid is not guaranteed.
- Please indicate in the circumstances surrounding your late payment in your reinstatement request.
NOTE: The Enrollment Deposit is not waived under any circumstance. The Enrollment Deposit is Non-Transferable.
Obtain I-20
After you are notified of your admission status, we will email instructions about obtaining your I-20 or visa.
Obtain I-20
If you need an I-20 and F-1 student visa to study at Nebraska, submit the following:
A bank statement showing the support that is greater than or equal to the cost of attendance for the program. In addition, be sure:
- It includes the name of the account holder in English.
- Is printed on official bank letterhead.
- You write your NU ID # on the top of the bank statement.
- It is signed and stamped as official by a bank representative.
- Statement must be dated and be no older than 1 year old.
- Statement must include a currency type.
You may also submit a scholarship letter that indicates support from a government or private scholarship. This letter must include:
- Your name.
- An outline of expenses the scholarship will cover.
Submit the bank statement and scholarship letter to your MyRED account.
SEVIS Transfer
If you are currently studying at a high school or university in the United States you may transfer your SEVIS record to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Transferring your SEVIS record allows you to maintain your current record and obtain a University of Nebraska–Lincoln I-20 which can be used to obtain a new student visa if traveling overseas prior to your enrollment at Nebraska.
When you have been admitted to Nebraska and are ready to transfer, contact the international advisor at your previous institution and ask to have your SEVIS record released to Nebraska. Our institution code is: OMA214F00217000.
Sign Housing Contract
After you pay your enrollment deposit, you can sign up for on-campus housing through MyRED.
Complete New Student Enrollment
NSE is a required student orientation program.
Submit English Proficiency Scores
If you're conditionally-admitted, you may submit English proficiency scores up until your term's deadline to become fully-admitted.
Prepare for Arrival
There are a few health requirements to complete and prepare for before you arrive on campus.
Pre-Enrollment Health Requirements & Information
All incoming students must submit the Pre-Enrollment Health Requirement Form through MyRED.
In addition, all international students must complete the following health requirements at the University Health Center:
- Provide proof of two rubeola/measles MMR immunizations or positive rubeola lab result
- Undergo a tuberculosis test
For students who have the University of Nebraska's StudentBlue Insurance Plan, the cost of the Pre-Enrollment Health Requirement is covered 100%.
Health Insurance
- The University will automatically enroll all international students (F1 and J1) in StudentBlue Health Insurance.
- You may waive the insurance plan if you show documentation of a comparable medical insurance plan. Proof consists of a plan in your name and the document must be in English.
- Deadline to waive the health insurance is the 14th day of class each semester.
Meningococcal Vaccine
Meningococcal disease is a rare infection with potentially devastating results. The vaccine is recommended for first year students living in university residences but is not required by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Once you get to Lincoln...
International Orientation is a required event for all new international students when you arrive on campus.

United States of America, Lincoln