Boston University’s Department of Film and Television is a highly competitive program with an acceptance rate of 42%. With 287 applicants vying for a spot in the program, only 121 were accepted and 41 ultimately enrolled. Students who are interested in pursuing a degree in film and television at Boston University must meet specific admission requirements to be considered for acceptance.

In order to have the best chance of getting accepted into the film and television program at Boston University, prospective students should aim for a 1480 SAT score or a 34 ACT score. Additionally, applicants should have a GPA of 3.88 or higher. Students must also complete all BU Hub general education requirements and finish with a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 and a 2.0 GPA in the College of Communication (COM).

The admission process for Boston University involves submitting an application, high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and standardized test scores. Prospective students must also submit a personal statement and a portfolio showcasing their creative work in film and television. The admissions committee carefully reviews each application to select the most talented and dedicated individuals to join the Department of Film and Television at Boston University.

Boston University Film School Acceptance Rate
Applied	287
Accepted	121
Enrolled	41
BU Hub General Education Requirements	Must be completed
Minimum Overall GPA	2.0
Minimum GPA in COM	2.0
Recommended SAT Score	1480 (75th percentile)
Recommended ACT Score	34
Recommended GPA	3.88

Boston University Film School Acceptance Rate

We begin with Boston University Film School Acceptance Rate, then boston university film school application requirements, boston university film school ranking, boston university film major and boston university film courses.

Boston University’s College of Communication is a pretty big deal. It’s known for its highly ranked programs and its reputation as a top-tier film school, but it’s also known for being extremely selective. In 2016, only 29% of applicants were accepted—but if you’re one of the lucky few who get in, you’ll have access to some pretty incredible opportunities.

If you’re interested in studying film or television production, we recommend visiting the campus and talking to some current students about their experiences at BU. You can also read our student reviews to get an idea of what life is like at Boston University.

boston university film school application requirements

Now we consider boston university film school application requirements, boston university film school ranking, boston university film major and boston university film courses.

The Boston University Bachelor of Science in Film & Television is your path to create, manage or study the world of visual storytelling through film, television and video.

You’ll take courses that provide a broad foundation in motion picture writing, visual literacy and studies. But the majority of your courses can be tailored to fit your interests and career goals. Choose your focus: Production, Screenwriting, Film and Television Studies or Management/Producing.

Take additional courses in production or screenwriting. Pursue a minor from the vast offerings across BU. You may even have the opportunity to work on a production as an assistant on camera, lighting, sound, casting or editing.

It’s wide open.

Scholars and Makers

COM professors, as a group, offer a rare combination of academic rigor and industry experience — a mix that enriches student education. They are widely published in both the academic and popular press. They have written, directed and produced feature films and national television series.

Our faculty offer years of experience teaching and mentoring new generations of film and television enthusiasts preparing for their careers. You’ll work closely with a team of award-winning producers and writers who have written for popular primetime dramas and sitcoms. We have a track record of educating executives, writers, and producers at the very highest levels of the television industry.

Reel Resources

Opportunities for experience abound. Put your skills to the test by working at our own student-operated station, butv10, and our own in-house, student-run agency, Hothouse Productions.

STUDENT GROUPS

butv10 is Boston University’s student-led video content production and distribution network.

Attend Cinemathèque, COM’s series of screenings and conversations with film- and television-makers, and enjoy full access to BU’s Kasker film and video resource center with 16mm prints and rarities at the Mugar Memorial Library on campus. Enjoy complimentary screenings, too, at  the nearby Harvard Film Archive, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Brattle Theatre.

Students in the program often land summer internships with area television studios such as GBH, producer of national PBS programs, or attend BU study programs in London, Sydney and beyond. Our summer internship program in Los Angeles is especially popular and frequently leads to finding your first job in the industry.

East Plus West

Consistently ranked among the most livable cities in the world, Boston is a Top 10 U.S. media market, and home to some of the world’s best creative agencies, media companies and leading employers. Many Film and Television students at COM choose to spend a summer or semester in Los Angeles, the world capital for entertainment media, through Boston University’s renowned LA program.

Purpose Driven

COM stands out from our peers. Our faculty offers a mix of researchers and practitioners who endorse a cross-discipline, hands-on approach to learning. Our location lies at the heart of an electric, media-savvy city.

But it may be COM’s shared values that matter most. We believe that communication requires diversity, critical thinking, and creative expression. We believe that communication must be grounded in truth, authenticity, effectiveness, and purpose. We believe that communication builds understanding among people and across society.

boston university film school ranking

More details coming up on boston university film school ranking, boston university film major and boston university film courses.

Boston U Film Rankings

Boston U was ranked #49 on College Factual’s most recent list of the best schools for film majors. This puts the bachelor’s program at the school solidly in the top 15% of all colleges and universities in the country. It is also ranked #8 in Massachusetts.

Ranking Type	Rank
Best Film, Video & Photographic Arts Bachelor’s Degree Schools	44
Most Focused Master’s Degree Colleges for Film, Video & Photographic Arts	82
Most Popular Master’s Degree Colleges for Film, Video & Photographic Arts	82
Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Colleges for Film, Video & Photographic Arts	278
Best Value Bachelor’s Degree Colleges for Film, Video & Photographic Arts	279
Most Focused Bachelor’s Degree Colleges for Film, Video & Photographic Arts	345

Popularity of Film at Boston U

During the 2019-2020 academic year, Boston University handed out 4 bachelor’s degrees in film, video and photographic arts. Due to this, the school was ranked #371 in popularity out of all colleges and universities that offer this degree. This is a decrease of 20% over the previous year when 5 degrees were handed out.

In 2020, 2 students received their master’s degree in film from Boston U. This makes it the #67 most popular school for film master’s degree candidates in the country.

boston university film major

boston university film courses

Film & Television Program Courses

(must complete 28 credits of any other COM FT courses at the 300 level or higher)

The Film/TV Department has non-required tracks, and courses listed here may not include full offerings.

While pathways are not required, they are encouraged and sequencing of courses are listed here via prereqs, and can be further expanded upon through meaningful advising with a faculty mentor.

Production:

• COM FT 353 Production I (prereq: FT 201 with a B– or higher)
• COM FT 402 Production II (prereq: FT 353 with a B– or higher and either FT 502, FT 526, FT 565, FT 592, or FT 593)
• COM FT 468 Production III (prereq: FT 402 and instructor consent)
• COM FT 502 Sound Design (prereq: FT 353)
• COM FT 504 Post Production FX Editing (prereq: FT 353)
• COM FT 505 Hothouse Productions (variable credit) (prereq: FT 353 and instructor consent)
• COM FT 507 TV Studio Production (prereq: FT 201 or instructor consent)
• COM FT 526 Directing (prereq: FT 353)
• COM FT 544 Documentary Production (prereq: FT 353)
• COM FT 555 Narrative Documentary Production (prereq: FT 402 with a B+ or higher)
• COM FT 565 Motion Picture Editing (prereq: FT 353)
• COM FT 589 Advanced Production Workshop (prereq: FT 402 and FT 526)
• COM FT 592 Production Design (prereq: FT 353)
• COM FT 593 Cinematography (prereq: FT 353)
• COM FT 595 Intermediate Cinematography (prereq: FT 593)
• COM FT 597 Advanced Cinematography (prereq: FT 595)

Writing:

• COM FT 411 Screenwriting I (prereq: FT 310)
• COM FT 412 Screenwriting II (prereq: FT 411)
• COM FT 512 Writing the Episodic Drama (prereq: FT 310)
• COM FT 514 Writing the Television Pilot (prereq: either FT 512 or FT 522)
• COM FT 522 Writing the Situation Comedy (prereq: FT 310)
• COM FT 542 Advanced Screenwriting (prereq: FT 412)
• COM FT 582 Writing the Narrative Short (prereq: FT 310)

Management:

• COM FT 304 Film Industry (prereq: FT 250)
• COM FT 325 Creative Producing I (prereq: FT 303)
• COM FT 438 Talent Representation (offered only through the Los Angeles Internship Program)
• COM FT 503 TV to Tablets (prereq: FT 303)
• COM FT 508 Line Producing (prereq: FT 353)
• COM FT 517 Television Management (prereq: FT 303)
• COM FT 518 Media Money Trail (prereq: FT 303)
• COM FT 525 Creative Producing II (prereq: FT 325)
• COM FT 566A Business of Hollywood (offered only through the Los Angeles Internship Program)
• COM FT 566B Careers of Hollywood (offered only through the Los Angeles Internship Program)
• COM FT 591 Media Business (prereq: FT 303)

Studies (many offerings, please consult Film/TV Department for current offerings) sample:

All students are required to take FT 303 before enrolling in a TV Studies course; all students are highly recommended to take FT 250 before enrolling in a Cinema Studies course. Other offerings may be considered via the division of Cinema & Media Studies.

• COM FT 437 American Masterworks
• COM FT 458 International Masterworks
• COM FT 500 Film and Television Criticism
• COM FT 520 TV Theory and Criticism
• COM FT 531 Feminist TV
• COM FT 532 NBC: Anatomy of a Network
• COM FT 536 Film Theory and Criticism
• COM FT 543 TV Comedy
• COM FT 547 Avant Garde Film
• COM FT 570 Uncensored TV

General:

• COM FT 491/FT 492 Directed Study (variable credit) (prereq: instructor and departmental approval)**
• COM FT 493/FT 494 COM Internship (variable credit) (prereq: FT 201 and FT 310, junior standing, 3.0 COM GPA or higher)***
• COM FT 552, FT 553, FT 554 Special Topics*
• COM FT 573/FT 574 BUTV10 1 and 2 (variable credit) (prereq: consent of instructor)****
• COM FT 590 2D Animation

*The department offers new courses in production, studies, and other areas for a short time as Special Topics courses; please consult with the Film/TV Department to learn more.

**Only 4 total credits of FT 491 and FT 492 can fulfill this requirement.

***Only 4 total credits of FT 493 and FT 494 can fulfill this requirement.

****Only 4 total credits of FT 573 and FT 574 can fulfill this requirement.

Please note that COM Film/TV majors cannot minor or double major/dual degree with Cinema & Media Studies, as they share too many common requirements.

While 48 credits are required within the College of Communication, students are encouraged to take the majority of the remainder of their courses, both in and out of the Hub, in areas outside of their major in order to augment their academic experience with the professional aspects of their major.

Students in the College of Communication can count no more than 52 credits (13 courses) in their home department, on the Charles River Campus, toward the degree program. This would include CO 201.

If you’re looking for a film school that’s both prestigious and highly accessible, look no further than Boston University’s College of Communication. BU offers both an undergraduate degree in Cinema & Media Studies and a Bachelor’s in Film & Television—and it’s no surprise that they’re so popular: in 2016, only 29% of applicants were accepted.

The School of Film & Television at BU is located in the heart of Boston, right on Commonwealth Avenue near Copley Square. The school has been ranked among the top 25 programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report, and they have excellent relationships with local industry leaders like AMC Theatres and ESPN New England.