College of Liberal & Creative Arts
The School of Cinema provides undergraduate majors with a broad liberal arts education that covers film history, film theory, and film production, all focusing on three core values: creative expression, critical thinking, and social engagement.
At the upper-division level, students choose elective units to explore any number of areas in cinema that appeal to them, including film studies, animation, and various modes of filmmaking. There are multiple student organizations for students interested in exploring cinema and careers in film. Visit the Cinema scholarship page to learn about opportunities.
Access the list of the major requirements to better understand the structure of the major.
The roadmap puts all of your graduation requirements into an easy-to-follow semester-by-semester plan so you know what to take to stay on track. Whether you are a freshman or a transfer student, you'll be able to find a roadmap that best fits you.
Besides your major requirements, students must complete their GE and University requirements. Be sure to make sure you've completed all of these requirements for graduation.
To learn more about this major, check out the major department’s website below. You can also find out how you can access their faculty advisors who can assist you not just with course choices, but also answer questions about the field and discuss your career plans.
Department of Cinema
Fine Arts Building, Room 245
Phone: (415) 338-1629
Email: cinedept@sfsu.edu
Website: https://cinema.sfsu.edu/
Undergraduate Advising Coordinator/Associate Professor: Scott Boswell
Freshmen Student Advising Information
After choosing “Basic Subjects” GE courses in Steps 1-3 of your Orientation process (if you haven’t done so, log onto your Orientation Profile page to follow the “Pre-Orientation Advising Module”), STEP 4 Choosing Major Classes will show you if there are any classes you can take to satisfy major requirements for your first and/or second semester.
Once you have determined your Roadmap above, review the first section below and write down any course recommendations based on your corresponding major roadmap on your Freshmen Class Planner worksheet.
First Semester Course Recommendations — Roadmaps A, B, C & D
|
Major Class & Title |
Units |
Other Requirement Area(s) Met |
|
No major classes in 1st semester |
- |
Move on to "Step 5 GE Requirements" |
Advisor Footnotes:
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#1 No AP or IB scores satisfy major requirements
-
#2 Students do not begin taking CINE major courses until after they have earned 30 units (sophomore standing)
-
#3 Students may meet with a CINE major advisor in their second semester to prepare for major courses for their third semester (once they earn at least 30 units): https://cinema.sfsu.edu/advising
- Independent filmmaker (fiction, documentary, experimental)
- Producer
- Industry/freelance positions (i.e., cinematographer, production designer, editor, sound mixer)
- Screenwriter
- Animator
- Film archivist
- Scholar/film educator
Transfer Student Advising Information
Please see the box above labeled “Major Curriculum/Roadmaps & GE/University Requirements” for information on what courses to take in your first semester at SF State. View our Frequently Asked Questions for Transfers for helpful tips and additional information.