What degree programs and courses does UW Cinema & Media Studies offer?

The University of Washington's Department of Cinema & Media Studies offers two bachelor's degrees (Cinema & Media Studies and Comparative Literature), a Comparative Literature minor, and three graduate credentials: an MA, a PhD, and a graduate certificate in Cinema & Media Studies. If you're planning a course of study, the main decision is whether you want the film/media track or the comparative literature track at the undergraduate level, and whether you're entering at the BA or graduate level.

Undergraduate degree programs

The department awards two BA degrees:

• BA in Cinema & Media Studies — the core film and media track.
• BA in Comparative Literature — a literature-focused track housed in the same department.

There is also a Minor in Comparative Literature for students who want a secondary credential without completing a full major.

If you're choosing between the two majors, the distinction is subject matter rather than level: Cinema & Media Studies centers on film, television, and media, while Comparative Literature centers on literature across traditions. Both are BA degrees from the same department, so the choice comes down to which body of material you want as your primary focus.

Graduate programs

The department offers three graduate-level credentials:

The department describes the graduate scope as exploring "world cinema, literature, television and more." The certificate is a shorter option than the full MA or PhD for students who want graduate-level coursework without committing to a full degree.

Courses

The department maintains a public course listing, and individual courses are featured on the site. One example is CMS 320 A: Indian Cinema (listed for Autumn 2026), described as "an introduction to storytelling styles in contemporary Indian cinema, from commercial big budget films to art and documentary cinema."

To see what's offered in a given term, use the department's Courses page and Events Calendar rather than relying on any single featured course — the featured course rotates and is not a full catalog.

What else the department provides

Beyond degrees, the site points to several resources that matter for planning:

• Faculty Directory — to check research areas and mentorship fit before choosing a track or advisor.
• Student Spotlights and Boundless Opportunities — student experiences with internships, careers, clubs, and local film organizations.
• Faculty Spotlights — the department states its faculty are "committed to excellence in teaching, research, and mentorship."
• Alumni & Friends — alumni-facing information.

How to decide

• If you're an undergraduate undecided between the two majors: compare the required coursework on the Programs & Courses page for each BA, since the department offers both from the same unit.
• If you want a minor alongside another major: the Comparative Literature minor is the only minor listed.
• If you're applying to graduate school: decide first between the MA, PhD, and certificate, then check the Faculty Directory for people working in your area.
• If you just want to take a course: start with the Courses page for the current term's offerings.

The department's own Programs & Courses page is the authoritative source for requirements and current listings; the details above reflect what the department publishes on its site.