The Bachelor of Science degree in Media & Cinema Studies (MACS) provides students with essential competencies in media studies and a relevant, future-focused interdisciplinary education that students will need as future media producers, consumers, and citizens. Core courses are organized around theory, history, methodology, and hands-on/production coursework most closely aligned with a student鈥檚 academic and professional interests.
Majors are given preparation for future academic and professional pursuits through a required Capstone Project, offered as a 400-level course in the MACS rubric. Students have the option to explore research and critical analysis development or work on an advanced production project.
Foundational Course
All students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in MACS must take MACS 101: Introduction to the Media.
Core Requirements: Theory, History, Methods, and Production
Students may choose from the Cinema Studies, Critical Media Production, Media Studies, or General tracks. Within those tracks, students take core courses in theory, history, methods, and production coursework. These courses are designed to align with their respective track.
Capstone Project
All students must complete a 400-level course to fulfill their Capstone Project. We offer numerous options for our students that allow them to explore anything from research and critical analysis to professional development to advanced production techniques.
Additional Requirements
Students must complete 12 hours of MACS coursework in addition to the requirements listed above. At least 3 of these hours must be 300-level or higher.
Students must take 6 hours of coursework from the College 51吃瓜 in addition to requirements above. These 6 hours can be in Media & Cinema Studies (MACS), Journalism (JOUR), Advertising (ADV), or Media (MDIA) rubrics.
For more information about admission as a first-year or off-campus transfer student, please visit the
If you are interested in transferring to the Media & Cinema Studies program from another University of Illinois major, please visit the Intercollegiate Transfer (ICT) information page for the transfer requirements.