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The B.A. in cinema arts provides a more general approach to cinema arts, while still offering a creative and hands-on education. Students learn the basic skills and theories necessary to communicate their artistic vision, while offering a flexible schedule.

Three focus options are available in either cinema, animation or screenwriting. Along with a specific focus, a large offering of major electives allows a student to build their degree around their interest within cinema arts. And with fewer required courses in the major, students can pursue study abroad opportunities, a double-major, a minor, or complete their degree in less than four years, making it a good option for transfer students.

  • Allows a student more flexibility in structuring their education, with fewer courses in the major, and no yearlong senior thesis requirement.
  • Fewer required courses in the major allows students to take more general electives so that they can build their own interdisciplinary course of study.
  • B.A. students are required to complete 120 credits. For a comprehensive list of program requirements, see the B.A. degree requirements here. 
A photo of a student in the color suite on campus. Submitted photo.

A student in Point Park University's color suite.

Cinema Arts Focus Options

An example of an animation students' work. Submitted photo
An example of student work

Before submitting an artistic portfolio to the B.A. in cinema arts, students will decide on a specific area of focus. The three options include cinema, animation or screenwriting. These areas of focus will allow for a student to study in one area for 12 credits.

Focus Course Requirements

Cinema

  • History of International Cinema
  • Production 1
  • Visual Analysis
Kaleigh Fitzgerald leads a workshop in the writer's room on campus. Submitted photo.
A workshop in the writer's room

Animation

  • Digital Tools and Techniques
  • Motion Graphics
  • Fundamentals of Animation
  • History of Animation

Screenwriting

  • History of International Cinema
  • Intermediate Screenwriting
  • Story Analysis
  • Acting/Directing for Writers and Filmmakers

Faculty who work in the field

Point Park faculty members bring academic and work experience into the classroom.

Meet the faculty
Pictured is Hanjin Park. Photo | Nick Koehler
Faculty Spotlight
Hanjin Park, M.F.A.
Park has directed and edited projects for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, GNC, AARP, and Japanese and Korean major record label studios. His independent films have screened at more than 40 film festivals around the world and been internationally distributed through iTunes and Ruthless Studio.

News & Features

Travis Platt '22
Wednesday, October 14, 2020 Career-Ready: Meet Travis Platt '22, a cinema production major who is interning for the Pittsburgh Film Office.
Cinema Production Faculty Train Students to Seamlessly Transition to Role of Professional Filmmaker
Friday, June 5, 2020 "Our cinema production students gain real-life, hands-on experience with every film project that they work on during their four years within our program. Those projects allow our students to advance their skills as storytellers and build an impressive portfolio of work, but they also develop skills that are valued in any career — critical thinking, organization, communication, collaboration and creativity," said Cara Friez, associate professor.
A Q&A with Animation Faculty
Thursday, June 4, 2020 "Our program is always growing and changing to mirror the ever-changing industry. Our professors are working artists who continue to work in the field while teaching. We use this experience and knowledge to direct changes to the curriculum and ensure that our students are fully prepared to work in the field upon graduating," said Professors Jonathan Trueblood and David Morrison.