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’s 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.
Major Requirements
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 of Media in addition to requirements above. These 6 hours can be in Media & Cinema Studies (MACS), Journalism (JOUR), Advertising (ADV), or Media (MDIA) rubrics.
Admissions Information
For more information about admission as a first-year or off-campus transfer student, please visit the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
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.
What Recent Graduates Say
I loved how broad and interdisciplinary the MACS major was. It allowed me to explore my interests in storytelling, global culture, and production all at once. Through coursework and projects, I learned how to navigate the evolving media landscape, collaborate with others, and think critically about storytelling.
Trent Miles (BS ’25, MACS)
My major provided the space to learn about what excited me. When you love what you learn, every hill is worth the climb, and each success is doubly rewarding. Not to mention that so many of my classes were just fun!
Francesca Dumitrescu (BS ’25, MACS)