Department of Media & Cinema Studies
Design your path in media studies and production.
Media & Cinema Studies at Illinois provides a foundation in critical media analysis with the flexibility to pursue interests in specific media, methods, and subject areas.
Media & Cinema Studies Programs
BS in Media & Cinema Studies
Our interdisciplinary curriculum emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving and will teach you to understand the media you consume and to produce compelling media of your own.
Learn more about this degree
Minors and Certificates
- Cinema Studies Minor
- Critical Film Production Minor
- Media Production Certificate
- SportMedia Certificate
- Graduate Minor in Cinema Studies
Recent News
Hear from Our Students
Our dynamic curriculum attracts creative, diverse students who are excited to make a difference in media industries and society.
Student Q&A
“MACS allows its students to engage with film production as soon as freshman year. I knew I had a desire to learn about films and wanted a university that would give me hands-on learning opportunities that I could take advantage of the minute I got to campus.”
Learn more about Ella
Student Q&A
“I chose to specialize more in film criticism because of the world-renowned film critic [and University of Illinois College of Media alum] Roger Ebert. Movies are something I’ve always loved since I was a kid, and it became almost like a hobby for me. The MACS program has given me the opportunity to bring those interests together, by combining the study of film theory with hands-on experience in video production.”
Learn more about Nick
Annual MACS Film Celebrations
Image Gallery
The 2026 Ebert Symposium keynote address was given by Professor Alfred L. Martin, Jr. (University of Miami).
Ebert Center
The Roger Ebert Center for Film Studies offers robust annual programming, including the Ebert Symposium, Ebert Lecture, and a screening series. It also supports Ebert research grants and travel grants for film studies as well as the long-running Ebert Fellows Program.
Learn moreCalendar
Recent Events
The Ebert Lecture and Screening in Fall 2025 focused on early Hollywood Chinese-American performer Anna May Wong. Watch the lecture.
Get in Touch
We’re happy to answer any questions you have to create a strong future at the College of Media.
Request information below to learn more about College of Media programs and visit experiences. If you would prefer to speak with us directly, don’t hesitate to call 217-244-4329 or email us at media-ssc@illinois.edu.
Request information