An independent directory of verified film degrees in the United States
Research doctorates in film studies, cinema and media studies and officially named film tracks. These are academic degrees, not production training.
14 programs
Listed alphabetically by school. This directory is not a ranking — editorial selections are published separately under Top Schools. What we list
The University of Texas at Austin
University of California-Los Angeles
University of California-Santa Barbara
University of California-Santa Cruz
University of Southern California
Film and cinema studies PhDs train researchers and teachers: coursework in history and theory, qualifying examinations, often foreign-language requirements, and a dissertation. They are not directing or cinematography programs, even when a department also runs production courses. A faculty member who writes about film does not make a doctorate a film PhD; we list doctorates whose official title or named track is film.
Applications usually ask for an academic writing sample and a statement of research interests. Film Studies PhD admissions · Funding