Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Film & Digital Arts
Our Undergraduate DegreesProgram Overview – Minimum Total Hours: 120
Bachelor of Film & Digital Arts
Our BA allows four possible concentrations: Film Production; Gaming; Animation; or Film History and Criticism.
Film Production
The concentration in Film Production requires the same core classes as the BFA but allows you to take more classes outside the major. So, if you have a strong interest in another artistic field—such as music, acting, photography, or electronic arts—there is enough flexibility in this concentration to pursue those passions.
Animation
In this concentration, students will bring characters and stories to life through a range of animation techniques. Working across the disciplines, students are trained in essential animation software and skills, while taking classes in drawing, screenwriting, business practices, and video production. Acquiring a wide-ranging knowledge of aesthetics, narrative, and the digital media landscape, students become the versatile and collaborative artists that animation and film companies want to hire.
Gaming
This concentration, created in consultation with UNM alumni employed at the world’s most prestigious gaming and special effects studios, offers the broad range of skills that tech companies are looking for. Working across the disciplines, students are trained in essential software and computer programming, while taking classes in drawing, screenwriting, business practices, and video production. Acquiring a wide-ranging knowledge of aesthetics, narrative, and the digital media landscape, students become the versatile and collaborative artists that tech companies want to hire.
Film History and Criticism
You will study the work of great filmmakers and examine the most significant moments in cinema history. Alfred Hitchcock, the French New Wave, film comedy, science fiction, the horror film, and German Expressionism are just a few of the fascinating topics you can explore.
This concentration offers a broad foundation in visual art and culture, emphasizing cinema’s aesthetic achievements and cultural contexts. Although you are not required to make movies, you may take up to 15 credit hours in production courses.
No Concentration Option
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for admission as a declared major in the College of Fine Arts, you must meet the following requirements:
• Completion of 26 hours of earned credit.
• A grade point average of at least 2.50 in all hours attempted or, a grade point of at least 2.50 in the last 30 hours attempted.
• Competency in English writing as demonstrated by: achieving a score of 26 or higher on the English section of the ACT examination or 660 SAT Verbal or, completion of ENGL 101 or 110 or 112 or 113 with a grade of C or better, or receiving credit through Advanced Placement Exam or International Baccalaureate program.
• Competency in Mathematics as demonstrated by: achieving a score of 22 or higher on the Math section of the ACT examination or 540 SAT Math, or completion of MATH 120 or MATH 101 & 102 with a grade of C or better, placement into college-level Math by Compass exam, or receiving credit through Advanced Placement Exam or International Baccalaureate program.
Plus:
For Art Studio Students:
• Completion of ARTS 125: Art Practices I and ARTS 126: Art Practices II with grades of C or better.
For Art Education Students:
• Completion of ARTE 310: Teaching Art in the Elementary School and ARTE 320: Teaching Art in Secondary School with grades B- or better.
• Passing the National Evaluation Series exam with a score of 220 or better.
For Dance Students:
• Pre-approved acceptance into the program by audition/interview.
• Auditions are held ONCE per year, on the last Friday of January from 10:00 am-5:00 pm in the North Arena studio in the Elizabeth Waters Center for Dance at Carlisle Gym on the UNM main campus. The audition includes group work in ballet, flamenco, improvisation, and modern/contemporary; performance of a one-minute solo of their own choreography or an excerpt of a piece performed previously; and a short interview with dance faculty.
•Intended Dance Majors: Contact Amanda Hamp (she/her) ahamp@unm.edu, faculty advisor for the Dance Major and Minor in Dance.
For Music Students:
• An Approval to Concentrate in appropriate instrument or voice as demonstrated by completion of the first 2 semesters of Applied Music and enrollment in the 3rd semester is required. A signed form is required.
• BME Students: Satisfactory completion of MUSE 194: Introduction to Music Education and MUSE 195: Introductory Teaching Practicum is necessary for acceptance into the Music Education degree program.
Important Information:
• Submit Application for Admission to the College of Fine Arts to the Student Success & Advisement Center.
• You will be notified by email within 1-3 weeks of submitting your application.
• Applications are accepted for spring and fall semesters only.
• Students graduate under the requirements in the UNM Catalog in effect at the time of their admission (or readmission) into CFA as pre-majors or declared majors. See the current UNM Catalog for further details regarding admission and graduation requirements.
Contact Us
(505) 277-4817
finearts@unm.edu
Office: Center for the Arts, Rm 1103
Please schedule an appointment with a CFA Academic Advisor online through LoboAchieve, or call the Student Success and Advisement Office.
How to Apply
• All students must be admitted to the University, whether as an incoming freshman, transfer student, or non-degree student. Apply online through the Admissions Department at UNM
•After meeting all CFA admission requirements, students must apply to become a declared major.
Academic Advisement
The College of Fine Arts Student Success & Advisement Center is committed to serve the UNM community with compassion, guidance, and respect as we promote academic excellence.
To speak with a CFA advisor, please call (505) 277-4817.