University of Michigan Stamps School of Art and Design
A public research university in Ann Arbor offering film and video programs within a top-ranked art school, combining production training with the resources of a major university.
Overview
The Penny W. Stamps School of Art and Design at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor offers film and video production programs within one of the most respected public research universities in the United States. The school's approach to film education emphasizes artistic exploration, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration, drawing on the university's extraordinary range of academic and creative resources.
Ann Arbor is a vibrant college town with a strong arts and cultural community. The city hosts the Ann Arbor Film Festival, one of the oldest experimental film festivals in North America, which reflects the region's tradition of supporting adventurous and innovative moving image work. The university's proximity to Detroit provides additional production environments and cultural resources.
The Stamps School encourages students to combine film practice with study in other fields, including music, literature, engineering, and the sciences. This interdisciplinary approach produces filmmakers with broad intellectual foundations and the ability to bring diverse perspectives to their creative work.
Programs Offered
- BFA in Film, Television, and Media -- undergraduate production and media practice (offered through the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts in partnership with Stamps)
- BFA in Art and Design with Film/Video concentration -- production within a broader arts curriculum
- MFA in Art and Design -- graduate-level creative practice including film and video
What Students Should Know
Michigan's film program is embedded within an art school, which means the curriculum values artistic experimentation and personal expression over commercial industry training. Students who want Hollywood-oriented production preparation should consider dedicated film schools. Students who want to develop as artists working with the moving image will find Stamps exceptionally well resourced.
As a public flagship university, Michigan offers competitive in-state tuition (approximately $16,000 per year for Michigan residents). Out-of-state tuition is higher (approximately $54,000) but includes access to the full range of university resources. The university's financial aid programs are robust.
The university's broader resources are a significant asset. Film students access world-class libraries, museums, music programs, theater companies, and research facilities. The interdisciplinary possibilities are virtually limitless.
Notable Alumni
University of Michigan alumni in film and media include Lawrence Kasdan (screenwriter/director of The Big Chill, Body Heat, and co-writer of The Empire Strikes Back and Raiders of the Lost Ark), James Earl Jones (actor), Lucy Liu (actress), and Gilda Radner (comedian and actress).
See Also
For exploring the relationship between arts education and filmmaking, see Paths into Filmmaking. To explore visual storytelling tools, use the Aspect Ratio Calculator.
