Step 1: Apply to the University

Apply to Texas State University and declare your major as “Pre-Film." 

First-year students should apply as Pre-Film majors and plan to apply to the Film Program after completing their first year at Texas State.

The Film Program does not admit incoming first-year students directly as full majors. However, Pre-Film majors will still take required film courses and gain hands-on experience.

Step 2: Apply to the Program

After completing their first year at Texas State and meeting the admission requirements listed below, prospective students may apply for full-major status.

The Film Program accepts new students once per year, with all enrollment beginning in the Fall semester. We encourage applicants to plan ahead, as the application process takes place each Spring for admission the following Fall semester.

 

Deadlines & Resources

  • Current & Transfer Student Applications Open: Spring 2026
  • Current & Transfer Student Applications Close: Spring 2026
  • Status Notification Date: Summer 2026

Admission Requirements (2025)

Expand FAQ List

    1. Application Form
    2. Overall GPA of 2.50
    3. Grade of "B" or better in TH1353 Film Production Practices & TH1320 Filmmakers History of Film.
    4. Visual Sample of one film or video work in which you performed a key creative role. Your visual sample may be a fictional narrative, documentary, music video, etc. The focus is less on the technical aspects but instead your own unique voice as a storyteller. 
    5. Personal Statement of 250-500 words. Candidates will select one (1) of the following three (3) prompts to answer:
      1. Describe a moment when a film made you see yourself, or your world, differently. How did it influence your understanding of storytelling?
      2. Choose a director whose style you admire. When describing their visual or narrative style, what techniques or storytelling choices stand out to you, and why?
      3. Choose a place, room, or landmark that’s meaningful to you. What kind of story would it tell if it had a voice?
Expand FAQ List

    1. Application Form
    2. Overall GPA of 2.50
    3. Grade of "B" or better in courses equivalent to TH1353 Film Production Practices & TH1320 Filmmakers History of Film.
      1. Prospective transfer students will upload a syllabus from relevant courses at another institution that should closely match the curriculum taught in TH1353 & TH1320.
    4. Visual Sample of one film or video work in which you performed a key creative role. Your visual sample may be a fictional narrative, documentary, music video, etc. The focus is less on the technical aspects but instead your own unique voice as a storyteller. 
    5. Personal Statement of 250-500 words. Candidates will select one (1) of the following three (3) prompts to answer:
      1. Describe a moment when a film made you see yourself, or your world, differently. How did it influence your understanding of storytelling?
      2. Choose a director whose style you admire. When describing their visual or narrative style, what techniques or storytelling choices stand out to you, and why?
      3. Choose a place, room, or landmark that’s meaningful to you. What kind of story would it tell if it had a voice?

Visual Sample Rubric

POINTS (1-4)Creativity & OriginalityStorytelling SkillsMastery of TechniqueQuality Control
POINTS (1-4)
4
Creativity & Originality
Strikingly original with creative use of technique and a strong voice
Storytelling Skills
Utilization of every story element. Beginning, Middle, End, Character & Conflict
Mastery of Technique
Demonstrates mastery of technique across camera, sound and editing
Quality Control
No errors in camera, sound or editing
POINTS (1-4)
3
Creativity & Originality
Strong voice that leans on standard approach to technique.
Storytelling Skills
Use of several elements but incomplete
Mastery of Technique
Demonstrates excellent technique in at least one category of camera, sound and editing.
Quality Control
One or two obvious errors in camera, sound or editing
POINTS (1-4)
2
Creativity & Originality
Creative use of technique with little or no original voice.
Storytelling Skills
Use of at least one story element.
Mastery of Technique
Demonstrates competent technique in at least one category of camera, sound and editing.
Quality Control
More than five errors
POINTS (1-4)
1
Creativity & Originality
Cliche use of image and sound. Derivative.
Storytelling Skills
No element of story. Beginning, Middle, End, Character, Conflict
Mastery of Technique
Very little demonstration of good technique
Quality Control
Consistent errors made throughout work
POINTS (1-4)
Creativity & Originality
Storytelling Skills
Mastery of Technique
Quality Control
TOTAL (4-16)=
POINTS (1-4)
Creativity & Originality
Storytelling Skills
Mastery of Technique
Quality Control
- MINIMUM of 8 points for admission -12 Points guarantees admittance provided that other requirements are met.