Application Information

Incoming Freshman Students

The Film Program does not admit incoming first-year students. First-year students should apply to Texas State University as "Pre-Film" majors and plan to apply to the Film Program after completing their first year at Texas State.

The Application Process

Current students, as well as transfer students, who are interested in pursuing a Film Production degree must apply internally to be admitted to the Film Program at Texas State University. 

Please note: the Film Program does not admit incoming first-year students. First-year students should apply to Texas State University as "Pre-Film" majors and plan to apply to the Film Program after completing their first year at Texas State.

  • Admission Requirements

      1. Current Student Application form
      2. Overall GPA of 2.50
      3. Grade of "B" or better in TH1353 Film Production Practices & TH1320 Filmmakers History of Film.
        1. TH1353 Film Production Practices: This course provides an introduction to the art and practice of filmmaking. Students analyze the components of a film and examines the tools of filmmaking, including the camera, script, sound equipment, and editing software.
        2. TH1320 Filmmakers History of Film: This course introduces the student filmmaker to the history of film taken from the perspective of the practicing filmmaker. This is a study of how technological change, socio-economic forces and art trends inside and outside the medium itself affected the technique, craft and style of filmmakers from each period.
      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 250-300 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?
      1. Transfer Student 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 syllabi from relevant courses at another institution that should closely match the curriculum taught in TH1353 & TH1320.
        2. TH1353 Film Production Practices: This course provides an introduction to the art and practice of filmmaking. Students analyze the components of a film and examines the tools of filmmaking, including the camera, script, sound equipment, and editing software.
        3. TH1320 Filmmakers History of Film: This course introduces the student filmmaker to the history of film taken from the perspective of the practicing filmmaker. This is a study of how technological change, socio-economic forces and art trends inside and outside the medium itself affected the technique, craft and style of filmmakers from each period.
      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 250-300 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?

Application Timeline

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

2025-2026 School yearDate
Current & Transfer Student Application OpenApril 25, 2025
Current & Transfer Student Application ClosesMay 23, 2025
Notification DateJune 6, 2025

CURRENT STUDENTS

For current students at Texas State that has already completed the required courses before applying.

TRANSFER STUDENTS

For students currently enrolled at an institution other than Texas State University or those that have already been accepted to Texas State as a transfer student.

Visual Sample Rubric

Visual Sample Rubric
POINTS (1-4)Creativity & OriginalityStorytelling SkillsMastery of TechniqueQuality ControlSUB TOTAL (max 4 per category)
4Strikingly original with creative use of technique and a strong voiceUtilization of every story element. Beginning, Middle, End, Character & ConflictDemonstrates mastery of technique across camera, sound and editingNo errors in camera, sound or editing
3Strong voice that leans on standard approach to technique.Use of several elements but incompleteDemonstrates excellent technique in at least one category of camera, sound and editing.One or two obvious errors in camera, sound or editing
2Creative use of technique with little or no original voice.Use of at least one story element.Demonstrates competent technique in at least one category of camera, sound and editing.More than five errors
1Cliche use of image and sound. Derivative.No element of story. Beginning, Middle, End, Character, ConflictVery little demonstration of good techniqueConsistent errors made throughout work
TOTAL (4-16)=
- MINIMUM of 8 points for admission -12 Points guarantees admittance provided that other requirements are met.