Antonio De Leon started UMass with his sights set on computer science but soon found himself pulled in another direction. A BDIC peer advisor made a presentation about film studies in one of his classes, and De Leon—who had been making and editing films as a hobby since middle school—decided to jump in.
In coordination with the interdepartmental program in film studies, BDIC offers options to students interested in exploring film through their major. “I see film studies as a little bit different than some of the other BDIC majors,” explains De Leon. “I see majors that are truly individual,” he explains, whereas film studies is attached to an interdisciplinary program with a structured curriculum and dedicated faculty members.
But even film studies majors enjoy individualized experiences. De Leon points out that “there are so many different ways you can go through a film studies major,” explaining that some students chose production paths, some focus on theory and criticism, and others “do their own thing.”
Learn more about how Antonio and other students customized their UMass Amherst experience by designing their own majors through BDIC.