The Motion Picture offers a complete program for its majors, including writing, production, the business of film and film studies. Students graduating from the program have not only studied motion picture theory, but have also had the opportunity to learn how to script a film or television program, produce that program (lighting, sound, set design, photography and editing) and how to promote and market a film or television production. A major is offered in Motion Picture. Minors are offered in Motion Picture and Motion Picture Film Studies.

Motion Picture majors may elect to specialize in one of four areas: production, screenwriting, business, or film studies. Production and screenwriting specialties allow students to concentrate in narrative film, documentary, animation, or experimental filmmaking. Most production courses utilize a 16 mm motion picture or digital format. The film studies concentration examines the history, theory and criticism of film, while the business specialization concentrates on producing, financing, distribution, and related aspects of the industry.

Special facilities in the motion picture program include the Bill Cosford Cinema, a site for the showing of first-run and alternative films, AVID and FinalCut Pro non-linear editing suites, and digital post-production tools. The Canes Film Festival showcasing UM undergraduate and graduate films is held every year on campus with screenings in Los Angeles.

The School also possesses one of the nation's largest privately held collections of 35mm and 70mm films dating from the beginning of Motion Picture to the present.

Special programs include the summer Film Program in Prague, Czech Republic, the summer Film Program in England and Ireland, and an annual trip to Los Angeles which offers an opportunity to interact with leading film and television professionals.