Why study film and media?
The Department of Film and Media Studies unites the inquiry of the academic with the practice and technique of the artist. Scholars and filmmakers work and study together in an environment of mutual encouragement and collegiality.
The master’s degree is a two-year studies and research-based program. The M.A. degree is an academic degree, but students are also expected to complete courses in film and video production. Students will gain a deep understanding of theory to aid in analysis of film and media products. In addition to the core and elective courses available within the film and media studies department, master's students will choose a secondary discipline in which they will take two courses to further inform their research. All M.A. students in Film and Media Studies must write a thesis as the culmination of their degree.
Admission to Graduate Studies
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree: A copy of official transcripts showing proof of a bachelor's degree (and any post-bachelor’s coursework or degrees) from a regionally accredited institution, or a foreign university with equivalent bachelor's degree requirements is required.
- English proficiency: Proof of English proficiency for non-native or non-native-like English speakers is required. There are two bands of English proficiency, including Admission and Full proficiency. For applicants to online programs, Full proficiency is required.
Admission to the M.A. Program
In addition to all University requirements for admission to graduate studies, applicants should submit the following materials along with the graduate application:
- Three (3) recent letters of recommendation, two of which should be from your current or former teachers
- A current resume of academic and artistic experiences
- A statement of personal goals that explains why you want to pursue graduate study
- A writing sample (no more than 15 pages) that demonstrates your ability to theorize, analyze, and synthesize scholarly information
The Department of Film and Media Studies does not admit new students for the Spring or Summer terms. For additional information regarding the admission process, see the department's Graduate Admission webpage. The completed application should be submitted online. These are the admission requirements in place at the time this catalog content was published.
M.A. Degree Requirements
Requirements for the M.A. in Film and Media Studies
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| FMS 800 | Introduction to Graduate Study in Film/Media | 3 |
| FMS 862 | Survey of Film and Media History | 3 |
| FMS 865 | Film and Media Theory | 3 |
| |
| Problems in Basic Screenwriting | |
| Problems in Filmmaking Practice | |
| Graduate Seminar in: _____ | |
| Film/Media Internship | |
| Survey of Japanese Film | |
| Latin American Cinema | |
FMS 718 | | |
| Soviet and Post-Soviet Russian Cinema | |
| Contemporary Japanese Film | |
| Indigenous Film and Media | |
| Problems in Intermediate Screenwriting | |
| Problems in Intermediate Video Production | |
| Problems in Cinematography | |
| Post-Production | |
| Professional Development Seminar | |
| Development of the American Sound Film | |
| Development of the International Sound Film | |
| Development of African-American Images in Film | |
FMS 875 | | |
| Development of American Popular Culture in the: _____ | |
| Special Problems in Film History and Criticism | |
| Intensive Film Project Seminar | |
| Practicum in Film | |
| Investigation and Conference (for Master's Students) | |
| Film Seminar in: _____ | |
| FMS 899 | Master's Thesis | 6 |
| Total Hours | 30 |
At least 50% of coursework for the master’s degree must be taken at the 700 level or above.
A thesis is required for successful completion of the M.A. degree. After completion of the thesis, an oral defense must be held before the graduation deadline in consultation with the student's advisor and thesis committee.
All courses should be selected in consultation with the advisor. Please visit the Graduate Studies Policy Library for information regarding additional requirements that may apply.
For more information on department policies, please see the Graduate Student Handbook found on our website.
| Year 1 |
|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
|---|
| FMS 800 | 3 | FMS Elective | 3 |
| FMS 862 | 3 | FMS Production Course | 3 |
| | Non-FMS Elective | 3 |
| | 6 | | 9 |
| Year 2 |
|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
|---|
| FMS 865 | 3 | FMS 899 | 6 |
| FMS Elective | 3 | |
| Non-FMS Elective | 3 | |
| | 9 | | 6 |
| Total Hours 30 |
This is an example of a coursework schedule that would allow a student to defend their master's thesis by the end of their second year.
At the completion of this program, students will be able to:
- use creative inquiry & research.
- use critical writing.
- understand cultural diversity.
- be professional.
