The Master of Fine Arts in Film, Television & New Media is a rigorous, low-residency, 2 year program focusing on the artistic, creative and professional development of each person. Artistic development is supported on and individual level through solo/group projects, critiques, seminars, workshops and one-on-one mentorship throughout the program.
Students have the option to focus their studies in the following concentrations: Screenwriting; Directing; Producing; Cinematography; Documentary; Photography; Acting; Editing; Music and Sound Design; and International Media.
Course offerings in Artificial Intelligence, Virtual/Augmented Reality and Interactive Storytelling allow students to explore innovations in New Media.
Each student is required to create a substantive body of work, at a professional level, culminating in a thesis project of their choice, which incorporates research, exploration, and meaningful contribution to their chosen industry. Public exhibition of thesis work appropriate to project type is expected through screenings, festivals, media-art installations, etc.
This program is geared toward working professionals and individuals who aspire to integrate into the professional industry. Support, resources and opportunities are presented for the motivated student to develop professional connections in the industry while they are in the program. This facilitates a more timely and smooth transition into positions in the industry than might be possible without such resources and opportunities.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Fine Arts in Film, Television and New Media is a 48 unit terminal degree program comprised of the following requirements:
- Foundations (12 units)
- Concentration (12 units)
- Electives (12 units)
- Thesis (12 units)
- Mid-Program Review and Thesis Proposal
- Final Review and Oral Defense
A minimum of 48 units is required to complete the program.
Foundations (12 Units)
To be taken in the first year. Students are required to complete the Foundations courses prior to their Mid-Program Review and enrollment in Thesis.
Concentration (12 Units)
You must select one area of focus from the following concentrations (12 Units):
- Screenwriting
- Directing
- Producing
- Cinematography
- Acting
- Photography
- Documentary
- Editing
- Music and Sound Design
- International Media
Screenwriting Concentration (12 units)
Required Courses
Complete 9 units the following:
Elective Courses
Complete 3 units as agreed upon by your advisor from: FLM, CRW
FLM 2XX
| Elective | 3 |
CRW 2XX
| Elective | 1-3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Directing (12 units)
Required Courses
Complete 6 units from the following:
Elective Courses
Complete 6 units as agreed upon by your advisor from: FLM, PHO, JRN.
FLM 2XX
| Elective | 3 |
PHO 2XX
| Elective | |
JRN 2XX
| Elective | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 6 |
Producing (12 units)
Required Courses
Complete 6 units from the following:
| FLM 240A | Producing 1: Production Management | 3 |
| FLM 240B | Producing 2: The Indie Feature | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 6 |
Elective Courses
Complete 6 units as agreed upon by your advisor from: FLM, PHO, JRN, BUS.
FLM 2XX
| Elective | 3 |
PHO 2XX
| Elective | |
JRN 2XX
| Elective | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 6 |
Cinematography (12 units)
Required Courses
Complete 6 units from the following:
Elective Courses
Complete 6 units as agreed upon by your advisor from: FLM, PHO, JRN.
FLM 2XX
| Elective | 3 |
PHO 2XX
| Elective | |
JRN 2XX
| Elective | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 6 |
Acting (12 units)
Required Courses
Complete 6 units from the following:
Elective Courses
Complete 6 units as agreed upon by your advisor from: FLM
FLM 2XX
| Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 6 |
Photography (12 units)
Required Courses
Complete 6 units from the following:
| FLM 256A | Photography: Studio 1 | 3 |
| FLM 256B | Photography: Studio 2 | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 6 |
Elective Courses
Complete 6 units as agreed upon by your advisor from: FLM, PHO, JRN.
FLM 2XX
| Elective | 3 |
PHO 2XX
| Elective | |
JRN 2XX
| Elective | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 6 |
Documentary (12 units)
Required Courses
Complete 6 units from the following:
| FLM 214A | Documentary Filmmaking 1 | 3 |
| FLM 214B | Documentary Filmmaking 2 | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 6 |
Elective Courses
Complete 6 units as agreed upon by your advisor from: FLM, PHO, JRN.
FLM 2XX
| Elective | 3 |
PHO 2XX
| Elective | |
JRN 2XX
| Elective | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 6 |
Music and Sound Design (12 units)
Required Courses
Complete 9 units from:
Elective Courses
Complete 3 units as agreed upon by your advisor from: FLM.
FLM 2XX
| Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Editing (12 units)
Required Courses
Complete 9 units from:
Elective Courses
Complete 3 units as agreed upon by your advisor from: FLM, PHO, JRN.
FLM 2XX
| Elective | 3 |
PHO 2XX
| Elective | |
JRN 2XX
| Elective | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
International Media (12 units)
Required Courses
Select 12 units from the following FLM Courses:
Courses may include study and research abroad.
Electives (12 Units)
Electives may be chosen from Film, Creative Writing, Humanities, Photography, Journalism or Business graduate course offerings (12 Units).
Note: Electives must be at the graduate level (2XX) to count toward your degree. Individual instructor permission may be required for some courses.
FLM 2XX
| Elective | 3 |
CRW 2XX
| Elective | 1-3 |
HUM 2XX
| Elective | 1-3 |
PHO 2XX
| Elective | |
JRN 2XX
| Elective | |
| Business Elective Upper Division | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
Thesis & Reviews (12 Units)
Students are required to complete a minimum of 12 units of thesis work.
Note: Students must first complete all Foundation courses prior to beginning Thesis work.
FLM 299A Thesis 1 (4 Units)
- Student selects Thesis Committee members, develops and presents a Mid-Point Review & Thesis Proposal.
- Student continues working with Thesis Committee, completing agreed upon milestones and requirements.
- Student completes all milestones and requirements with Thesis Committee, culminating in a Final Review and Oral Defense.
*Curriculum and courses are subject to change without notice.