The M.A. in Cinema Studies is intended for individuals who wish to pursue research and writing in selected areas of film scholarship. The M.A. provides a foundation in film history, theory, and criticism and prepares the student for further study at the Ph.D. level. A thesis project allows for focused research on a specific topic. The M.F.A. program emphasizes a knowledge of cinematic tradition, the development of original creative vision, and proficiency in technical crafts. It integrates new processes, aesthetics, and technologies and encourages the development of new modes of expression.
Course work emphasizes cinema production, with possible specialization in animation.
Parallel course work in theory and aesthetics is included in years one and two. The Cinema Department is housed in one of the most comprehensive and modern production facilities in Northern California. Career Outlook Cinema graduates often work as independent film producers or in varying capacities within the film industry as producers, directors, cinematographers, editors, sound recordists and mixers, animators, and multimedia artists. In particular, the M.A. prepares graduates to work in areas of applied film scholarship or to pursue doctoral study in cinema. The M.F.A. degree prepares graduates to work as independent producers, to assume creative professional roles within the film industry, or to teach at the college or university level.