Mar 29, 2024  
Ohio University Graduate Catalog 2013-2015 
    
Ohio University Graduate Catalog 2013-2015 [Archived Catalog]

Film M.F.A.


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs

 

Program Overview: The M.F.A. in Film is a three-year program that provides advanced professional training in all aspects of filmmaking and a solid foundation in film studies allowing graduates to teach at the university level, to work in the film industry and/or as an independent artist. The program moves from a foundation-building first-year core sequence (fondly known as “boot camp”) to increased specialization in the second year and culminates in a third-year thesis production. The integrated first-year courses in production, screenwriting, sound, directing, digital editing and film studies complement the development of a first-year creative portfolio consisting of 16mm narrative film(s), directing and editing exercises, and a digital video documentary. In the second year, students have access to specialization classes in cinematography, screenwriting, directing, post-production editing and sound design, while continuing to build their creative portfolios by directing narrative and/or documentary film(s). The third year is devoted to completing course and portfolio requirements, thesis completion and defense. Specialization tracks in cinematography, screenwriting, and post-production are also available to students in their 2nd and 3rd years of study. This program requires 90 hours of graduate study.  You are required to maintain a 3.0 grade point average in all coursework.

Admissions Policy: Potential candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited American or international university. The following materials also must be submitted:  

  • Résumé or curriculum vita.
  • Official transcripts of all previous degree/certificate work.
  • A maximum 500-word personal essay on your goals in pursuing graduate study in film.
  • A maximum 500-word personal statement.
  • Three current letters of recommendation.
  • A sample of written work consisting of a paper or papers on any subject (e.g., research paper, article, critical analysis)
  • Examples of creative work (e.g., filmmaking, screenwriting, creative writing, work from another medium)
  • International students must submit evidence of proficiency in the English language. Well qualified students are expected to have scores of 580 or above on the paper TOEFL, 237 or above on the computer TOEFL, 92 or above on the Internet-based TOEFL (iBT), or 7.0 across all bands on the IELTS-Academic test.
  • International students must submit an affidavit of financial support as evidence of financial responsibility. (See: O.U. Graduate Catalog, pg. 7)

All applicants must follow the Admission Policies and Procedures

Change Policy: Admission is only possible in the first year.

Transfer Policy: Admission is only possible in the first year.

Opportunities: The M.F.A. in Film is a terminal degree and is designed for students who wish to work as independent film artists, enter the film industry, or teach at the college or university level. The M.F.A. program has achieved a high degree of success in placing graduates in a variety of professional settings.

M.F.A. Core Curriculum


Click here for courses.

Additional Requirements


Additional Film Studies classes - 6 credit hours

Advanced Production courses - 14 credit hours

Film Practicum - 6 credit hours

Thesis hours - 10 credit hours minimum

Cognates [i.e., graduate level courses outside the SOF] - 6 credit hours

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs