Film and Media Arts, M.A.

Admissions

Required Documents

  • Online Application to the Graduate School
  • Official Transcripts
  • Curriculum Vitae/Resume
  • Personal Statement
  • Unified Online Portfolio
  • 2 or 3 Letters of Recommendation (at least one must be from a professor)

Notes:

  1. The personal statement should be focused on the unique perspective(s) and voice that applicants will bring to their advanced study of film and media production and discuss how relevant professional and/or academic experience(s) contribute to their decision to pursue advanced study in graduate school. Applicants should also state why this specific MA program at USC aligns with their professional goals   

  2. Successful applicants to the graduate program in Film and Media typically have an undergraduate GPA of 3.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale and a strong portfolio of media production work and/or media studies academic work. Meeting the minimum GPA does not guarantee admission. All parts of an application are carefully considered in admissions decisions.

Degree Requirements (30 Hours)

Candidates for the M.A. in Film and Media shall file a Program of Study at the start of their second semester. The Program of Study outlines the student’s program requirements and should be planned in consultation with a faculty adviser selected by the student by the end of the first semester. The student’s Portfolio Review Committee should also be confirmed by the end of the first semester and declared, in writing.  

Candidates for the M.A. in Film and Media take 30 hours of coursework, of which 3 credit hours are for the project/thesis project. Credit hours are to be distributed as follows: 

Required Courses (12 Hours)

For all M.A. students.

Course Title Credits
FAME 701The Role of Research in Media Arts Practice3
FAME 702Graduate Media Workshop 19
Total Credit Hours12
1

Repeated every semester for 3 semesters

FAME Electives Coursework (15 Hours)

  • 4-5 FAME courses at the 500-level or above.  
  • one elective can be taken outside of FAME and must be 500-level and above for at least 3 credit hours

Project/Thesis Preparation (3 Hours)

Course Title Credits
FAME 798Project Research and Preparation3
Total Credit Hours3

Additional Requirements

Comprehensive assessment: Portfolio review or public showcase.   

Notes

  • Half of all courses, not including Thesis / Project, must be taken at the 700 level. All classes must be above the 500 level.
  • Elective: This course should be taken outside FAME to support research in media theory and creative production.
  • Refer to the Graduate Bulletin for full academic regulations, policies, and procedures.