Major Requirements

A minimum of 60 credits is required in film, including a thesis film and project paper. Prerequisites for all students are two semesters of film history, one semester of film theory, and one semester of 16mm film. Candidates must also take whatever undergraduate courses are needed to correct deficiencies in their previous training. No entrance exams are required, but applicants must submit a portfolio and arrange for a personal interview with the program head if applying for a fellowship or assistantship. Phone interviews may be acceptable when circumstances warrant. A residence of three years is normally required to complete the program.

The physical facilities for film production are among the best in the country. There is a digital sound studio for mixing, foley and music recording, a 1,200- square- foot sound stage, and an animation studio. There are more than 30 16mm cameras ranging from Bolex non-synch cameras to Arri SR- 2s to Super- 16mm Aaton cameras and numerous digital sound recording devices. Post facilities include digital edit suites for standard definition film/video as well as HDV. Analog facilities include nine 16mm flatbed editors. A large selection of grip and lighting equipment is also available.

M.F.A. degree candidates are required to produce three films; the third film is their thesis project. Two of these films, one of which must be the thesis project film, must be taken to a faculty approved answer print stage. All M.F.A. degree candidates are required to screen and discuss their work at an annual portfolio review and in original graduate student showcases.