Graduate Bulletin

Film and Media Arts, M.F.A.

SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATIONS AND THEATER

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline:

Fall: January 15                           [December 15 for international applicants]

Applications are evaluated together after the deadline has passed.

Letters of Reference:

Number Required: 3

From Whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained from college/university faculty familiar with the applicant's academic competency and/or professionals in the fields of Communication or Media Production.

Coursework Required for Admission Consideration:

No specific coursework is required.

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline:

All applicants must present credentials that are the equivalent of the appropriate baccalaureate degree at Temple University.

Statement of Goals:

The Statement of Goals should be approximately 1,000-1,500 words and should explain your personal interests, your educational aims, and your professional goals, along with relevant biographical information.

Standardized Test Scores:

The GRE is required. Scores should be in the 75-85% range on the verbal and quantitative sections.

Minimum TOEFL score or range of scores needed to be accepted: 600 paper-based, 250 computer-based, or 100 internet-based.

Portfolio:

A portfolio is submitted as evidence of creative potential. This usually includes a completed film or videotape accompanied by a cover sheet to explain the applicant's role in the project, including production date, running time, relevant credits, and the conditions and constraints under which it was produced. Other exceptional creative work in writing, art, music, still photography, computer arts, criticism, or in research scholarship might be appropriate. Such work also may be used to supplement a film or video exhibit.

Resume:

A resume is required.

Transfer Credit:

The M.F.A. program in Film and Media Arts will accept graduate credits completed in coursework related to the program. Acceptance of transfer credits will be determined solely by the FMA committee. The maximum number of credits a student may transfer is 11.

Program Requirements

General Program Requirements:

Number of Didactic Credits Required Beyond the Baccalaureate: 48

Required Courses:

FMA 458, 459, 461, 636, 943

Students must complete all required courses and then may customize their course of study to complete the required 48 course credits. Students may then take thesis project credits to attain the total degree requirement of 54 credit hours.

Internship: No internship is required.

Language Examination: No language examination is required.

Culminating Events:

Comprehensive Examination:

The intent of the comprehensive examination is to offer the student an opportunity for creative synthesis of information and experience from coursework and beyond. Particularly, it is meant to encourage a strong theoretical, critical, and historical grounding for all creative production work. Each examination is tailored to the student's individual program. However, the questions are not restricted to courses taken by the student but are aimed at incorporating the entire field of study and practice. The examination questions focus on major aspects of media theory, aesthetics, history, and criticism and also may include issues of media ethics, economics, institutions, management, policy, law, regulations, social effects, technology, and/or pedagogy.

Typically, students take the comprehensive examination after completing 48 hours of coursework. The M.F.A. candidate forms a committee of three M.F.A. faculty members and works with the committee to design at least eight essay questions or subject areas that collectively represent a comprehensive breadth of study. The committee chooses four questions for the candidate to research. A date for the exam is determined and the candidate must complete approximately 10 pages of writing for each question. Students choose a three-day time period during which they write the exam.

The candidate submits a copy of the examination to each committee member. The committee reads the examination within two weeks and meets to evaluate the results. The committee members vote pass/fail on each individual question. Candidates may be asked to orally defend a questionable submission and/or rewrite one or more of the questions.

Final Project:

The student forms a thesis committee comprised of three members. All may be M.F.A. faculty or two may be M.F.A. faculty and one from the outside. The student then proposes an M.F.A. final project. The project is evaluated on the basis of originality and creativity, treatment and style, professional competence, and significance of the work. In most cases, the project takes the form of a complete sound film or video production or a feature film script. Other media and formats may be possible, including computer-generated media, interactive media, installations, or newly emerging technologies.

The M.F.A. project committee evaluates project proposals individually for rigor, scope, length, and other specific criteria prior to the start of production. The committee then meets regularly with the candidate to provide ongoing critique/feedback. Upon completion of the M.F.A. project, the committee publicizes and holds a public screening of the project.

Contacts

Program Contact Information:

www.temple.edu/fma

Department Information:

Dept. of Film and Media Arts
9 Annenberg Hall
2020 North 13th Street
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA 19122
fmafilm@temple.edu
215-204-3859

Department Contacts:

Admissions:

Dolores Stanley
dolores.stanley@temple.edu
215-204-8409

Program Coordinator:

Graduate Chairperson:

Eran Preis
epreis@temple.edu
215-204-6991

Chairperson:

Paul Swann
pswann@temple.edu
215-204-1735

About the Program

The Master of Fine Arts program in Film and Media Arts is designed to prepare socially aware, artistically innovative candidates for professional careers in film, video, or digital media. The program is characterized by an openness to all forms of media expression, with an emphasis on independent film and video arising out of both an artistic and social consciousness, taught under the supervision of recognized scholars and professionals in the field. Special attention is paid to the contemporary documentary, the independent narrative, and emerging new forms and technologies.

Time Limit for Degree Completion: 5 years

Campus Location:

Main Campus

Full-Time/Part-Time Status:

Students are able to complete the degree program through classes offered before 4:30 p.m.

Department Information:

Dept. of Film and Media Arts
9 Annenberg Hall
2020 North 13th Street
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA 19122
fmafilm@temple.edu
215-204-3859

Interdisciplinary Study:

Although graduate students in the Film and Media Arts program are expected to complete most of their coursework in the FMA department, they are encouraged to explore relevant courses in other departments.

Affiliation(s):

The FMA program is associated with the University Film and Video Association, an international organization of university and industry professionals working in the field of media production.

Study Abroad:

FMA courses are offered at Temple's satellite campuses in Rome, London, and Tokyo. Graduate students may choose to complete courses at these international sites.

Ranking:

The M.F.A. in Film and Media Arts is ranked among the top 10 film/video programs nationally and is one of the top 3 programs offered by public institutions.

Accreditation:

Not applicable.

Areas of Specialization:

Faculty members specialize and offer coursework in the following areas: narrative and non-narrative scriptwriting, producing, directing, production, post-production, new media, media history, and media studies.

Job Placement:

The FMA graduate program produces media makers who pursue careers in academia and in the communications and production industry. Many graduates choose to work independently, creating original narrative and documentary films and videos or new media projects.

Licensure:

Not applicable.

Non-Degree Student Policy:

Non-matriculated students may take up to 9 credit hours of study within the department at the discretion of individual instructors.

Financing Opportunities

The principal duties of a Teaching Assistant (TA) include assisting faculty members in classroom and laboratory instruction; preparing apparatus or material for demonstration; conducting tutorials and discussion sections; and grading quizzes, papers, and projects. Teaching Assistantships carry a stipend and full-tuition remission (up to 9 credits per semester). Applications for an assistantship in Film and Media Arts should include: (a) the application form available in the SCT graduate office in 344 Annenberg Hall; (b) a curriculum vitae; and (c) a statement of previous teaching experiences, areas of interest, and future career goals. TA positions are typically awarded to students in the second year of the program.

Updated 3.10.06