Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I schedule a time to talk to someone about iMAP?
Yes, please email us and we will do our best to set up a time to talk. Hopefully most answers can be found on the Web site or this FAQ. You may also send specific questions by electronic mail to: imap@cinema.usc.edu
2. May I submit a pre-application or portfolio so you can tell me if I am an appropriate candidate for this program?
Unfortunately, we are not able to consider portfolios or preliminary applications prior to the submission deadline.
3. Will a student be considered for admission if they have a bachelors degree in any field?
Students may begin the program with either a master’s degree (M.A., M.F.A., M.S.) or bachelor’s degree (B.A., B.F.A., B.S.). Admission is based on the following:
• GPA
• GRE Scores
• Personal Statement
• Writing Sample
• Media Portfolio
• Three Letters of Recommendation
4. What about a master’s degree in any field?
Yes, same as above.
5. Is part-time attendance an option?
Not at this time. We're working on it.
6. What type of equipment (hardware, software, etc.) and facilities will be available for admitted iMAP students?
The iMAP program is currently housed at the Institute for Multimedia Literacy, where students have complete access to the IML’s Mac-based computer labs, library and production equipment.
7. Must admitted students be familiar with any specific types of computer hardware or software prior to their arrival?
No. These skills may be developed through coursework at USC.
8. Who will own the copyright to student work?
Probably you, depending on the extent to which your work requires use of the school’s specialized resources, insurance policies and union agreements. USC students always retain ownership of the underlying rights for their work, i.e., the ideas, stories, treatments (etc.) and most instances of software or code. For a more complete statement of Intellectual Property policies in the School of Cinematic Arts; see policy here.
9. Are there any possible scholarships or assistantships available for incoming students? Continuing students? Does the receipt of these scholarships depend on academic background?
We expect to be able to support admitted students for no more than two years of fellowship and up to three years of TA-ship or RA-ship at the standard level for full-time graduate students, contingent upon funding. Fellowship awards are based on a student’s academic record and faculty nomination.
10. What are the required classes for iMAP? Can iMAP students take any course within Cinematic Arts?
Each Ph.D. candidate must complete 64 units beyond the bachelor's degree, exclusive of CNTV 794 Doctoral Dissertation. The required units will include nine to 14 units in cinematic arts and eight to 16 units in a minor area. Each student must complete the following course work:
- CNTV 600 (4), CNTV 601 (4), CNTV 602 (4), CNTV 603 (1-1). These courses should be taken before the screening procedure.
- At least eight units in theory-based course work within Cinematic Arts.
- At least 14 units in practice-based course work within Cinematic Arts. Courses outside of Cinematic Arts will be considered for approval by the student's advisor. The above courses should be taken before the qualifying exam.
- At least four, but no more than eight units of CNTV 794abcdz Doctoral Dissertation.
The School of Cinematic Arts does not accept courses taken at other institutions to fulfill degree requirements. Required courses cannot be waived or substituted with transfer credit or work experience.
12. Are iMAP students required to have a minor?
Yes, the minor will be chosen by the student in close consultation with the advisor and will be in an academic field that supports the student's dissertation topic.
13. What is the process for exams in this program?
Please see the iMAP Graduate Requirement section for exams and dissertation details.
14. Do I have to write a dissertation?
Students in the iMAP program are required to produce a work of original scholarship that is comparable to the work required for a written dissertation. The precise form of the dissertation will be determined in consultation with each student's committee and based on the content of the research project.
15. Is there a programming requirement?
Yes. Students are required to demonstrate proficiency in one or more common programming or scripting languages by the time of their qualifying exams. Faculty committees will advise each student regarding the fulfillment of their programming requirement.
16. Who should detailed questions be referred to?
Additional questions may be directed to imap@cinema.usc.edu
