Film & Television Production Graduate Requirements

The M.F.A. degree requires a minimum of 52 units in cinema-television at the 400 or 500 level. A thesis is not required for the M.F.A. degree.

Graduate First Year Production Courses

CTPR 507 Production (4 units), which brings together students from all SCA divisions, introduces the fundamental principles of motion picture production, emphasizing visual and auditory communication. Each student makes several non-dialogue personal projects, serving as writer, producer, director, cinematographer, sound designer and editor, and takes a crew role on a collaborative project. Projects are shot using digital cameras and edited on non-linear systems. Approximately $1,200 should be budgeted for miscellaneous expenses, lab and insurance fees. Production students must take CTRP 507 concurrently with CTPR 510 Concepts of Cinematic Production, and CTWR528 Screenwriting Fundamentals in the first semester.

In CTPR 508 Production II (6 units), students working in crews of two produce two non-dialogue projects shot on 16mm film. The primary goal is to communicate effectively through sound/image relationships. Each student directs and prepares the soundtrack for the project he or she has written and is cinematographer and editor for his or her partner’s project. Students must form their own partnerships and will not be allowed to register or participate without having a qualified partner. Most equipment and materials are provided by the school, but approximately $2,000 should be budgeted for miscellaneous expenses, lab and insurance fees.
CTPR 508 is taken concurrently with CTWR 529 and one of the following: CTCS 501, CTCS 502, CTCS 503, CCS 504, CTCS 505.

A minimum grade of C (2.0) in CTPR 508 is required in order to continue in the Master of Fine Arts program. Students earning No Credit in CTPR 507 or lower than a C(2.0) in a core production course may repeat the requirement on a one time only basis upon approval of the division chair.

Students who do not earn a grade of credit (CR) in CTPR 507 or the minimum grade of C (2.0) in CTPR 508 or satisfy the degree requirements after repeating a required course will be disqualified from the program.

Our program is distinguished by the understanding and hands-on practice our graduates achieve in all media-making disciplines; at the same time, each student pursues specialized interests in years two and three. To qualify for the M.F.A., each must demonstrate mastery of at least one of six disciplines; writing, producing, directing, cinematography, editing, or sound. In the discipline chosen, the candidate must complete and advanced projects, as well as the required prerequisites.

Cinema-Television Electives

A minimum of 2 units in cinema-television electives at the 400 and 500 level is required.

Grade Point Average Requirements

A grade point average of at least 3.0 (A=4.0) must be maintained in all USC course work toward the master’s degree. Courses in which a grade of C- (1.7) or lower is earned will not apply toward a graduate degree.

Time Limit

Students must maintain satisfactory progress toward their mater’s degree at all times. The time limit to complete all requirements is three years from the first course at USC applied toward the Master of Fine Arts degree. Course work more than seven years old is invalidated and will not be applied toward the degree.

Graduate Review

One year prior to graduation, students must see their academic advisors for a curriculum and graduation review. Contact the Production Faculty Office for forms 213.740.3317