Cinema & Media Studies MA
Whether aiming for a career in academia or the bustling world of entertainment, the Cinema and Media Studies Program at UCLA equips students with historical insights, theoretical frameworks, and practical skills to navigate an ever-evolving media landscape.
Two distinct MA tracks are presented within CMS: the Integrated Degree Track (MA/Ph.D.) and the Professional Track (MA Professional).
Integrated Degree Track (MA-I.D.): This track caters to scholars intending to dive deeper into academic pursuits, eyeing university-level teaching and research careers. With a firm foundation in film and media history, theory, and analysis, it primes students for doctoral study. The course structure allows room for exploring practical facets of the industry, from film production to screenwriting.
Professional Track (MA-R.P.): Designed for individuals looking to solidify their place in the entertainment sphere. Recognizing the interconnected nature of today’s media, this track gives students a front-row seat to the digital transformation of film and television. Practical experiences, in the form of internships and proseminars, are strongly advocated.
World-Class Faculty
Requirements
The CMS Media Professions MA Degree Track is an MA for students planning to pursue careers in film and media festival programming, archives and the entertainment industry. The degree can be completed in three quarters, but students are permitted to take up to seven quarters to complete. This degree offers the option of a professional internship, which students should begin to seek in their first quarter of residency.
The CMS MA/Ph.D. Degree Track is primarily intended for students planning to continue studies in the doctoral program and who wish to build careers in university teaching and research. Students admitted to the MA/Ph.D. are conditionally guaranteed admission to the doctoral program pending their success in the MA track, but they must also apply for internal admission to the Ph.D. program by the end of fall quarter (please see posted deadlines) and complete their intellectual statement. The MA portion of the degree should be completed in three quarters, but students are permitted to take up to seven quarters to complete. Students entering this program are required to complete a Ph.D. Intellectual Statement document. This document will provide the faculty with a general road map of intended study in the Ph.D.
CMS Media Professions MA Degree Track
Completing the Media Professions MA Degree Track requires successful completion of 36 units and at least 9 courses, which consist of the following:
Required: 3 Core Courses
- FTV 215B Text & Context in an Intermedia Age
- FTV 211A Historiography: Media, History and the Archive
- FTV 213 Capstone Seminar
Required: 6 Elective Graduate Seminar Courses
- A maximum of two elective courses may be taken outside of CMS.
Recommended: Internship
- FTV 498 Professional Internship: students are encouraged but not required to seek internships as part of their professional development.
Recommended: Teaching Assistant Training
- FTV 495A, Section 1 TA Training: Students are encouraged to enroll in the TA Training course. Students who have been awarded at Teaching Assistant position or who wish to apply, must have completed or be currently enrolled in 495A to accept a TA position (offered one time/year in fall).
Recommended: CMS Colloquium
- FTV 212 CMS Colloquium: Students are encouraged to enroll in or attend the CMS Colloquium during all quarters to participate in screenings, research presentations and discussions. May be repeated for credit.
CMS MA/Ph.D. MA Degree Track
Completing the MA/Ph.D. Degree Track requires successful completion of 36 units and at least 9 courses, which consist of the following:
Required: 3 Core Courses + TA Training
- FTV 495A, Section 1 TA Training
- FTV 215B Text & Context in an Intermedia Age
- FTV 211A Historiography: Media, History and the Archive
- FTV 213 Capstone Seminar + Intellectual Statement
Required: 6 Elective Graduate Seminar Courses. A maximum of 2 of elective courses may be taken outside of CMS.
Recommended: Internship. Students are encouraged to seek internships as part of their professional development. This course is recommended but not required.
- FTV 498 Professional Internship
Recommended: CMS Colloquium. Students are encouraged to enroll in or attend the CMS Colloquium during all quarters to participate in screenings, research presentations and discussions. May be repeated for credit.
- FTV 212 CMS Colloquium