University degrees: Postgraduate
Course length: 3 years
Course city: Los Angeles
newest cutting-edge technologies that are changing the professional production process, preparing you for all future forms of media production.
The Master of Fine Arts, Cinematic Arts, Film and Television Production, requires a minimum of 52 units in cinematic arts at the 400 or 500 level. At least two-thirds (35) of the units must be at the 500 level. A thesis is not required for the MFA degree.
Applications for the graduate production program are accepted for both fall and spring semesters. See a current Graduate Study Application for deadlines. Applicants must submit supplemental applications and materials to the Graduate Production Program. For specific instructions, contact the Cinematic Arts Office of Admission, University Park, Los Angeles, CA 90089-2211, (213) 740-8358 or online at cinema.usc.edu.
CTPR 507, which brings together students from other School of Cinematic Arts divisions, introduces the fundamental principles of motion picture production, emphasizing visual and auditory communication. 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 CTPR 507 concurrently with CNTV 530 and CTWR 505 in the first semester.
In CTPR 508, students produce short films in small crews. The primary goal is to communicate effectively through sound/image relationships. Most equipment and materials are provided by the school, but approximately $2,000 should be budgeted for miscellaneous expenses, lab and insurance fees.
Students who earn a grade of C- (1.7) or less in either CTPR 507 or CTPR 508 will be disqualified, and will not be able to continue in the MFA program. In any other required Production course, students earning lower than a C (2.0) may repeat the requirement on a one-time-only basis upon approval of the division chair. Students earning a C- (1.7) or less after being allowed to repeat a required production course will be disqualified from the program, and will not be allowed to continue.
Our program is distinguished by the understanding and hands-on practice our graduates achieve in all mediamaking disciplines; at the same time, each student pursues specialized interests in years two and three. To qualify for the MFA, 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 register for and complete an advanced project, as well as the defined prerequisites.
