Cinema Studies (MA)

Department Website

Program Description

The Master of Arts in Cinema Studies program is a self-contained curriculum that provides students with an advanced course of study in the history, theory, and criticism of film and the moving image. Students also have the opportunity to pursue internships for credit at film libraries and archives in the city or in the film and media industries in order to further their professional development. Many lecture classes are offered in the evening for the convenience of working students. Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers as film curators, programmers, preservationists, critics, and educators as well as filmmakers, screenwriters, and industry professionals.

Admissions

Admission to Graduate Cinema Studies is based on previous academic achievement, a personal statement, a writing sample, and two letters of recommendation.

In addition to the general Tisch Graduate Application, please prepare the following:

  1. professional résumé listing academic background, work experience, honors, affiliations with professional organizations, papers presented at conferences, published work, language ability, etc.
  2. statement of purpose (two to three double-spaced pages) outlining your academic and professional background, goals, and what you hope to gain from the program.
  3. writing sample (15-20 double-spaced pages) that reflects your ability to carry out sustained critical, theoretical, and/or historical thinking on film, television, video, and/or new media. In the absence of a moving image–related topic, a piece of writing on a subject in the arts or humanities is acceptable.

Please attach the documents to the online application, including copies of academic transcripts and two letters of recommendation.

Note: The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is no longer a required component for admission to this program.