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Broadcast and Cinematic Arts: Film Theory and Criticism Concentration, M.A.

Minimum Totals for Graduation: 33 hours

The Master of Arts program in Broadcast and Cinematic Arts offers opportunities for both industry professionals seeking new skills and recent undergraduates desiring to pursue advanced study in electronic media or film theory and criticism. Students interested in the electronic media studies, electronic media management, or electronic media production concentrations should possess a professional or academic background in mass communication. Students interested in the film theory and criticism concentration should have a background in film, mass communication, speech, or literary studies.

Graduate students can complete coursework in formal classroom, seminar, and independent study settings, leading to a concentration in film theory and criticism. 

Classes are taught by a faculty possessing diverse professional and theoretical backgrounds. In addition, many students supplement their studies with offerings from Interpersonal and Public Communication, Political Science, English, and Journalism. One-on-one advising and personalized course study with members of the graduate faculty make the Broadcast and Cinematic Arts M.A. program one of the most attractive in the Midwest.

For an application, catalog, and graduate assistant information contact Michelle Kalisek, BCA Administrative Assistant at kalis1m@cmich.edu (989) 774-3851 or Amy Sindik, Graduate Coordinator, School of Broadcast & Cinematic Arts, 340 Moore Hall, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859.

Admission Requirements, Retention & Termination Standards

Admission Requirements Snapshot

GPA: 2.7

Entrance Exam: N/A

Interna'tl Application Deadline: July 1 (Fall), Oct. 1 (Spring)

See Admission Requirement Details Below

To receive regular admission to the program, a student must attain an undergraduate grade point average of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale. Additional preparatory course work or particular courses may be required.  

International applicants must present a TOEFL score of at least 550 (213 CBT or 79 Internet or IELTS of 6.5).

Program Requirements

 

Broadcast and Cinematic Arts: Film Theory and Criticism

In consultation with the School of BCA graduate advisor, M.A. students may choose Plan A or B. Plan A consists of course work, thesis (6 hours), and oral defense of the thesis. The oral examination may also include subject matter related to course work.

Students on Plan B must satisfactorily complete an independent research project (3 hours) and an oral examination related to the independent research and course work.

Required Courses I (18 hours)

BCA 528History and Analysis of Documentary Film

3(2-2)

BCA 600Introduction to Electronic Media Research and Writing

3(3-0)

BCA 601Theories of Mass Communication

3(3-0)

BCA 603Qualitative Mass Communication Research Methods

3(3-0)

BCA 604Quantitative Mass Communication Research Methods

3(3-0)

BCA 625Film Theory and Criticism

3(3-0)

Required Courses II (3-6 hours)

Select one of the following:

BCA 730Plan B Project Research

3(3-0)

BCA 798Thesis

1-6(Spec)

Electives (9-12 hours)

Select hours from the following:

BCA 503WICritiquing Mass Media

3(3-0)

BCA 506WIWriting for the Small Screen

3(3-0)

BCA 508WIWriting the Feature-Length Screenplay

3(3-0)

BCA 513Media Entrepreneurship

3(3-0)

BCA 520Special Topics in Electronic Media

1-9(Spec)

BCA 521Advanced Electronic Cinematography

3(2-2)

BCA 522Audio Post-Production

3(2-2)

BCA 525Film Genre Study

3-9(Spec)

BCA 527Film Directors

3-9(Spec)

BCA 611Seminar in Telecommunications Media Policy

3(3-0)

BCA 612Electronic Media Seminar

3(3-0)

BCA 619Continuing Registration for Final Research Project

1(1-0)

BCA 720Special Topics in Mass Media

3-9(Spec)

BCA 729Advanced Independent Study in Electronic Media

1-9(Spec)

Note: Students may take a maximum of 9 hours outside of BCA.

Total: 33 semester hours