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 528 | History and Analysis of Documentary Film | 3(2-2) |
| BCA 575 | Film Theory and Criticism | 3(3-0) |
| BCA 600 | Introduction to Electronic Media Research and Writing | 3(3-0) |
| BCA 601 | Theories of Mass Communication | 3(3-0) |
| BCA 603 | Qualitative Mass Communication Research Methods | 3(3-0) |
| BCA 604 | Quantitative Mass Communication Research Methods | 3(3-0) |
Required Courses II (3-6 hours)
Select one of the following:
Electives (9-12 hours)
Select hours from the following:
| BCA 503WI | Critiquing Mass Media | 3(3-0) |
| BCA 506WI | Writing for the Small Screen | 3(3-0) |
| BCA 508WI | Writing the Feature-Length Screenplay | 3(3-0) |
| BCA 513 | Media Entrepreneurship | 3(3-0) |
| BCA 520 | Special Topics in Electronic Media | 1-9(Spec) |
| BCA 521 | Advanced Cinematography | 3(2-2) |
| BCA 522 | Audio Post-Production | 3(2-2) |
| BCA 525 | Film Genre Study | 3-9(Spec) |
| BCA 527 | Film Directors | 3-9(Spec) |
| BCA 612 | Electronic Media Seminar | 3(3-0) |
| BCA 619 | Continuing Registration for Final Research Project | 1(1-0) |
| BCA 720 | Special Topics in Mass Media | 3-9(Spec) |
| BCA 729 | Advanced Independent Study in Electronic Media | 1-9(Spec) |
Note: Students may take a maximum of 9 hours outside of BCA.
Total: 33 semester hours