The Master of Arts degree program in Television, Film and Media Studies is housed in the Department of Television, Film and Media Studies.  The Television, Film and Media Studies program is designed to enable students to acquire a Masters-level understanding and knowledge of media theory, media research, and media analysis and critique.  Courses explore the history, cultural politics, industrial structure, artistic construction, and social impact of film, television and ‘new media’ (internet, digital media, social media, etc.).  This program is also designed to enable students to acquire an understanding of research methods and theories that explore the production, textual construction, and reception of media and screen culture. 

Admission to the Program

In addition to University requirements for admission to graduate study, students must have a 3.00 grade point average. Applicants must submit the completed departmental application together with official transcripts of all previous college work, a copy of their TOEFL score if applicable, a writing sample, a statement of purpose, and a minimum of two letters of recommendation by persons qualified to assess the applicant’s academic work sent directly to the Department of Television, Film and Media Studies. Only complete application files with all required supporting materials will be reviewed by the department and assessed for admission.  See website for admission deadlines. 

Students applying to the MA in Television, Film and Media Studies, and whose undergraduate major was not Television, Film and Media Studies or some variant thereof, may be admitted to the degree program in conditionally classified standing. Prior to beginning graduate work, conditionally classified students must achieve a minimum B grade in every course of a conditional study plan of up to 15 semester units of undergraduate work in Television, Film and Media Studies, as approved by the graduate advisor for their program. The graduate advisor will assist students in designing a classified study plan suited to their individual interests and goals.

Requirements for the Degree

Students should expect to take TVF 5960, comprehensive examination, within two semesters of completing all coursework and must comply with college and departmental requirements. The comprehensive examination is regularly scheduled for the end of the Fall and Spring semesters. Students will be allowed a maximum of two attempts to complete the comprehensive examinations successfully. Failure to pass the comprehensive examinations, or any portion thereof, will result in disqualification from the program.

A thesis may be substituted for the comprehensive examination, with prior approval of the Television, Film and Media Studies faculty. Students authorized to submit a thesis must enroll in TVF 5990 for 3 units.

Learning Outcomes  Roadmap (2023)