The M.A. in Film Studies takes a broad approach to film studies in the humanities, with the aim of nurturing innovative and rigorous scholars who can use their experience at Ohio University to enter doctorate programs or find appropriate careers in the field.
Recognizing the changing demands of the field, the M.A. program strives to prepare each student individually for the challenges and rewards of scholarship, while giving them the skills to become researchers and teachers able to critically intervene in film and media studies while guiding the next generation of students to become active participants in their increasingly mediated visual worlds.
Careers with an M.A. in Film Studies
What's Special about OHIO's Film Programs?
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Film Facilities and ResourcesOur main facility is located in the center of uptown Athens at 31 S. Court Street, but the School of Film will have a new home with the renewal of Seigfred Hall on the Arts + Education Green.
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The Athena CinemaThe Athena Cinema is one of downtown Athens' unique historic treasures, with a mission to bring the finest independent films to Southeastern Ohio and create a shared space for dialogue.
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Athens International Film + Video FestivalFounded in 1973, the Athens International Film + Video Festival (AIFVF) has been a premier platform for showcasing international cinema for over 50 years.
Courses & Curriculum
View Courses & Requirements in the Official Academic Catalog
The program is composed of two compulsory course tracks in film history and theory as well as a range of electives covering a variety genres, movements, and critical approaches. While the compulsory courses provide a survey of the field, the electives often focus on new research in film studies. Classes integrate a presentation of the disciplinary knowledge needed in the field with the development of the skills and practices necessary to apply this knowledge to new research questions.
Following a first year of intensive course-work, students may pursue either a written thesis or a comprehensive exam for graduation.
Students writing a thesis work closely with a faculty advisor and other committee members to develop an original thesis topic, conduct the necessary research, and produce a manuscript of publishable quality that can be used to further their scholarly goals.
Students pursuing an exam path likewise work closely with a faculty advisor to develop a plan for scholarly research in one theory and one history area, preparing them for future scholarly work.
Starting in their first year, students gain valuable teaching experience as TAs in large lecture courses. In their second year, most students are given the opportunity to create their own stand-alone courses, under the supervision of a faculty advisor.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
The vast majority of graduate students in the School of Film receive some level of funding. Funding comes in two forms — tuition waivers and graduate stipends.
Ready for the Next Step?
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Admission Requirements
- Three letters of recommendation.
- A sample of written work consisting of a paper or papers on any subject such as a research paper, article or critical analysis.
- Personal statement.
- CV
International Students
This program permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program. View English Language Proficiency Requirements .
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How To Apply
Deadline for application is February 15 for entry into the program in the following Fall Semester.
Because certain core courses must be taken in sequence, admission to all graduate programs in the the School of Film is restricted to Fall enrollment.
Related Programs
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Master of Fine Arts in FilmThe Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Film is a terminal degree designed for students who wish to work as independent film artists, enter the film industry, or teach at the college or university level.
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Interdisciplinary Arts Ph.D. Scholar TrackThe Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Arts Scholar Track is a program that educates scholars and scholar artists to dissolve the boundaries between specific academic and artistic disciplines in the creation of new knowledge.
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Interdisciplinary Arts Ph.D. Scholar Artist TrackThe culmination of the Interdisciplinary Arts Ph.D. Scholar Artist Track is the production of an integrated scholarly/creative dissertation that is partly a written dissertation and partly a body of artistic practice.