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School of Film
31 S. Court St., Room 007
Athens, Ohio 45701
Students watch an Athens International Film + Video Festival film
Master of Arts in Film Studies
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Master of Arts in Film Studies

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

Most graduates from the M.A. program use their degree to pursue doctoral work in film studies, American studies, cultural studies, and related disciplines. The program aims to make graduates stand-out applicants to competitive programs.

Graduates who apply for Ph.D. programs have behind them the experience of conducting a long-term research project and teaching experience that makes them particularly attractive for doctoral programs. 

Graduates also have many opportunities outside of academia, including working as film and media librarians, film festival organizers, museum and program curators in film and media, and work in film criticism. There are also expanding opportunities for graduates in non-profit work that integrates film and media into its mission.

An Ohio University film team members looks at a camera shot

What's Special about OHIO's Film Programs?

Courses & Curriculum

View Courses & Requirements in the Official Academic Catalog (opens in a new window)

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.

School of Film Scholarships and Aid

Ready for the Next Step?

  • 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.

  • 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.

    Graduate Students Application Process

    Apply Now (opens in a new window)

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