Program Overview
NEW MA PROGRAM FOCUS
- SCREENWRITING STARTING SUMMER 21
- FILM STUDIES STARTING FALL 21
Earn your MA in Film & Creative Media at Lipscomb University. Learn from those working in the industry of film and television to strengthen your craft of writing for the screen or about the film & television industry. Engage with professors who will guide you in critical thinking about how film and television intersect with popular culture, society and the globe.
Prior to entry, it is expected that students have acquired the basic knowledge and skills needed to write, evaluate and engage in critical thought at the graduate level. Proficiency in the English language, basic writing skills such as spelling and grammar is a must.
How it Works
After meeting with the Graduate Program Director, YOU will have a customized plan of study that allows for artistic exploration while developing the technical proficiency to undertake your thesis project: a pilot episode or teaser short film and a complete pitch package for the project you want to take to the world! YOU may also wish to study film and the industry of film in order pursue a PhD. It’s all an exciting and fulfilling investment in your future.
Note that the Program of Study, decided between the student and the program director, will be followed as closely as possible over the duration of the student’s program. Some flexibility will be given to students if the courses are not available in the time table the student needs or if areas of interest change as the student experiences new aspects of content creation and film studies.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants to the graduate program must submit the following:
- Application with $50 nonrefundable fee ($75 for international students)
- GRE not required if undergrad GPA is above 3.0.
- Standardized exam score
- Official transcript(s)
- Three letters of recommendation
- Screenwriting sample for Screenwriting focus
- The screenplay sample can be a short—up to 10 pages, or the first 10 pages of a feature screenplay.
- Academic writing sample for Film Studies focus
- One page critique of any film or tv show
- Interview
- The Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for international students.
Courses
Required for all MA students
- Writers in Development
- Story & Structure
- Redemptive Media
- History of Film or History of TV
- Thesis
Electives With Screenwriting Focus
- Screenwriting I
- Screenwriting II
- Writing for TV
- Writing for TV II
- Writers Room Intensive
- The Adaptation
- Media Entrepreneurship
- Film & Television Genres
- Film & TV Seminar
- Film Production Workshop
- Professional Practicum
- Film Special Topics
Electives with Film Studies focus
- Intro to Grad Studies
- Pedagogy of TV & Film
- Global Film
- Advanced Film Theory
- Film & Television Genres
- Film & TV Seminar
- History of American Animation
- Media Entrepreneurship
- Professional Practicum
- Film Special Topics
Tuition & Aid
- Tuition: $1,048* per credit hour; students can audit for no credit at a rate of 50 percent of regular tuition
- Books and Fees: Not included in tuition
- Application Fee: $50 (international $75)
- Graduation Fee: $195
*Note: The graduate tuition rates may increase annually, effective each summer semester.
Incidentals
The tuition cost does not include program fees or equipment purchasing fees. While most of the gear will be provided for first year students on a loan/check out basis, it is required that students buy a MacBook Pro loaded with filmmaking software. You can choose to buy one through the university in your first semester in the program.
Also note that each student is responsible for costs of their own productions.