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The AU University School of Communication MA in Film and Media Production will give you a professional skill set in the film, video, and digital media for a successful career in the media industry. During your first year, you will receive a formal overview of media production so that you can focus your second year on refining your skill base.

 of the program allows you to explore a broad range of aspects of video and filmmaking or to develop an area of expertise. Experiential learning opportunities such as the L.A. Intensive, internships with national media companies, and a semester intensive in Prague are just a few of the many options you'll have to develop skills outside the classroom. AU's Center for Media & Social Impact and Center for Environmental Filmmaking offers 

special courses, seminars, and screenings

 reviews graduates applications on an ongoing basis

Our Film and Media Production master's degree is offered both 

. Students are generally expected to complete the 36-credit-hour program within 24 months. First-year students are 

required to attend our Film & Media Arts Boot Camp

 in late July — early August before their first semester. Boot Camp teaches you the essential building blocks for production. Focusing on a digital skill set, you will work on practical exercises to get up to speed with equipment and learn about the expectations of the programs in SOC.

The AU University School of Communication MA in Film and Media Production will give you a professional skill set in the film, video, and digital media for a successful career in the media industry. During your first year, you will receive a formal overview of media production so that you can focus your second year on refining your skill base.

Applicants must meet the minimum university requirements for graduate study. Admission to the program requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with at least a 3.00 GPA (on a 4.00 scale) in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework. International students whose first language is not English should take the TOEFL exam to demonstrate proficiency in written as well as spoken English.

Previous exposure to film study, film, and video production, or script writing is not required, although all applicants are required to show evidence of professional commitment and career direction related to their program of study.

Official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a 1,000-word essay on the applicant's commitment to pursuing graduate study in the program are submitted with the application.

Admission is not limited to full-time students; however, students must be available to take most of their coursework during the day. Students will normally be expected to complete the 36-credit hour program within 24 months.

Incoming students must complete the summer "boot camp" courses of COMM-610 Principles of Video Production (3) and COMM-663 Techniques and Aesthetics of Editing (3). The faculty committee retains discretion over student advancement to fall courses even if they pass either, or both, of the required courses.

Applicants with prior experience in visual media, who wish to be considered for a substitution of the required COMM-610 and/or COMM-663 courses, should submit a written request illustrating relevant coursework or professional experience. Those requesting a substitution of either or both of these required courses will be required to take and pass an exam. Students granted substitutions for either, or both, of these required courses, take advanced coursework in order to fulfill those academic credits.

Qualified undergraduate students may apply to a combined bachelor's/master's program and utilize up to six credit hours of 500-level or select 600-level cross-listed coursework to satisfy the requirements of both degrees.

Transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions

Official results of one of the following English Proficiency Exams are required of international students. We accept the following:

Please note that waivers are granted on a rare basis and must be approved by the CAS Office of Graduate Enrollment Management. Requests will be assessed only upon completion of submitting all other required supplemental items.

We can consider waivers for applicants who meet the following criteria:

Earned a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited US-based university or

Earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited university where English is the only language of instruction and the only official language of the country where the university is based.

The transcript evaluation is not required for international applicants who have completed a bachelor's degree in the United States.

All other international applicants are required to complete an official transcript evaluation. Transcript evaluations must be submitted to American University in lieu of the original international transcript.

In order to complete a transcript evaluation, candidates must submit their official transcript(s) to a transcript evaluation agency approved by NACES.

All transcript evaluations must indicate the following:

Course-by-course analysis: List of all classes and credits earned

Degree earned: Determine if the degree earned is equivalent to a US Bachelor's degree

Transcript evaluations must be sent directly by the transcript evaluation agency to American University by the application deadline.

All students must be able to demonstrate financial ability to pay for their academic and living expenses before being issued an immigration document.

Please submit the following documentation to the CAS office of Graduate Admissions:

Certification of Finances for International Students (CFIS)

 form. Clearly indicate on the form which type of visa you plan to obtain for your studies with American University (F-1 or J-1) and your current visa type, if applicable. If you are pending US permanent resident or asylum status, please indicate on the form accordingly.

 demonstrating the financial ability to pay for at least one year of tuition, fees, and living expenses according to the current International Student Cost Guide. These financial documents will also be required at the US Embassy or Consulate when you apply for your visa. All financial documents must show available funds and must be dated within the past three months in order to be considered valid. Appropriate documents reflecting financial ability are listed here.

 to release your immigration record to American University (only required of international students who currently hold an I-20 from a different U.S. institution). This form must be completed by both the student and the student's current international student advisor.

Admissions Option 2

The School of Communication offers graduate students both merit-based and need-based financial aid. Merit awards are administered by the SOC Graduate Admissions Office, while need-based awards are administered by the American University Office of Financial Aid. A number of prestigious fellowships and scholarships are also available for students in the Film and Media Arts program. Additional financial support is available for U.S. service military veterans.

Scholarships and Funding Option 2

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For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition is $2000 per credit (typical 2-year master's programs require 30-36 credits).

If you intend to apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa, you will be required by a U.S. consular officer to present a Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 and supporting financial documents to demonstrate your ability to meet financial obligations for the first year of your academic program.

In order to satisfy F-1 or J-1 visa requirements, graduate students must be registered for a minimum of nine credit hours per semester. Other visa statuses may have other requirements.

Program Tuition Fees Option 2

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English Language Requirements

Master

Journalism and Mass Communication

Media

Performing Arts

Film Studies

Film Production

American University leverages the power and purpose of scholarship, learning, and community to impact our changing world. From sustainability to social justice to the sciences, AU’s faculty, students, staff, and alumni are changemakers. Founded in 1893, American University is a distinguished, private institution located in the nation's capital of Washington, DC. With a competitively strong interdisciplinary focus, policy-driven academic programs, and impactful student activists and alumni, AU offers more than 135 master's degree programs, from seven schools. A university small enough to allow you to feel seen and large enough to attract historical figures to campus to engage our community on important issues. American University is known for preparing generations of scholars who go on to become national and international public leaders and change agents throughout our global community.

Master of Arts in Film and Media Production

Introduction

Be a Compelling Visual Storyteller

Admissions

Scholarships and Funding

Gallery

Program Tuition Fee

English Language Requirements

About the School

Questions