Master of Fine Arts

The Master of Fine Arts degree in Film, Video and Computer Animation is a graduate program designed for students who have clearly identified animation as their primary interest in film and television. The program integrates both classical and computer animation and prepares students to work in both areas. Students should graduate with a comprehensive knowledge of animation from conception through realization; an understanding of the history of the medium and its aesthetics; the fundamentals of computer technology, animation software, and the most important elements of film, video, and interactive technology.

The program requires a minimum of 42 units. Thirty of the required units are in prescribed, sequential courses in Cinema-Television. The other 12 units are electives, four of which must be taken in the Division of Critical Studies. A thesis is not required for the M.F.A. degree; however, course work involves participation in major animation projects.

Admission is once a year in the fall; there are no spring admissions. Approximately 20 students will be enrolled in each incoming class. In addition to practical production, the program will also provide fieldwork experience and industry residencies to facilitate the student's transition into the profession.

Applicants for the M.F.A. in Film, Video and Computer Animation must submit supplemental application materials. For specific instructions, contact the Cinema- Television Office of Student Affairs, University Park, Los Angeles, CA 90089-2211, (213) 740-2911. The application deadline is February 15 for the fall semester.

Required Courses

Year One, First Semester		Units
CNTV 453	Pro-Seminar in Animation	2
CNTV 482	Basic Motion Picture Techniques for Animators	2
CNTV 528	Screenwriting Fundamentals	2
CNTV 544	Introduction to Film, Video and Computer Animation	4

Year One, Second Semester		Units
CNTV 451	History of Animation	2
CNTV 541	Field Survey of Contemporary Animation	2
CNTV 547	Animation Production I	4

Year Two, First Semester		Units
CNTV 548	Animation Production II	4
CNTV 593	Directed Studies in Animation	2

Year Two, Second Semester		Units
CNTV 549	Animation Production III	4
CNTV 593	Directed Studies in Animation	2

CNTV Electives

A minimum of 12 units of electives at the 400 and 500 level is required; at least four units must be taken from the following Critical Studies courses:

Electives		Units
CNTV 501	History of the International Cinema: Silent Film	2
CNTV 502	History of the International Cinema: Sound Film	2
CNTV 503	Survey History of the American Sound Film	2
CNTV 510	Case Studies in National Media	4
CNTV 511	Seminar in Non-Fiction Film/Video	4
CNTV 518	Seminar: Avant-garde Film/Video	4
CNTV 564	Seminar in Film Genres	4
CNTV 567	Seminar in Film and a Related Art	4
CNTV 569	Seminar in Film Style Analysis	4

Grade Point Average Requirements

A grade point average of at least 3.0 (A = 4.0) must be maintained in all USC course work toward the master's degree. Courses in which a grade of C- (1.7) or lower is earned will not apply toward a graduate degree.

Time Limit

Students must maintain satisfactory progress toward their master's degrees at all times. The degree must be completed within three years after the beginning of graduate work at USC. Course work more than seven years old is automatically invalidated and may not be applied toward the degree.

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