Film Studies MA/PhD
Film Studies FAQ
Q: How many applicants are accepted each year into your graduate programs?
A: We are a small program focused on the close mentorship of graduate students. We typically admit between 1-4 Film Studies students per year, inclusive of both the MA and PhD programs.
Q: Do I need to connect with one faculty member and have them agree to supervise me before I submit my application?
A: We neither require nor expect applicants to seek out one faculty member to work with before applying (unlike graduate programs in the U.K, for example). We encourage our students to work with and learn from all faculty. That said, in evaluating applications, we do take into consideration the fit between an applicant’s areas of interest, the department’s areas of strength, and faculty research areas.
Q. Which faculty are available to supervise MA and Ph.D theses?
Tenure-track faculty in Cinematic Arts (currently Paula Amad, Chris Goetz, and Michael Cowan) are the principal faculty available to direct theses. Additionally, instruction-track faculty (currently Andy Owens) may be available to serve on thesis committees.
Q: How long do the programs take to complete?
A: The MA program grants a terminal degree and takes two years to complete, inclusive of coursework and a culminating thesis. The PhD program can typically be completed in five years, inclusive of coursework and a culminating dissertation.
Q: What funding opportunities exist for PhD students?
A: Admitted PhD students typically receive a 5-year funding package, consisting mostly of teaching assistantships, and are also eligible for a diverse array of additional fellowships, ranging from summer funding and post-comprehensive awards to dissertation-completion funding. Please see https://grad.uiowa.edu/funding for further details.
Q: What funding opportunities exist for MA students?
A: Admitted MA students typically receive a 2-year funding package, consisting mostly of teaching assistantships, and are also eligible for additional funding including: modest departmental travel funds (for conference presentations); modest travel research funds from the Graduate Student Organization, and summer funding from the Digital Studio.
Q: Am I able to transfer credits or grades from other institutions into the PhD program?
A: The maximum amount of credit that PhD students can transfer from appropriate graduate-level courses is 33 credit hours. Decisions regarding transfer credits occur during the student’s first semester in the program.
Q: What are the program’s areas of strength?
A: Our faculty are internationally-recognized researchers with an eclectic and wide-range of scholarly interests. Particular areas of strength include early cinema, European and American film history, documentary, new media, experimental/avant-garde cinema, archives, and theories of gender and sexuality.
Q: In addition to coursework, what mentorship opportunities are available to graduate students?
A: Graduate students work closely with faculty in a variety of capacities, ranging from teaching supervision and independent studies to one-on-one supervision of the thesis/dissertation.
Q: What types of careers do Iowa MA and PhD graduates go into after finishing their program of study?
A: Our MA and PhD students gain employment in a diverse array of professions, ranging from higher education (in colleges and universities across the U.S. and internationally) and the arts (in curatorial positions or administration) to the fields of publishing, media, and communications. Please see https://cinematicarts.uiowa.edu/graduate/careers
Questions About Applying
Q: When is the application deadline?
A: The application deadline is January 1st for the following academic year.
Q: How do I apply?
A: You must apply using the Office of Admissions application portal. Once inside the portal, you will apply to the program through the Graduate College.
Q: What are the designations of the programs on the Graduate College admissions site?
A: The designations of the programs on the Graduate College admissions site are Film Studies – PhD, MA.
Q: What materials are required with the application?
A: In addition to personal and educational information, you must submit the following:
- A statement of purpose
- A sample of your academic writing (no more than 20 pages, inclusive of bibliography and notes)
- An up-to-date CV or résumé
- Names of three individuals who will provide letters of recommendation
- An unofficial transcript from previous institution(s) (if admitted, official transcripts will be required before enrollment)
Q: What is the application fee?
A: The application fee is $60 for U.S. residents and $100 for international applicants.
Q: Is the GRE exam required?
A: No, the GRE exam is not required for entrance into either the MA or PhD program.
Q: Are international students required to take an English proficiency exam?
A: International applicants that do not meet the requirements for a waiver are required to submit English proficiency scores. Applicants will be given a waiver if they are a citizen, or have earned the equivalent of a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree or PhD in the United States, or any of the countries listed on the Graduate College website.
Q: Do I need a master’s degree to apply to the PhD program?
A: Yes, a terminal MA is required for matriculation into the PhD program.
Q: How are applications evaluated?
A: Candidates are evaluated on the following criteria: statement of research goals, alignment with research strengths of the program, motivation and preparation for graduate school, writing and research ability, and potential for teaching. These should be your points of emphasis when putting together your application.
Questions About Iowa City
Q: What is Iowa City like?
A: Iowa City consistently ranks near the top of lists of best college towns and most livable cities. It has been designated a “City of Literature” by UNESCO – one of only 20 in the world.
Q: What is there to do in Iowa City?
A: There are lots of options for dining, entertainment, and nightlife in Iowa City. You can read more about graduate student life here.
Q: Where do graduate students live while they are in your program?
A: Depending on their preferences and budgets, our students live all over the Iowa City/Coralville/North Liberty area. The university’s Off-Campus Housing page is a great resource to learn about housing options in the area and even find a roommate.
Additional Questions?
If you have any questions about the program, the application process, or need assistance with a requirement listed above, please contact the current Director of Graduate Studies: Dr. Paula Amad (paula-amad@uiowa.edu) for the Fall 2024 semester and Dr. Chris Goetz (Christopher-goetz@uiowa.edu) for the Spring 2025 semester.