Earn your MA in Film Studies
The MA program in film studies is ideal for students who wish to engage in graduate level work in film theory and/or history, but don't yet have the qualifications (or just aren't quite ready) for a PhD program. During their four semesters in the program, our MA students benefit from competitive financial support, while also gaining hands-on teaching experience, as well as the academic and professional skills to pursue a PhD in the field if desired. Graduates from the program include many celebrated scholars, and many of them go on to complete PhDs either in our own program or in other top programs in the country.
The MA program allows students to take a deep dive into film theory and history, while also helping them work towards the completion of an MA thesis. At roughly 6,000 words, the thesis takes the form of a scholarly article and has the goal of helping students learn to produce publishable work that makes an original contribution to knowledge.
MA students are also integrated into the larger community of graduate students in cinematic arts (including students in PhD program and MFA production program). Though not a requirement, many of our MA students have backgrounds in filmmaking, and graduate students across the department mix freely in graduate courses and collaborate in areas such as event organization, departmental service (e.g. graduate reps), participation in local film programming, and much more. Students also enjoy numerous opportunities for community-building in Iowa City through institutions such as FilmScene and Public Space One.
For a good overview of what your MA trajectory might look like, you can consult our Graduate Student Handbook of Policies and Procedures, especially the section outlining the two-year MA timeline.
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Create your academic path
You'll find degree overviews, requirements, course lists, academic plans, and more to help you plan your education and explore your possibilities.
Current course list
The MyUI Schedule displays registered courses for a particular session and is available to enrolled students. The list view includes course instructors, time and location, and features to drop courses or change sections.
Learn more about the program through our FAQ
MA in Film Studies FAQ
How many applicants are accepted each year into your graduate programs?
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.
Do I need to connect with one faculty member and have them agree to supervise me before I submit my application?
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.
Which faculty are available to supervise MA and PhD 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.
How long do the programs take to complete?
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.
What funding opportunities exist for MA students?
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
- Summer funding from the Digital Studio
What are the program’s areas of strength?
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.
In addition to coursework, what mentorship opportunities are available to graduate students?
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.
What types of careers do Iowa MA and PhD graduates go into after finishing their program of study?
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.
Iowa City FAQ
What is Iowa City like?
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.
What is there to do in Iowa City?
There are lots of options for dining, entertainment, and nightlife in Iowa City.
Where do graduate students live while they are in your program?
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.
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