An independent directory of verified film degrees in the United States
University of California-Santa Barbara · Department of Film and Media Studies
A Film and Media Studies doctorate entered either through the M.A./Ph.D. track (17 courses, M.A. oral exam by the end of year two) or the Ph.D.-only track for applicants holding an M.A. or M.F.A. (44 units). Admitted students in good standing receive tuition, fees, health insurance and 50%-time academic-year employment.
| Field | Classification | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Film Studies | Dedicated degreeThe degree itself is in this field. | Source: filmandmedia.ucsb.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
Doctorate in Film and Media Studies, offered as an M.A./Ph.D. track and a Ph.D.-only track.
Source: filmandmedia.ucsb.edu · verified October 12, 2026We list verified film degrees only — no certificates, workshops or generic degrees with a few film electives. Eligibility rules
DissertationDissertation based on original research, defended orally in a forum open to the public.
Source: filmandmedia.ucsb.edu · verified October 12, 2026As listed on the program's official page on October 12, 2026. Listing does not mean a faculty member is teaching or supervising new students in a given year.
Source: filmandmedia.ucsb.edu · verified October 12, 2026| Material | Status | Instructions as published |
|---|---|---|
| Academic writing sample | Required | 15-20 page complete essay demonstrating ability to write theory, criticism or historical narrative; need not be about film or media.Length: 15–20 pagesSource: filmandmedia.ucsb.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
We do not publish acceptance rates or estimate competitiveness. Build an application checklist
Application deadline · All applicants (M.A./Ph.D. and Ph.D.-only)
December 1, 2026
Source: filmandmedia.ucsb.edu · verified October 12, 2026| Category | Amount | Basis and year |
|---|---|---|
| In-state — Resident graduate tuitionFrom the school's rate table for this level | $13,722 | per academic year · 2026-2027Source: graddiv.ucsb.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
| Out-of-state — Nonresident Supplemental Tuition (charged in addition to tuition)From the school's rate table for this level | $15,102 | per academic year · 2026-2027Source: graddiv.ucsb.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
These are the published rates. The program also states tuition coverage for funded students — see Funding below for what is covered.
Fully funded (conditions apply)
UCSB recruitment fellowships fellowship
Eligibility: Nominated by the department's Graduate Admissions Committee; no self-nomination
Source: filmandmedia.ucsb.edu · verified October 12, 2026Something out of date? Suggest an update · Represent this school? Claim the profile
Same degree level and field. Listed for discovery, not ranked.
University of California-Santa Cruz
University of California-Los Angeles
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