University of Iowa · Department of Cinematic Arts
MA in Film Studies
Overview
A 36-semester-hour MA in film studies focused on film theory and history in an international context, typically completed in two years with a written thesis and oral exam. Students are typically funded through teaching assistantships for two years.
- Official program name
- MA in Film Studies
- Awarded degree
- Master of Arts in Film StudiesMaster's · Master of ArtsSource: catalog.registrar.uiowa.edu · verified October 12, 2026
- School
- Source: cinematicarts.uiowa.edu · verified October 12, 2026
- Location
- Iowa City, IA
- Delivery
- On campusClasses, workshops and productions meet in person on campus.Source: catalog.registrar.uiowa.edu · verified October 12, 2026
- Required attendance
- Regular campus attendanceStudents attend classes on campus throughout the program.Source: catalog.registrar.uiowa.edu · verified October 12, 2026
- Study intensity
- Not published
- Duration
- Typically two yearsSource: catalog.registrar.uiowa.edu · verified October 12, 2026
- Required credits
- 36 s.h. minimumSource: catalog.registrar.uiowa.edu · verified October 12, 2026
Fields of study
| Field | Classification | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Film Studies | Dedicated degreeThe degree itself is in this field. | Source: catalog.registrar.uiowa.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
Why this degree is listed
MA in film studies.
Source: catalog.registrar.uiowa.edu · verified October 12, 2026We list verified film degrees only — no certificates, workshops or generic degrees with a few film electives. Eligibility rules
Curriculum, pathways and faculty
Thesis, film or capstone
ThesisWritten MA thesis in the second year and an oral final examination.
Source: catalog.registrar.uiowa.edu · verified October 12, 2026Faculty listed by the program
- Christopher Goetz — Associate Professor; Director of Graduate Studies, film_studies
- Paula Amad — Associate Professor, film_studies
- Michael Cowan — Professor, film_studies
- Andrew Owens — Associate Professor of Instruction; Head of Film Studies, film_studies
As 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: cinematicarts.uiowa.edu · verified October 12, 2026Production costs and equipment
Equipment and facility access
Equipment access: not verified. We publish this only when the school states it on an official page.
Published production and equipment costs
Production and equipment costs: not verified. We publish this only when the school states it on an official page.
We never estimate a total cost when key expenses are unpublished. Compare production costs
Admissions
Portfolio and submission materials
| Material | Status | Instructions as published |
|---|---|---|
| Academic writing sample | Required | Academic writing sample, no more than 20 pages including bibliography and notes.Length: up to 20 pagesSource: cinematicarts.uiowa.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
Other requirements
- Statement of purpose
- RequiredStatement of purpose.Source: cinematicarts.uiowa.edu · verified October 12, 2026
- Recommendation letters
- Required3 letters — Three recommenders.Source: cinematicarts.uiowa.edu · verified October 12, 2026
- Résumé / CV
- RequiredUp-to-date CV or resume.Source: cinematicarts.uiowa.edu · verified October 12, 2026
- Application fee
- Required$60 — $60 for U.S. residents, $100 for international applicants.Source: cinematicarts.uiowa.edu · verified October 12, 2026
- Transcripts
- RequiredUnofficial transcripts; official transcripts required before enrollment if admitted.Source: cinematicarts.uiowa.edu · verified October 12, 2026
- English-test waiver
- RequiredInternational applicants without a waiver must submit English proficiency scores.Source: cinematicarts.uiowa.edu · verified October 12, 2026
Tests
- GRE General Test
- Not requiredSource: cinematicarts.uiowa.edu · verified October 12, 2026
We do not publish acceptance rates or estimate competitiveness. Build an application checklist
Deadlines
- Year not printed
Application deadline
January 1 · for Following academic year
The school does not print a year with this date.
Source: cinematicarts.uiowa.edu · verified October 12, 2026
Tuition and fees
Tuition: not verified. We publish this only when the school states it on an official page.
Funding
Fully funded (conditions apply)
- Funding guarantee
- Funding is contingent on university funds; students are typically fully funded.Source: cinematicarts.uiowa.edu · verified October 12, 2026
- Tuition coverage
- TAships come with a tuition waiver.Source: cinematicarts.uiowa.edu · verified October 12, 2026
- Stipend
- TAships come with an annual salary.Source: cinematicarts.uiowa.edu · verified October 12, 2026
- Years guaranteed
- Funding period: 2 years.Source: cinematicarts.uiowa.edu · verified October 12, 2026
- Assistantship duties
- Funding is typically through teaching assistantships.Source: cinematicarts.uiowa.edu · verified October 12, 2026
- Renewal conditions
- Annual renewal depends on good academic standing and satisfactory teaching.Source: cinematicarts.uiowa.edu · verified October 12, 2026
Sources and verification
- catalog.registrar.uiowa.edu/liberal-arts-sciences/cinematic-arts/film-studies-ma/ — Official catalog / bulletin, verified October 12, 2026
- cinematicarts.uiowa.edu/graduate/admissions — Official program page, verified October 12, 2026
- cinematicarts.uiowa.edu/graduate/funding — Official funding / aid page, verified October 12, 2026
- cinematicarts.uiowa.edu/people/faculty — Official program page, verified October 12, 2026
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