A&S—Film Studies
The Film Studies Program offers graduate certificates at both the master’s and doctoral levels. Formulated from an interdisciplinary model, the curriculum draws upon faculty expertise in areas of cinema, literature, fine arts, social science, and foreign cultures. The certificates address the needs of both students focusing on film studies and students who desire training in film studies as a subspecialty.
Contact Information
- Program Director: Lucy Fischer
- Main Office: 624 Cathedral of Learning
- 412-624-6564
- Fax: 412-624-6639
- E-mail: lfischer@pitt.edu
- www.pitt.edu/~filmst
Admissions/Eligibility
All students who wish to enroll in the graduate certificate programs in film studies (master's or doctoral) must be matriculated for a graduate degree (master's or doctoral) in a department of the School of Arts and Sciences or in another school within the University. The certificates are awarded in conjunction with a degree through a University of Pittsburgh department. (Film studies is a program.) Students interested in pursuing a film studies certificate at any point in their career may do so by filing the appropriate form with the program director of the Film Studies Program. Financial Assistance
There is no financial aid available specifically for the graduate film studies certificate programs. However, graduate students who enroll for the certificate program can apply for financial aid from their home department (that is, the department in which they will receive a master's or doctoral degree). Such aid typically takes the form of scholarships, fellowships, teaching assistantships, and/or graduate student assistantships.
Requirements for the Master’s-Level Certificate and Doctoral-Level Certificate
Master’s
The master's-level certificate requires 12 credits and a research paper as detailed below:
- Core Course: Film History/Theory (ENGLIT 2451);
- Three Electives: at least one outside the student's home department representing at least two areas of study (for example: national cinema, theory/themes, genre, etc.)
Doctoral
The doctoral-level certificate requires 18 credits and a research paper as detailed below:
- Core Course: Film History/Theory (Eng Lit 2451)
- Five Electives: at least two outside the student’s home department representing at least two areas of study (for example: national cinema, theory/themes, genre, etc.)
Research Paper (for Both Master’s- and Doctoral-Level Certificates)
The certificates require the student to write a research paper in the field of film studies (approximately 25–30 pages) to be evaluated by a three-person committee comprising Film Studies Program faculty appointed by the director, in consultation with the student (including at least one person in, and one person outside of, the student's home department). The paper should be developed from a course paper or from a section of the student's master's thesis (if one is required by the home department) or a doctoral dissertation. If the student has worked with a film studies faculty member on an earlier version of the paper, that faculty member should be on the committee. Guidelines will be provided for the research paper and it is advised that students discuss this requirement with an advisor or the program director well in advance of submission.
Additional Conditions
- Only one directed study course for the master’s and two for the doctoral (supervised by a film studies faculty member) may be counted toward the certificate.
- All courses must be passed with a B or higher.
- Students should notify the program director of their intention to file for graduation at the beginning of their final term.
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