Where Faith Meets Filmmaking Excellence

Industry-Standard Tools and Techniques:

• Courses utilize professional software and hardware, including Pro Tools for audio and industry-grade equipment for video production and editing.
• Electives like Graphic Design and The Graphic Novel integrate visual storytelling with cutting-edge design tools.
• Courses like Entrepreneurship in the Digital Age equip students with business and tech skills for the gig economy.

Collaboration with Industry Professionals:

• Students work alongside seasoned media experts, gaining hands-on experience in productions that meet entertainment industry standards.
• Southern California’s proximity to Hollywood provides access to guest speakers and high-caliber internships, ensuring exposure to current industry practices.

Specialized and Diverse Course Offerings:

• Courses like Podcast Studio and Documentary Filmmaking teach niche, in-demand skills.
• Genre-specific studies, such as Film Noir: The Genre of Style and The Western: Myth, Ideology, and Genre, deepen technical and theoretical expertise.
• Audio-focused electives like Recording Techniques and Audio Engineering ensure proficiency in sound design, a critical industry component.

Global and Practical Learning Opportunities:

• Study abroad programs like IBEX (Israel Extension), TMU Italy, and GO! Global Outreach integrate technical media skills with cross-cultural storytelling.
• Courses like Production Design & Wardrobe Workshop provide intensive, real-world project experience.

Student Productions

Students in the Cinema & Digital Arts program produce short films and content and run all the behind-the-scenes operations to get it done. The program has created award-winning film productions that have received industry notoriety and been distributed on platforms like UPtv. Graduates are credited with quality productions that can be used on resumes and production reels. Browse through some of the productions here.

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Major Courses (48 Units)

Comprehensive Skill Development Across Production Stages:

• Pre-Production: Students master conceptualizing, scripting, storyboarding, pitching, location scouting, basic set design, and casting (e.g., C321 Screenwriting I, C322 The Business of Film).
• Production: Training includes producing, directing, cinematography, lighting, and sound recording, with courses like C323 Introduction to Cinematography, C401 Directing, and C402 Film Production.
• Post-Production: Proficiency in video editing, sound editing, basic ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement), effects, and motion graphics, taught in C231/C232 Digital Video Editing I/II and C399f Film to Post: Post Production Workshop.
• Specialized electives like C394 Introduction to Computer Visual Effects and MU223 Audio Engineering I enhance technical versatility.

Cinema & Digital Arts Courses:

• C202 Film History
• C231 Digital Video Editing I
• C232 Digital Video Editing II
• C311 Video Production I
• C312 Video Production II
• C321 Screenwriting I
• C322 The Business of Film
• C323 Introduction to Cinematography
• C331 Freelance: Entrepreneurship in the Digital Age
• C401 Directing
• C402 Film Production
• C472 Rhetorical Criticism
• Four of the following
  • C122 Social Media & Communication
  • C132 Podcast Studio
  • C191 Pocket Studio
  • C303 Documentary Filmmaking
  • C328 Screenwriting II
  • C358 Production Techniques
  • C361 Film Noir: The Genre of Style
  • C373 Graphic Design I
  • C374 The Western: Myth, Ideology, and Genre
  • C394 Introduction to Computer Visual Effects
  • C399 Winterim Production
  • C399d Narrative Cinematography and Lighting
  • C399e Production Design & Wardrobe Workshop
  • C399f Film to Post: Post Production Workshop
  • C430 Honors Internship
  • C482 The Graphic Novel

Also acceptable:

• MU223 Audio Engineering I
• MU251 ProTools 101/110
• MU354 Introduction to Audio Editing, Pro Tools II
• MU355 Introduction to Audio Mixing, Pro Tools III
• MU404 Recording Techniques
• MU426 Audio Engineering II
• TH201 Introduction to Acting
• TH300 Theatre Arts
• TH310 Theatre Production

Cinema & Digital Arts majors do not take Communication Core courses.

Minor in Biblical Studies

To earn a minor in Biblical Studies, students must complete 24 units of Bible coursework, which includes the following:

• B101 & B102: Old Testament Survey I and II (6 units)
• B121: Essentials of Christian Thought (3 units)
• B201 & B202: New Testament Survey I and II (6 units)
• BTH321 & BTH322: Christian Theology I and II (6 units)
• Bible Elective: Choose any approved Bible course (3 units)

This curriculum provides a comprehensive biblical knowledge and theology foundation, equipping students with a deeper understanding of Christian scripture and thought.

Student Success

In addition to the professional networking that naturally occurs while completing the Cinema & Digital Arts program, students benefit from many TMU services that can help transition them into the workforce. From career advising to assessments, workshops, and career fairs, we provide the support needed to explore, plan, and thrive in the job market. Connect with us to take the next step toward your future career.

• Career Center
• Academic Resource Center

Program Learning Outcomes

This program offers a course of study for students interested in visual storytelling, including screenwriting, technical aspects of video editing and videography, lighting, sound, and production.

1. Demonstrate a working knowledge of media history and theory.
2. Demonstrate basic mastery of film/video pre-production techniques including conceptualizing, scripting, storyboarding, pitching, critique, general shoot preparation, location scouting, basic set design, and casting.
3. Demonstrate basic mastery with film/video production skills including producing, directing, lighting, shooting, and basic sound recording.
4. Demonstrate basic mastery of film/video post-production techniques including video editing, sound editing, basic ADR, effects, and motion graphics.

Program Rankings

The Master’s University continues to earn recognition for its excellence and competitiveness, as highlighted by various local and national rankings. These accolades showcase the institution’s commitment to maintaining high standards in education. Here are some notable achievements:

• Ranked #2 among Best Communication Schools in California for undergraduates (Plexuss, 2023)
• Recognized as one of the Most Focused Colleges for Radio, Television & Digital Communication in California (14th out of 80, College Factual, 2023)
• Ranked #3 out of 11 for Best Communications Majors (Niche, 2020)
• Placed in the Top 10% of Best Colleges for Communications in America (96th out of 925, Niche, 2023)
• Ranked #11 among Best Colleges for Communications in California (Niche, 2023)
• Recognized for offering one of the Best Communications Degrees nationally, ranked #20 (Learn.org, 2021)

These rankings underscore The Master’s University’s dedication to delivering an outstanding education in the field of communications.