Programs
Photo by Cirrus Fuller
Student Learning Outcomes
DEPARTMENT OF CINEMA AND TELEVISION ARTS UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE PROGRAM STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of a program of study, students should (as reflected by the curriculum in their individual option) be able to:
- Identify and critically analyze the fundamental components and aesthetics of audio-visual storytelling.
- Develop and write scripts for fiction and non-fiction audio-visual productions.
- Demonstrate knowledge of historical, cultural, critical, theoretical, and emergent aspects of media arts.
- Demonstrate the skills necessary to manage entertainment business structures and to produce, research, and/or present an entertainment industry or other media project.
- Demonstrate the skills, knowledge, and problem-solving abilities that are pertinent in a professional setting.
Undergraduate Programs
The CTVA major prepares students academically and creatively through study in one of seven pathways:
Emerging Media Production
Are you curious about the magical intersection of art and technology? Do innovative and experimental spaces for storytelling and design excite you? Invent your future in Emerging Media Production where you will acquire dynamic new skills using cutting-edge technologies that engage with art, theater, music, film & television.
This vibrant option offers unique production skills that keep pace with industry trends. Experience Virtual Production, Performance Capture, Virtual and Augmented Reality, and 3D World-Building. Learn skills used by digital content creators, virtual production lighting artists and performance capture technicians employed in fields such as entertainment, healthcare and education.
Entertainment Media Management
Entertainment media management is a business-oriented discipline that focuses on the leadership of media firms. The field encompasses a range of topics, including managerial theories and organizational management, the media industry structure and environment, financial management, production management, procurement management, media research, media sales, content distribution, and the marketing of media companies.
Film Production
Conceptualization, production, directing, editing and distribution of cinematic projects for both entertainment and informational purposes.
Media Theory and Criticism
Ideal for those who want to write about film, television or emerging media or prepare for graduate work, this option grounds students In media history, theory, and critical analysis.
Screenwriting
Students learn the art of screenwriting for film, television, and new media through studies in concept, structure, narrative, and dialogue to craft original projects and adaptations.
Television Production - Documentary
The documentary pathway is the study of non-fiction storytelling. Students will spend three semesters studying the genres, the production techniques and story devices of non-fiction/documentary production. The final semester students will be part of a team making a documentary senior thesis project.
Television Production - Narrative
The Television Production-Narrative Scripted Pathway began in the Spring 2021. Students master all phases of production in various formats of television scripted programming, synthesizing the producing, directing, editing, and technical skills necessary to realize studio and location narrative scripted television projects.
Graduate Programs
M.F.A Screenwriting
The CSUN Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting is a two-year program designed to develop unique voices and mastery of essential techniques for writing compelling professional half-hour, one-hour and feature-length scripts. Working in small, collaborative work-shop classes taught by industry professionals you’ll complete the program prepared to pursue screenwriting and other rewarding entertainment careers.
Special Programs
The CSUN Cinematheque is an innovative year-round film screening program housed in the Elaine and Alan Armer Screening Room, a state-of-the-art 130 seat motion picture theater on the CSUN campus.