Overview

The Cinematic Arts programme at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee offers a rigorous environment for students to develop their creative voices through time-based media. This Master of Fine Arts focuses on the production of personal, non-commercial work within a supportive community of internationally recognised faculty and peers.

Each student is assigned a major thesis advisor upon entry to provide guidance throughout the first year of study. During the second semester, a graduate review committee is formed to support specific creative research needs. This committee provides engaged criticism and dialogue to help refine the student's artistic practice.

Regular critiques are a central feature of the curriculum, where students present new and ongoing work to their peers and faculty.

Why Cinematic Arts at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee?

Students benefit from dedicated studio space at Kenilworth Square East, located in the vibrant East Side neighbourhood of Milwaukee. The facilities include a full production studio, photography labs, and individual editing suites equipped with professional software. A distinctive feature is the continued support for 16mm film, including an in-house processing facility.

The institution provides access to significant research resources, such as the Adoor Gopalakrishnan Film Archive and the UWM Libraries Cinema Arts Archive. These collections contain over 200 essential works from the history of experimental cinema. Students also engage with the wider film community through on-campus festivals, screenings, and international study abroad opportunities.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 27090 per year
National fee: USD 27090 per year
Local fee: USD 13659 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules include:

Advanced Research in Film
Landscape Cinema
Experimental Documentary
Observational Documentary
Advanced 16MM Film Production
Visual Effects
Professional Practice: Production

Careers with Cinematic Arts

Graduates from this programme are prepared for a diverse range of professional roles within the global creative industries. Many pursue careers as independent filmmakers, cinematographers, or directors. Others find success in specialised technical roles such as colourists, sound designers, visual effects specialists, and motion graphics producers.

The curriculum also prepares students for leadership and academic positions, including festival directors, curators, and university educators. Alumni have secured roles in advertising, documentary media, and film archiving. Professional connections are further strengthened through internships with production companies and creative agencies in Milwaukee, Chicago, and beyond.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Graduate Film Studio/Seminar
Advanced Research in Film
Graduate Media Arts Workshop
Graduate Studio
Professional Practice: Production
Complementary Studies

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

48 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Milwaukee, United States

Disciplines

Visual Arts Film Studies Fine Arts View 434 other Masters in Visual Arts in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.7

GRE^®

Required

GMAT

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A baccalaureate degree, or its equivalent as determined by the UWM Center on International Education, from a regionally accredited institution, completed before the first term of enrollment in the Graduate School

Proficiency in the English language.

A minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 2.75

Transcripts

Reasons Statement

Letters of Recommendation

All applicants are required to pay a non-refundable $75 application fee

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

27090 USD / year

≈ 27090 USD / year
Out-of-State

27090 USD / year

≈ 27090 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

13659 USD / year

≈ 13659 USD / year

Living costs

Milwaukee

United States

1066 - 1767 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Cinematic Arts.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Milwaukee

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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