Overview

The Houston Christian University Master of Arts (MA) in Cinematic Arts is a 30-hour workshop-based program with a focus on screenwriting, cinema theory, and narrative media. Electives allow students to explore media studies, industry pitching and networking, film production, and integration seminars exploring faith and the arts. The MA provides students a rigorous, yet streamlined, graduate degree in Cinematic Arts.

The MA degree is offered in parallel to the low-residency MFA in Screenwriting and students may complete the MA by attending biannual residencies and writing retreats in southeast Texas or complete the degree 100% online in semester-long remote synchronous courses and workshops.

Accelerate Your Career in Cinematic Arts

An MA in Cinematic Arts opens doors to exciting careers centered on bringing impactful stories to screens both big and small.

This degree enables graduates to leverage their advanced training in screenwriting, production, and technique and build artistic careers across entertainment mediums. HCU graduates are equipped to work on creative teams and business operations for major studios, production companies, networks, streaming platforms, and more.

Others may pursue entrepreneurial paths as independent writer-directors and producers. Feel emboldened to fund, craft, and distribute shorts, documentaries, and features.

Learners will graduate with polished creative work and connections to start an artistic journey or to further their career in the cinematic arts.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Faith, Culture and the Arts
Topics and Genres: Filmmakers on Filmmaking
Media Industry & Business
Special Topics in Cinema
Cinematic Core Principles
Art of Storytelling

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-31 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00 , National

More details

The application deadline for international students is at least two months before the national deadline.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

Blended

Campus Location

Houston, United States

Disciplines

Film Studies View 216 other Masters in Film Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

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.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

All required academic admissions supplements for your desired degree plan
Foreign transcript evaluation of previous degrees awarded
Proof of English proficiency
Copy of your passport (valid 6 months in the future)
International Processing Fee
Financial documentation

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

23250 USD / year

≈ 23250 USD / year
Out-of-State

23250 USD / year

≈ 23250 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

23250 USD / year

≈ 23250 USD / year

Additional Details

International Fee $75 per semester

Living costs

Houston

United States

1067 - 1950 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

Accelerate Your Career in Cinematic Arts

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

Additional Details

Living costs

Houston

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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