M.S. in Digital Cinema 2007

Master of Science Degree in Digital Cinema 2007

The Master of Science degree in Digital Cinema follows the tradition in the School of Computer Science, Telecommunications, and Information Systems (CTI) of developing innovative programs designed to fill curricular needs. Nowhere is that need more prevalent than in the area of Digital Cinema. The program emphasizes the technical and technology-based topics and practices of digital cinema. Such topics and practices include post-production editing of video and audio, the integration of video and audio, special effects and computer-generated imaging, and modes of digital distribution.

Today, virtually all theatrically released films are edited on computers. More and more Hollywood films are shot using high-definition digital cameras. Filmmakers including George Lucas, James Cameron, and Robert Rodriguez have made movies without ever touching a piece of 35mm film. Theaters are now showing movies using digital video projectors. The number increases every year. The future belongs to Digital Cinema.

No U.S. university offers a MS degree in Digital Cinema. Many offer MA and/or MFA degrees in the traditional areas of cinema production and studies, firmly rooted in traditional film production techniques and aesthetics. Digital Cinema at DePaul CTI is dedicated to utilizing the latest cutting edge digital technology while incorporating classic cinema narrative theory and aesthetics. The program seeks to define and to develop the relationship between changing technologies and creative artistic expression.

The Master of Science (MS) degree in Digital Cinema offers two programs of graduate study for students.

The Cinema Program is the advanced study of all aspects of digital filmmaking including screenwriting, producing, directing, cinematography, editing, and sound design. The emphasis of the program is on the individual student's development as a digital filmmaker and storyteller.

The Animation Concentration features a program of study in traditional animation (hand-drawn and stop-motion), 3D modeling and character animation for cinema and game art, in addition to the core cinema courses.

FIND OUT MORE AT THE DIGITAL CINEMA WEBSITE

The program follows a three-phase sequence, with each phase preparing the student for the subsequent phase. The master's degree program consists of:

• Prerequisite Phase
• Core Knowledge Phase
• Advanced Phase
• Option for the MFA Phase

Upon acceptance into the masters degree program, the student will meet with their faculty advisor to discuss required courses for the Prerequisite Phase. The Prerequisite Phase is intended to ensure that all students enter graduate courses with an equivalent background. While completing this phase, a student is considered a conditionally admitted masters student. In the Core Knowledge phase, a student will follow a sequence of courses to acquire an understanding of the technological and theoretical foundations for the particular degree. In the Advanced Phase of the program, the fundamental information learned previously allows a student to study advanced topics within their chosen degree. This phase adds depth to the work completed in the Core Knowledge Phase. Individual interests and needs are also addressed through a series of elective courses chosen in consultation with the student's faculty advisor.

Grade and GPA requirements

Grades: Students must receive a grade of B- or better in each prerequisite course and a C- or better in all other courses.

GPA: Students must maintain a graduate level GPA of 2.50 or higher while pursuing their degree. Students will not be approved for graduation with less than a 2.50 GPA. Students with a GPA of 3.90 or higher will graduate with distinction.

The Cinema Program

Prerequisite Phase

Students must demonstrate prerequisite competencies by transcript or by successful completion of the following courses:

and a choice of two from the following list:

By taking these courses and receiving a grade of a B- or better in each, the student will have completed the requirements of the Prerequisite Phase. All or part of the Prerequisite Phase may be waived if a student has the equivalent academic background. Alternatively, students with practical experience may complete a Graduate Assessment Examination (GAE) to show competency in a prerequisite. All students are blocked from enrolling in Core Knowledge Phase courses prior to completing their prerequisites. The student must submit an online Change of Status request when the Prerequisite Phase is completed to inform the Student Services offices that the block can be removed. The online request must be submitted two weeks before the student intends to register for graduate level classes. The student will then be considered a fully admitted student, and may pass to the Graduate Phase of the program. Students may submit the Change of Status request by logging in to MyCTI.

Core Knowledge Phase

Core Knowledge Courses

Fully admitted students in the Core Knowledge phase may register for a maximum of four Advanced phase courses. The Core Knowledge Phase courses for the MS in Digital Cinema are:

Core Knowledge Phase

The core knowledge phase is designed to provide a common foundation in digital cinema production.

Advanced Phase

The advanced phase provides specialized knowledge in digital cinema topics, as well as allowing students to choose a particular emphasis for their studies.

Required Advanced Phase Courses

Elective Advanced Phase Courses

Students in this program will have 3 electives to be chosen from the following list:

Students in this program will also have to take 2 graduate-level electives from any CTI MS program.

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