Effective August 1, 2023, the Master of Arts in Film and Digital Technology program (both MA and MFA) is not accepting applications while the program is on hiatus. All currently enrolled students will progress through the program to completion.

The Film and Digital Technology MA allows filmmakers and media creators to collaborate and customize their learning according to their personal interests and areas of specialization. Combining technical skills, screenwriting, and a solid foundation in theory, the program helps students develop a unique approach to storytelling regardless of genre.

Admission Requirements

Pre-requisite:

• Have a completed baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, with an overall undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale.
  If a student has below a 3.0 GPA, please feel free to apply if you show extreme promise through other achievements. Additional Admissions documents may be requested.

Completed application for admission by the posted deadline, including:

• Online application
• Admissions Essay (current prompt found in application portal)
• Curriculum vitae or Resume
• Two letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Portfolio or other examples of work in film and/or digital media. Can be submitted as an uploaded document and/or a website shared.

Admissions Materials can be uploaded in the application or submitted to:
Chatham University
Office of Graduate Admission - Berry Hall
Woodland Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
graduate@chatham.edu

Integrated Degree Program

Chatham University undergraduates applying through the Integrated Degree Program (IDP) must complete all requirements outlined on their respective admission or track tab on the IDP Portal Site. All IDP applicants should work closely with their academic advisor to ensure they are meeting all requirements according to their IDP course of study.

International Applicants

International Applicants must submit additional documentation to the Office of Admissions. A list of these documents can be found on the International Admission web page.

Learning Outcomes

1.Media Literacy, Analysis and Context
    a. Students must have a historical understanding of the media they are using and the ideas they are pursuing in their creative work.
    b. Students must be aware of major theories influencing the photography, graphic design, film, video and new media field.
    c. Students must develop original and well-informed responses to theoretical and critical analysis.     
    d. Students must look for interdisciplinary relationships between media arts and other fields of research.

2. Creative Processes
    a. Students must develop and transform original concepts into well-conceptualized projects - demonstrating a competency in project design development.
    b. Students must choose appropriate media for the development of their project and/or idea.
    c. Students must communicate their processes through various stages of development.

3. Technical Fundamentals
    a. Students must have knowledge of the technology they are utilizing for their projects (saving/storing files, various software packages and techniques, hardware, scanning, photo and digital video equipment).
    b. Students must create original projects that draw on their knowledge of the technological form in order to thoroughly investigate relationships between concept development and media used.
    c. Students must properly troubleshoot and solve technical-related problems.

4. Professional Practice
    a. Students must develop projects with an understanding of a diversified audience.
    b. Students must properly document their projects, choosing appropriate forms of media.
    c. Students must have an understanding of relevant journals, festivals, firms, etc. for later distribution or field contribution.
    d. Students must develop field-appropriate professional portfolios and be able to communicate their projects clearly.
    e. Students must develop attitudes of professional responsibility and accountability.
    f. Students must develop professional discipline (time-management, organizational skills).

Curriculum

+MA Degree Requirements

30 credits, including:

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FDT543	The Media Production Industry This course is offered in the final semester of the program and is designed to enhance the ability of graduates to establish themselves in the media production industry.	3
OR
FDT571	e-Merging Media I Maps ways the web can be utilized for the production of alternative narratives. Enables students to analyze and create works online using web-cams, streaming media, and interactive web-based projects. Additional fees: Course Computing fee	3
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FDT550	Media Project I: Digital Video Production Media Project I introduces the production process for digital video and other media work, from concept to production to completed piece. This course provides an understanding of the tools for each step of production and students focus on the technical elements of shooting and editing video.	3
FDT563	Media Contexts I: Media History Provides overview for incoming graduate students of current rhetorical concerns related to independent media, film production, and histories.	3
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FDT641	The Craft of Screenwriting Provides a focus on the art and craft of Screenwriting. Students will read and study contemporary Screenwriting, and will be expected to generate creative work that illustrates a deep understanding of the literary tools available to filmmakers in this genre.	3
OR
FDT671	Emerging Media II: Advanced Web Design Focuses on the technical through advanced study. Students will produce DVD, CD-ROM, and other interactive projects. Additional Fees: Course Computing Fee	3
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FDT650	Media Project II: Advanced Digital Video Production The course expands on the knowledge gained in Media Project I and focuses on the nonlinear editing process. Students develop their existing foundational software knowledge, learn to navigate additional NLE systems used by the industry, and have the opportunity to explore how these programs can enhance traditional editing techniques.	3
FDT663	Media Contexts I: Theory Analyzes the aesthetic conventions, narrative, and formats of new media, as well as the impact digital technologies have had on existing media.	3
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FDT666	Cinematography and Lighting In this course, students will focus on the skills required to make appropriate camera and lighting decisions under a variety of field and studio situations. Students will gain mastery of advanced concepts and principles of camera operation, camera movement, use of lenses, composition and lighting techniques used in digital filmmaking.	3
OR
FDT613	Special Topics Special Topics Class	3
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FDT675	Media Project III: Advanced Sound Production Focuses on advanced sound recording, editing, and mixing technologies using Pro Tools digital audio workstation. Additional Fee(s): Course Computing fee	3
FDT676	Media Project IV: Visual Effects & Animation Modes Extends to visual effects, animation modes and compositing. Students will utilize this course to develop their masters' thesis topic and begin pre-production processes. Additional Fee: Course Computing Fee	3
FDT698	Portfolio The MA Portfolio is the final requirement for the MA degree.The Portfolio project must demonatrate the student's aesthetic, conceptual, and technical skills along with a strong personal artistic voice from the intial concept to the completed 15 minute short film. Additional fee(s): Applied laboratory fee Pre-requisites Complete all 2 of the following courses: FDT550 Media Project I: Digital Video Production FDT650 Media Project II: Advanced Digital Video Production	3

+MFA

In addition to the 30-credit Master of Arts in Film and Digital Technology, Chatham also offers an MFA (36 credit hours) in Film and Digital Technology. Admittance to the MFA program requires departmental approval and a six-credit thesis project.

FDT699

MFA Thesis The MFA THesis is the final requirement for completion of the MFA degree. Students will demonstrate the aesthetic, conceptual, intellectual, and technical skill in a research based written thesis and a 22-to-32 minute exhibition ready film. The thesis project must demonstrate advanced written and production skills. Additional fee(s): Applied laboratory fee. Pre-requisites Complete all 2 of the following courses: FDT663 Media Contexts I: Theory FDT698 Portfolio

6

+Minor Requirements

12 credits

ACT222	Financial Accounting Principles I This course represents an introduction to accounting principles including the accounting process, double-entry bookkeeping, adjusting entries, and the preparation of financial statements. The objectives of this course are to make students aware of the importance of accounting information in every type of organization (private business, not-for-profit, and governmental).	3
BUS105	Foundations of Business This course introduces the theory and practice of business and fosters analytical thinking. Students build a foundation for learning by gaining an understanding of business organizations, their structure and functions, the increasingly dynamic and complex global setting in which they compete, and the fundamentals of sustainable business practices.	3
BUS243	Principles of Marketing This course introduces students to the basic concepts of marketing strategy and management. Basic marketing concepts such as strategic segmentation, targeting, positioning, product design, pricing, promotions and distribution are covered. Environmental sustainability is analyzed from the consumer perspective.	3
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ECN101	Principles of Macroeconomics The concepts of national income and output are analyzed, and emphasis is placed on factors that influence the levels of economic activity, unemployment, and inflation, including fiscal and monetary policy and the role of international economics.	3
OR
ECN102	Principles of Microeconomics Microeconomics is the study of how households and firms make decisions and how they interact in specific markets. Students are introduced to the basic concepts and tools that economists use to understand how the economy works. This course is designed to increase economic literacy through acquiring core knowledge about economics.	3
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+Two (2) approved Business Electives

6 credits

BUS301	Introduction to Continuous Improvement Methodologies This course introduces students to concepts, tools, and skills essential for problem solving, decision making, and change management using continuous improvement methodologies. Continuous improvement methodologies covered in the course include introductions to Lean, Six Sigma, the Toyota Production System, and Agile. The course will include a class project. Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses: BUS110 Business Statistics MTH110 Elementary Statistics	3
BUS350	Advertising and Promotion This course offers a detailed study of advertising and promotion, including public relations and support media. An integrated marketing communications perspective is emphasized. Advertising and promotion are examined utilizing a range of media outlets, including the internet, television, consumer magazines and professional journals. Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses: BUS243 Principles of Marketing BUS243W Principles of Marketing	3
BUS357	Strategy and Entrepreneurial Ventures This course illustrates the strategic management framework by taking students through the entrepreneurial process from start-up growth while exploring the personal and professional challenges. The student examines key issues in opportunity recognition, financing models, strategic choices, and sources of competitive advantage at different stages of the firm's development.	3
BUS390	Human Resources Management This course uses readings and case studies to assess and evaluate alternative approaches in staffing, training and development, organization development, performance appraisal, compensation, benefits, labor relations, and collective bargaining. The emphasis of the course is to help students understand these elements of human resources management within an integrated systems approach.	3
BUS395W	Leadership and Management This course builds students' ability to identify challenges facing managers in 21st century organizations. The course covers theories and applications of leadership in the changing environment of today's world. Students learn organizational skills, presentation skills, and critical thinking skills. Writing skills are emphasized. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: BUS105 Foundations of Business	3
BUS413	Operations This course introduces students to technical tools and skills essential for problem solving and decision making in operations management. Topics include manufacturing and service operations, inventory optimization, network planning, demand forecasting, transportation planning, product planning, Lean and Six Sigma. Mastery of quantitative methods using spreadsheet modeling is required. Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses: BUS110 Business Statistics MTH110 Elementary Statistics PSY213 Statistics and Research Design	3
BUS423	Continuous Improvement Project Course Students will advance their knowledge and application in the form of a continuous improvement project. The project will apply to a process (or processes) with a designated client. Students will work independently with stakeholders of the given process to make improvements using continuous improvement methodologies. Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses: BUS413 Logistics and Operations BUS301 Introduction to Six Sigma	3
BUS445	Marketing Strategy This course examines the concepts and processes for gaining competitive advantage in the marketplace. It is designed around a marketing planning approach with an emphasis on strategic analysis and planning. The course takes a hands-on approach toward analyzing markets and market behavior, and matching strategies to changing market conditions. Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses: BUS243 Principles of Marketing BUS243W Principles of Marketing	3
BUS452	Managing Nonprofit Organizations Through the use of case studies, assignments, and class projects, this course familiarizes students with the distinctiveness of nonprofit organizations and their management. Specific topics include marketing and fund raising, budgeting, personnel management and supervision, strategic planning and implementation, environmental and program evaluation, and managing interorganizational networks. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: BUS105 Foundations of Business Complete all 2 of the following courses: SWK102 Introduction to Social Work, Social Justice and Social Issues SWK101 Introduction to Sociology	3
BUS462	Global Procurement In this course, students examine success factors, ethical challenges, legal issues, and managerial implications of global procurement. Students also develop a deep understanding of the impact of procurement on quality, cost, and efficiency of supply chain management through use of procurement tools, techniques, and methodologies. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: BUS105 Foundations of Business	3
BUS496	Digital Marketing This course explores digital platforms that transform marketing, including the Internet, search engines, online advertising platforms, and digital analytics platforms. Through participation in real or simulated digital marketing projects, the student will critically apply principles of advertising, marketing analytics, and research methods. Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses: BUS243 Principles of Marketing BUS243W Principles of Marketing	3
SUS470	Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) This course helps students to understand the roles and responsibilities of organizations beyond just making an economic profit. Students are exposed to approaches to managing CSR. CSR is explored as a way for organizations to create value, thus, CSR is seen as crucial for business success in the 21st century.	3
ACT324	Individual Tax Accounting The primary emphasis of the course is on the income taxation of individuals, but the course also includes an overview of the federal taxation of other forms of business organization (e.g., corporations, partnerships). The focus of the course is on developing knowledge of tax law and its application. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: ACT222 Financial Accounting Principles I	3
ECN351	International Trade and Finance An introduction to international trade and finance, and an examination of the structure of international trade and the functioning of the international monetary system. Attention is given to recent issues in these areas and the relationship between the domestic and international economies. Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses: ECN102 Principles of Microeconomics ECN101 Principles of Macroeconomics	3
ECN358W	Economic Development An examination of the factors accounting for economic growth and development of modern economically developed nations and less-developed areas. A review of the problems encountered in initiating and sustaining the process of economic development. Major policy issues are discussed. This course fulfills a global general education mission course requirement. Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses: ECN102 Principles of Microeconomics ECN101 Principles of Macroeconomics	3