Interested in Earning a BFA?

The BFA in Cinema and Television Arts is an intensive degree for students who want to go above and beyond what they can do in the normal sequence of classes within the major. The thesis project is the culminating experience for students in the BFA program, and should demonstrate advanced research, technical, and creative skills, fostered through experiential learning and one-on-one faculty mentorship. Students independently produce an original festival-quality television or cinematic work, script, or other media product. Students submit a proposal during their junior year that includes substantive written documentation explaining the goals and objectives of the project.

The BFA thesis project consists of:

  • at least 3-4 page written proposal based on the application guidelines
  • two consecutive semesters of CTA 4970 (2 sh/ea semester)
  • regularly scheduled meetings with the thesis project faculty mentor over two semesters
  • a fully developed production notebook including literature, film, and source material review, and reflection.
  • a midpoint review (must pass the first section to continue in the BFA)
  • a substantial festival-quality project (nature and length to be determined with faculty mentor)
  • a public screening/presentation and thesis defense of project to faculty mentor and committee

BFA Proposal Application

Interested students should contact Staci Saltz, chair of the Cinema and Television Arts Department.

Timeline

Junior Year – Fall

  • Envision concept for project

Junior Year – Spring

  • Work on BFA proposal (all signatures due no later than April 15)

Senior Year – Fall

  • Enroll in CTA 4970, BFA Thesis Project (Must pass the first section to continue in the BFA.)
  • Conduct review of pertinent motion pictures, artworks in other mediums, literature, including historic and journalistic sources, scholarly writing, and creative works
  • Complete pre-production of project
  • Complete production notebook that informs the project
  • Apply for grant funding, if appropriate
  • Begin production of project upon approval of pre-production documents by the faculty mentor

Senior Year – Spring

  • Enroll in CTA 4970, BFA Thesis Project (Must pass the second section to receive the BFA.)
  • Complete production of project
  • Complete post-production of project
  • Delivery of project to faculty mentor – See course syllabus for deadlines.
  • Public presentation/screening of thesis project

Download Proposal

For more information regarding the Cinema and Television Arts B.F.A. Thesis Project, download the BFA proposal document here.