Master of Science Film and Television

The Master of Science in Film and Television emphasizes technical and creative proficiency in the areas of cinematography, editing, sound and visual effects. This intensive program is designed for students looking to acquire and further professional career skills in film and television. The degree is well-suited for career-changers as well as experienced professionals who want to add new technologies and creative workflows to their expertise.

DePaul has been named a top film school by The Hollywood Reporter, Backstage, Variety, and MovieMaker for giving students real-world opportunities to work on Chicago’s film and television sets. Film and Television students take classes and work on their projects at DePaul’s nearly 60,000-square-foot professional production facility at Cinespace, next door to the production of high-profile series like Chicago Fire, The Bear, and The Chi. This one-of-a-kind student filmmaking experience allows students to use same facilities and equipment as professional filmmakers.

For international students: this is a STEM-designated program, which can qualify you to extend your post-graduation stay in the United States.

Daniel Willis (MS ‘12)

Daniel Willis is a director, writer, and photographer who draws on his experience growing up on Chicago’s south side. Daniel began his production career as a writer’s assistant on the ABC drama, Grey’s Anatomy. He was a 2017-2018 Sony Diverse Directors Fellow and 2018 Film Independent Project Involve Directing Fellow. Willis' short films and television projects have screened at festivals around the world including The Chicago International Television Festival, SeriesFest, The New York Television Festival, and the Cannes Short Film Corner. Willis is working in network television where his recent directing credits include So Help Me Todd, The Blacklist, and Chicago Med and writing credits include Twenties and Boomerang.

"DePaul was so instrumental to my growth as a writer and director because they provided the space and resources for students to not only study, but practice the craft of filmmaking. Being a part of the inaugural LA Quarter also had a huge impact because that was my introduction to the business of Hollywood and it provided a seamless transition from education to vocation.

SCA Alumni

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Pete Biagi
Pete is CDM’s Cinematographer in Residence. He has shot over twenty feature films, as well as several long form documentaries and narrative shorts. Pete’s films have screened at Sundance, and his credits include A Prairie Home Companion, Stolen Summer, and The Company.
Rob Steel
Rob Steel is a composer and sound designer for cinema, theater and other media. He is a recipient of awards from ASCAP and the Illinois Arts Council.
Dana Kupper
Dana has traveled the globe as a documentary cinematographer, working on such highly regarded films as the Roger Ebert documentary Life Itself and American Creed. Her work has won a Best Cinematographer award at Sundance and has aired nationally.
Brian Andrews
Brian Andrews is a storyteller and visual technologist. His creative research explores the interplay of nature, culture, and technology within developing visual mediums. Brian’s works have been featured in the Sundance Film Festival, Cannes XR - Festival de Cannes, the Queens Museum, Hyde Park Art Center, and the California Academy of Sciences.

DePaul Cinespace Studios

CDM boasts a one-of-a-kind, nearly 60,000-square-foot professional production facility and cinematic learning environment formed in alliance with Cinespace Chicago Film Studios. Students learn filmmaking craft and technique steps away from high-profile network productions filming on the Cinespace lot.

LA Quarter

This ten-week immersion program allows students to experience the inner workings of Hollywood first hand as they live in Los Angeles, take classes on a historic studio lot, and intern at high profile companies aligning with their professional aspirations.

Premiere Film Festival

Our annual Premiere Film Festival showcases the best of student work in cinema and animation with awards covering all facets of filmmaking, from screenwriting to post production. Jury members include industry insiders, festival programmers, and filmmakers from around the country.

DePaul Cinema Collaborative

The DCC is a student organization that fosters new collaborations, arming students with focused information, industry opportunities, closer proximity to guest lecturers, and a better sense of what it takes to succeed in the industry.

Visiting Artists Series

This series brings innovative practitioners and industry leaders to the DePaul campus for film screenings, on-stage conversations, and professional panels. Students are given the opportunity to have direct and meaningful contact with established and emerging innovators and professionals in the field.

Project Bluelight

Project Bluelight is a professional, educational, and community outreach program where students receive hands-on experience in motion picture production. The goals of the program are to create high-quality independent films and to provide an intensive, practical, film production experience for DePaul students.

Application Deadlines

Enrollment Quarter	Domestic Student Deadline	International Student Deadline
Fall	August 1	June 15

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Admission Process

The graduate application process involves completing an online application, sending in your transcripts and submitting any supplemental material (e.g., letters of recommendation, certifications, etc.). To learn more about your program specific requirements, visit our Graduate Admission page.

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