Behind the scenes photo at DePaul Cinespace Studios featuring cameras on dollies

Tell Stories that Change Culture atDePaul’s School of Cinematic Arts

Develop your creative voice while crafting impactful stories

AT A GLANCE

Creativity With Purpose
Each script and scene challenges you to think expansively

<div class="ck-content"><p>DePaul’s School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) empowers emerging filmmakers and animators to tell inclusive, human-centered stories through skill mastery, critical thinking and community engagement—directly echoing DePaul’s broader Vincentian commitment to academic excellence, real-world experience and systemic change.</p></div>

Students working in a stop motion animation lab
student shooting a filmed interview

FIND YOUR PATH

30+

focused programs, each anchored in DePaul’s spirit of service and the broader creative movement.

<div class="ck-content"><p><em>Recognized nationally. Rooted in Chicago’s screen industry.</em></p></div>

FIND YOUR PATH

School of Cinematic Arts Programs

The future you dream of starts here. Explore cinematic arts programs that open new ways to think, create and lead as they help you bring your future to life.
Animation

<div class="ck-content"><p id="aniprogs">DePaul’s Animation program ranks among the best in the nation. You’ll receive rigorous training in character development, 3D animation, storyboarding, design, game art, VFX, motion graphics, stop-motion and more—giving you the skills you need to shape the future of the craft.</p><p><br /><strong>Degrees offered: </strong><a href="https://www.depaul.edu/academics/programs/mfa-in-animation"><strong>MFA</strong></a><strong> </strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;font-size:11.0pt;"><strong>●</strong></span><span style="font-family:&quot;Rethink Sans&quot;;font-size:11.0pt;"><strong>&nbsp; </strong></span><a href="https://www.depaul.edu/academics/programs/ma-in-animation"><strong>MA</strong></a><strong> </strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;font-size:11.0pt;"><strong>●</strong></span><span style="font-family:&quot;Rethink Sans&quot;;font-size:11.0pt;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></span><strong> </strong><a href="https://www.depaul.edu/academics/programs/bfa-in-animation"><strong>BFA</strong></a><strong> </strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;font-size:11.0pt;"><strong>●</strong></span><span style="font-family:&quot;Rethink Sans&quot;;font-size:11.0pt;"><strong>&nbsp; </strong></span><a href="https://www.depaul.edu/academics/programs/bfa-in-animation"><strong>BA</strong></a><strong> </strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;font-size:11.0pt;"><strong>●</strong></span><span style="font-family:&quot;Rethink Sans&quot;;font-size:11.0pt;"><strong>&nbsp; </strong></span><a href="https://www.depaul.edu/academics/programs/bs-in-computer-science-animation"><strong>Computer Science + Animation BS</strong></a></p></div>

still from an animated film
Screenwriting

<div class="ck-content"><p id="swprogs">Work with award-winning screenwriting faculty to hone your craft, find your voice and make your mark. You’ll draft, refine and champion your scripts in table reads, writers’ room simulations, Second City labs and more.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Degree offered: </strong><a href="https://www.depaul.edu/academics/programs/mfa-in-screenwriting"><strong>MFA</strong></a></p></div>

comedy writers room
Film and TV Production

<div class="ck-content"><p id="ftvprogs">Pursue a production career alongside creative, dedicated teams. In every production program at DePaul, you’ll gain hands-on crew experience and work with mentors who are dedicated to furthering your growth.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Degrees offered: </strong><a href="https://www.depaul.edu/academics/programs/mfa-in-film-and-television"><strong>MFA</strong></a><strong> </strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;font-size:11.0pt;"><strong>●</strong></span><span style="font-family:&quot;Rethink Sans&quot;;font-size:11.0pt;"><strong>&nbsp; </strong></span><a href="https://www.depaul.edu/academics/programs/ms-in-film-and-television"><strong>MS</strong></a><strong> </strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;font-size:11.0pt;"><strong>●</strong></span><span style="font-family:&quot;Rethink Sans&quot;;font-size:11.0pt;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></span><strong> </strong><a href="https://www.depaul.edu/academics/programs/bfa-in-film-and-television"><strong>BFA</strong></a><strong> </strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;font-size:11.0pt;"><strong>●</strong></span><span style="font-family:&quot;Rethink Sans&quot;;font-size:11.0pt;"><strong>&nbsp; </strong></span><a href="https://www.depaul.edu/academics/programs/ba-in-film-and-television"><strong>BA</strong></a><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p></div>

students shooting on DePaul's virtual production stage
Creative Producing

<div class="ck-content"><p>Guide projects from inspiration to launch, navigating strategy, budget and team culture. This program is based in LA.</p></div>

film crew behind the scenes
Documentary

<div class="ck-content"><p>Tell stories that share inspiring histories, investigate the present and imagine new futures.</p></div>

student filming live event
FILM AND TV PRODUCTION
Cinematography
Learn the art and technology of visual storytelling using cameras and workflows trusted by professionals.
FILM AND TV PRODUCTION
Production
Sharpen your instincts in a team-based environment, creating alongside peers in live studio scenarios that include comedy films.
FILM AND TV PRODUCTION
Directing
Cultivate your directorial approach, moving ideas from concept to celebrated screenings, while learning what it takes to lead a set.
FILM AND TV PRODUCTION
Showrunner
Learn the craft of becoming a producer in an ever-changing television landscape by creating a vetted writing portfolio and web series to cultivate your identity as a storyteller.
FILM AND TV PRODUCTION
Documentary
Learn the entire filmmaking process, and apply it to non-fiction stories on film, TV or web.
FILM AND TV PRODUCTION
Creative Producing
Future producers gain a foundation in production, while specializing in skills related to the business side of film, TV, and web.
FILM AND TV PRODUCTION
Production Design
Breathe life into sets and environments, translating storylines into immersive spaces at Cine space.
Post-Production 

<div class="ck-content"><p>You bring the ideas. We provide the spaces and resources you need to record, edit or finish what you’re working on. We’re here to help you bring your vision to life.</p></div>

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POST PRODUCTION
Editing
Find your rhythm in the subtle work where story and emotion are refined in every sequence.
POST PRODUCTION
Virtual Production
Engage in boundary-pushing techniques and engineer digital environments that blur the line between real and imagined.
POST PRODUCTION
Sound Design
Craft emotional landscapes, using sound to deepen meaning and unlock new dimensions.
POST PRODUCTION
Visual Effects
Merge innovation and artistry, mastering new tech to create both breathtaking realism and stylized cinematic worlds.
The Art of Comedy
Work with comedy experts

<div class="ck-content"><p>Comedy filmmaking students attend classes at DePaul and The Second City, where they craft and solidify their comedic voice and comedy writing craft under the instruction of professional comedians.</p></div>

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BFA IN COMEDY
Comedy Filmmaking
Take the director’s chair and bring your comic vision to life. Craft shorts and pilots, learn the art of comedic timing from set to editing suite and always keep your unique style at the center.
Undergraduate Program
MFA IN COMEDY
Comedy Screenwriting
You’ll write with and learn from working comedians. Turn your humor and perspective into sketches, sitcoms and scripts that spark laughter and reflection.
Graduate Program
WEST COAST PROGRAMS

Study in Los Angeles

Access the Hollywood advantage
Live in Los Angeles, study at the legendary Sunset Las Palmas Studios and intern with local production and streaming giants to strengthen your creative skills and access exciting professional opportunities.
LA Programs
Four students in the LA office smiling
LA PROGRAMS
LA Quarter
In ten transformative weeks, immerse yourself in a mosaic of projects, courses and fieldwork all designed to strengthen your adaptability and insight and expand your creative connections.
Study in Hollywood
Student crew shooting outdoors
LA PROGRAMS
MFA in Creative Producing
Spend two years in Los Angeles conceptualizing, budgeting, developing and presenting work that moves audiences everywhere.
MFA Program
students working in a stop motion animation lab

RANKINGS AND ACCOLADES

#12 Animation Program in the U.S.

Our animation program is where fresh perspectives take flight.

<div class="ck-content"><p>Animation Career Review (2026)</p></div>

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RANKINGS AND ACCOLADES

#9 Film School in the U.S.

The School of Cinematic Arts is where creative breakthroughs become your new standard.

<div class="ck-content"><p>The Hollywood Reporter (2025)</p></div>

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THE STEM LABEL

STEM-Designated Degrees

<div class="ck-content"><p>Build career-ready skills in cutting-edge, tech-transforming global industries in our STEM-designated animation and film degrees. International students can qualify to extend their post-graduation stay in the United States for Optional Practical Training.</p></div>

Explore STEM Degrees
Project Bluelight

<div class="ck-content"><p>Gain hands-on experience in motion picture production with Project Bluelight, a professional motion picture production company that sits within DePaul’s School of Cinematic Arts.</p></div>

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Study Abroad Programs

<div class="ck-content"><p>Our study abroad programs create opportunities to explore global filmmaking. Whether you’re practicing documentary filmmaking in Bollywood, exploring Berlin’s film history or learning about animation in Tokyo, you’ll expand your creative perspectives and return home newly inspired.</p></div>

Study Abroad students stand in front of Hobbiton movie set sign
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Apply to the Schoolof Cinematic Arts

<div class="ck-content"><p>At the School of Cinematic Arts, you’ll work with classmates, build professional and creative skills and see your projects come alive—supported by people who root for you from your first day here. Ready to see how far you can go? Let’s get started.&nbsp;</p></div>

Apply Now