Emory University

What you'll study

Students follow a curriculum that balances critical frameworks and hands-on production. Typical modules and areas of focus include:

• Film theory and history: film movements, national cinemas, auteur studies and contemporary critical approaches to moving-image culture.
• Production workshops: cinematography, directing, producing and crew-based projects that cover narrative, documentary and experimental forms.
• Editing and post-production: non-linear editing, colour grading, visual effects basics and workflow for digital distribution.
• Screenwriting and storytelling: development of short and long-form screenplays, story structure and character work.
• Sound and audio design: location sound, foley, mixing and the role of sound in cinematic storytelling.
• Photography and visual arts: photographic practice, lighting, analogue and digital processes, and the relationship between still and moving images.
• Special topics and electives: documentary practice, experimental media, media law and ethics, festival strategy and curatorial practice.
• Capstone project / thesis: an independently produced film, multi-media installation or a written thesis accompanied by creative work, demonstrating mastery of craft and critical reflection.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The selection process typically requires a personal statement outlining artistic and scholarly goals, a portfolio or reel showcasing relevant creative work, and academic or professional references. A curriculum vitae or résumé detailing education and production experience is requested. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview or to submit additional materials; prior experience in film, video or photography is advantageous but applicants from adjacent disciplines who demonstrate strong creative potential are also considered.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of creative and cultural roles across film, television, digital media and the arts. Common career paths include directing, cinematography, editing, producing, screenwriting, sound design and photographic practice, as well as roles in festival programming, curatorial work, media education and criticism. The programme’s combination of critical training and practical experience also prepares graduates for further research at doctoral level or for freelance careers in production and post-production.

Why study at Emory University

Emory offers a close-knit, interdisciplinary environment in which students can pair practice with scholarly inquiry, benefiting from faculty mentorship and small cohort sizes. Located in Atlanta, the university provides proximity to a vibrant film and media industry, festival circuits and gallery networks, creating opportunities for internships, collaborations and professional networking. The programme emphasises access to production resources, critical dialogue and career support to help students transition into the creative sectors or advanced academic study.