MA in English - Film and Media Studies in Rochester United States | University of Rochester

Our English MA program stands apart from similar programs due to its accelerated schedule. Spanning just one academic year, this rigorous, immersive curriculum equips students to transition smoothly into diverse career paths—including education, writing, publishing, media, academic administration, arts leadership, communications, business, nonprofit work, or advanced scholarship. MA candidates enjoy equal access to departmental resources alongside first-year PhD students, sharing courses, faculty mentorship, and academic events. Mirroring the PhD experience, the MA program provides personalized guidance, culminating in a customizable capstone project: either a scholarly/creative thesis or a comprehensive examination. Graduates consistently report these options serve as valuable launching pads for their professional journeys.
Beyond the standard English MA, our department partners with the George Eastman Museum's L. Jeffrey Selznick School of Film Preservation to deliver a specialized track merging film/media studies with archival training.
This unique dual-degree program awards an English MA with a Certificate of Advanced Achievement in Film Studies and Preservation—the first museum-university initiative of its kind, blending theoretical study with practical conservation skills.