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OT: To any professors and graduate students here

posted 11 years ago by WeAreWhatWeWatch
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Hi,

I have a serious question, but I didn't know where to go for answers. So, I have come to this board (though I will post this question elsewhere too just in case)... I am hoping some of you here will know the answer.

I am planning on perusing a Masters in Film Studies. But, due to some real limitations, my only real option seems to be to take it online. As you might imagine though, there aren't many institutions offering online degrees in that area of study. I did find one though, which is more or less affordable and offers a the entire program online. Here's the link:

http://www.nu.edu/OurPrograms/CollegeOfLettersAndSciences/ArtsAndHuman ities/Programs/MasterofArtsinFilmStudies.html

It looks good to me. But, I noticed that the lead faculty member of the program has his Ph.D. in American Literature. And, that raised some red flags for me. Because that's quite a jump, from getting a degree in literature to heading a Film Studies program, isn't it?

So, here's my question: Does this mean that I can't trust the program? In other words, dos the fact that this professor does not have a degree in Film Studies mean that he can't be trusted to teach it?

I am excited about the prospect of starting there, and I didn't come here to be talked out of it. But, that said, I also want to be on the safe side and not waste my money on a false education from scam artists. So, any advise and opinions, especially from faculty or graduate students will be much appreciated!

[–] fliboy486 11 years ago

Hi. More important than what the faculty members studied, is what you plan to do with your degree, and there for how the program is accredited. Most film majors become instructors or professors. Depending on where you would like to teach you may need a higher degree after your masters. If the online program is nationally accredited this will be a difficult task. Your best bet is a regional accreditation.

This may be hard for the film industry as it's not very accessible, but your best bet is to contact some of the places you would like to work and ask them what training and education they look for.

[–] fliboy486 11 years ago

oh and to put in perspective some of my film professors at a state school where from completely different fields like theater, digital media, computer science, sociology.