Studying cinematography in the USA will offer you a deeper understanding of the world of film and visual storytelling. You will be equipped with theoretical knowledge and practical skills that will enable you to thrive in the film industry. Studying cinematography in the USA will allow you to gain knowledge in courses such as film history, cinematic analysis, screenwriting, film production, and film editing.

Studying cinematography in the USA will give you the best education and skills to start a successful career in cinematography. However, there are certain criteria you have to meet before you can study cinematography in the USA. Firstly, you need to possess good communication skills as well as good writing skills. Secondly, you must have the right academic qualifications and documents.

In this piece, I will guide you through the academic requirements and documents that are needed for studying cinematography in the USA.

Requirements for studying Cinematography in the USA

  1. Complete your Higher Secondary Education

    You need to complete your Secondary Education to be able to study cinematography in the USA. You should have completed your education to the 12th grade. Additionally, the minimum aggregate marks for cinematography in the USA is 50%. However, some universities may have higher or lower requirements.

  2. High School Academic Transcripts

    You need to submit your high school academic transcripts while making your applications. This should contain all your grades as well as the subjects you studied till your 12th grade.

  3. Write the SAT/ACT

    This test is required by most universities in the USA. It is used to test every applicant’s ability before they are given admission. Therefore, you need to take this test if you want to study cinematography in the USA.

  4. English Language Proficiency

    International students are required to take and pass an English language proficiency test for admission to most US universities. This is required for both undergraduate and master’s degrees. You can take tests such as the IELTS and TOEFL. Additionally, the minimum required scores vary depending on the university. The minimum score for IELTS is 6.5 – 7.0. Additionally, the minimum score for TOEFL is 79 – 100.

  5. Statement of Purpose

    You should submit an essay that explains your experience, your interest in cinematography, your passion for film as well as your goals. Additionally, you should also include your reason for choosing to study cinematography in the USA.

Requirements for Obtaining a Masters in Cinematography in the USA

  1. Have a Bachelor’s degree

    If you are applying to study a master’s program in cinematography in the USA, you need to have a bachelor’s degree. You must have a bachelor’s degree in a field related to cinematography. Additionally, your CGPA must be a minimum of second-class upper from a recognised college or university. A minimum of GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

  2. Write the Graduate Record Examination(GRE)

    This is a standardised exam that is required for applicants who are applying for a graduate degree in the USA. The minimum score for this examination ranges from 300 to 330. However, this is not a compulsory requirement for all schools.

  3. Submit a Letter of Recommendation

    You need to have at least two recommendation letters. These letters must be obtained from an employer or a previous lecturer. Therefore, recommendation letters from a friend or family will be rejected.

  4. Statement of Purpose

    You must submit a statement of purpose or essay outlining why you want to study cinematography in the USA. Additionally, you should explain your passion for filmmaking, what your career aspirations are, and how your academic and personal history has prepared them for this field of study.

  5. Submit your Academic Transcripts

    You need to submit your academic transcripts while submitting your application. This should include all your previous education as well as all the grades and the courses. Additionally, your transcript should be written in English.

  6. Resume/CV

    You may be asked to submit a copy of your resume/CV especially if you are applying for a master’s program. Therefore, you need to submit an updated resume or curriculum vitae showcasing your work experience. Additionally, you can add your professional certifications and include the skills you have.

How to Apply

You can apply to cinematography in the USA by filling out an online application. Therefore, you need to visit the university’s website and fill out the online application. You may be required to pay an application fee. Additionally, you should make sure that you submit all the documents while filling out the online application.

Duration

The duration of studying cinematography in the USA depends on the degree you are applying for. The bachelor’s program takes about four years to complete. Additionally, the master’s degree takes one to two years to complete.

Tuition Fee

Generally, the tuition fee for cinematography in the USA ranges between 15,000 USD to 40,000 USD per year. However, this may vary based on the university that you choose to study in. Additionally, international students pay higher than home students.

Film Schools in the USA

  1. New York University, New York State
  2. University of Southern California, California
  3. University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania
  4. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, Michigan
  5. University of California – Los Angeles, California
  6. University of California – Davis, California
  7. University of Wisconsin – Madison, Wisconsin
  8. University of California – Santa Barbara, California
  9. University of Rochester, New York State
  10. University of Texas at Austin, Texas
  11. University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign, Illinois
  12. Columbia University, New York State
  13. University of Chicago, Illinois
  14. University of Florida, Florida
  15. University of California – Irvine, California
  16. Stanford University, California
  17. University of California-San Diego, California
  18. Michigan State University, Michigan
  19. University of California – Berkeley, California
  20. University of Washington – Seattle, Washington
  21. Yale University, Connecticut
  22. University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  23. Ohio State University, Ohio
  24. Carnegie Mellon University, Pennsylvania
  25. Arizona State University – Tempe, Arizona
  26. Duke University, North Carolina
  27. Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania
  28. Harvard University, Massachusetts
  29. University of Arizona, Arizona
  30. Temple University, Pennsylvania

In Conclusion, studying cinematography in the USA can be a good career decision. There are numerous benefits that come with obtaining your education in the United States. Therefore, you have to make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria to have this opportunity. You should visit the university’s website and ensure that your qualifications align with the requirements before submitting your application. Feel free to reach out for inquiries or assistance.

Good luck!

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