Biola's Cinema and Media Arts program's objective is to equip students to serve as observers, interpreters, creators and patrons of mass media. We do that by offering students a thorough grounding in the theory, research and practices of Mass Communication, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and technology, instructed by our accomplished faculty. We follow God as the ultimate creative force and communicate this with the world around us. Our location in Southern California allows us to access media industry professionals working in Hollywood, securing noted guest speakers, prime internships and additional resources via our Biola Studio Task Force.

What will I study?

Biola's Cinema and Media Arts program's objective is to equip students to serve as observers, interpreters, creators and patrons of mass media. We do that by offering students a thorough grounding in the theory, research and practices of Mass Communication, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and technology, instructed by our accomplished faculty. We follow God as the ultimate creative force and communicate this with the world around us. Our location in Southern California allows us to access media industry professionals working in Hollywood, securing noted guest speakers, prime internships and additional resources via our Biola Studio Task Force.

Concentrations

• Off Hollywood [Degree Requirement Sheets]
• Screenwriting [Degree Requirement Sheets]
• Television/Video Production [Degree Requirement Sheets]
• Media Management [Degree Requirement Sheets]

Admissions Requirements

Admission to Biola University's CMA program is highly competitive. We want creative students who are willing to have their faith stretched and their talents expanded. Examine what you offer Biola and the entertainment industry. Carefully consider your passions and gifts. Plan a visit to campus. Schedule a tour of our studio. Clarify your calling to Cinema and Media Arts. Currently less than half of the students who apply are accepted into the program. Apply early. Apply well. Complete application information is available on the Biola University admissions website.

This application is subsequent to and separate from your application to Biola University. The CMA program will not process an application until the applicant has been accepted by Biola University. Be sure you apply to Biola before or at the same time you apply to the CMA major of the Mass Communication Department.

Overview of Application Procedure

1. Submit your application to Biola University
2. Review the CMA application process and Submit your CMA application at the same time you submit your application to Biola OR subsequent to your application to Biola.
3. Receive notification of admission to Biola University.
4. Application reviewed by the CMA department.
5. Receive notification of admission to the CMA major.

Interesting classes I might take

• Screenwriting
• Motion Picture Post-Production
• Advanced Nonlinear Editing

What can I do with a degree in Cinema and Media Arts?

• Director
• Producer
• Video Editor
• Screenwriter
• Camera Operator
• Sound Technician

Why choose Cinema and Media Arts at Biola?

In addition to our curriculum, the department has several outstanding distinctives:

• Students have 24-hour access to the Production Center. This 5,000 square foot facility features a sound stage, recording room, and over a dozen audio and video editing facilities.
• Our equipment room is affectionately known as the ER. There are over 1,000 items available for checkout, including cameras, microphones, lighting instruments and supporting pieces.
• Located less than 30 miles from Los Angeles, students have access to the people and companies that make up the ìEntertainment Capital of the World.î Our students are able to secure internships within the highest levels of Hollywood.
• The Studio Task Force is a group of over 200 Christian media professionals who support the CMA program. They are invested in training and equipping the next generation of faith-fueled writers, directors, producers and crew. This is accomplished through classroom teaching, mentoring, internships, job contacts, and the donation of almost 1.5 million dollars toward department development.
• The Biola Media Conference brings together a talented slate of Entertainment Industry professionals to share their expertise with our students and alumni. Recent speakers include Ralph Winter (producer of the X-Men movies), Arthur Anderson (1st Assistant director of Mission Impossible 2) and David McFadzean, co-creator of Home Improvement. This annual gathering attracts hundreds of participants from around the country. We also offer special Saturday Seminars for our students, focused upon particular crafts. These "master classes" give students an opportunity to learn from the finest working pros who combine their faith with their business.
• Our department is a participant in several off-campus semester programs. The Los Angeles Film Studies Center allows students to live, intern and take classes in Burbank, CA just minutes from the Disney and Warner Brothers studios. The Contemporary Music Center lets students pursue recording or music management in an artist's colony on Martha's Vineyard with an extended trip to Nashville. The American Studies Program features a semester in Washington D.C studying political science and is an excellent opportunity for journalists or documentarians.

What are BU Cinema and Media Arts graduates doing now?

Biola graduates from the Cinema and Media Arts major have gone on to study at the following graduate schools:

USC, UCLA