Introduction | Chapman University Dodge College of Film and Media Arts

Established in 1861, Chapman University is a private, coeducational university located in Orange, California in the western region of the United States. 

The Dodge College of Film and Media Arts is world renowned in the film community. The Hollywood Reporter ranks the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts #7 in the country for American film schools, and it is considered one of the top film schools in the world. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and work alongside faculty who are some of the most influential people in the film and media business today. 

Students at Dodge College connect with the industry through prominent guest lecturers, special events, and career panels. 

Dodge College is proud of its connected student population. Dodge College graduates are known to give back to the student body by building professional connections and acting as mentors to current students. 

Students will immerse themselves in the creative process and work under the mentorship of active industry professionals creating media content for a variety of exciting and artistic projects. 

The 2020 US News & World Report ranks Chapman University as one of the best colleges in the United States. In 2019, Chapman University was ranked 5th among master’s-level universities in the Western US. 

Prospective students can schedule a tour of Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. Dodge. Private graduate tours are given by current students in the program and cover all Dodge College facilities.

Key Facts and Overview | Chapman University Dodge College of Film and Media Arts

The Dodge College of Film and Media Arts was founded in 1996 by Robert Bassett and is housed within three buildings on campus. The facilities at Dodge College are some of the more unique in higher education and film study. 

Marion Knott Studios is a 76,000-square-foot building designed as a working production studio. Marion Knott Studios features sound stages, state-of-the-art classrooms, computer labs with industry standard tools and cutting edge technology in every classroom. It is a living, breathing creative space open 24/7 for student use, complete with a 500 seat movie theater.

The Digital Media Arts center is an 18,000 square-foot building designed for animation and visual effects programs, inspired by creative giants such as Pixar, Disney, Microsoft and Google. Featured in this building is a 2D Animation Lab, collaborative spaces, an art studio and a screening room that seats over 100. 

Chapman Studios West is a 38,000-square-foot building designed for the documentary filmmaking program, home of the Dhont Documentary Center. This building is the latest addition to Dodge College, featuring a screening room for 50, a 7,000-sq. ft. sound stage, 2 editing suites and a student lounge. 

Industry Programs allows students to connect with industry professionals and are essential to the student experience at Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. The following programs at Dodge College include First Cut, Women in Focus Conference, Filmmaker-in-Residence and Institution for Creative Reality.

Majors and Degrees | Chapman University Graduate School: Dodge College of Film and Media Arts

Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts is proud to offer the following graduate programs:  

MFA in Documentary Filmmaking

The MFA in Documentary Filmmaking is uniquely focused on documentary storytelling. In this program you will gain hands-on production experience, learn about the history and aesthetics of the documentary form, study documentary genres, and learn how to develop compelling, original content through a rigorous and creative development process.

Graduate with a compelling documentary and a thorough knowledge of the business to jumpstart your career in documentary filmmaking.

Students will be immersed in the production process, from concept to distribution. 

MFA in Film Production

This three year MFA in Film Production program allows students to work alongside industry professionals and explore all aspects of film production and storytelling, industry standard tools and best professional practices. The program features four emphases that students study in the program: Directing, Cinematography, Editing, and Sound Design.

M.A. in Film Studies

In this two-year program, students study film history, critical theory and the language of aesthetics as well as develop the writing skills necessary to be a great film critic or film historian.

MFA in Film and Television Producing

In the two-year program, students will take a hands-on approach in this program while working alongside faculty who will serve as mentors. Students explore all avenues of film production including the business and creative dimensions. 

MFA in Production Design

The intensive two-year program will equip students with the knowledge to thrive and design as professional designers in the film and television industry. Students will understand how to integrate storytelling and design work. 

MFA in Screenwriting

In this two-year program, students will not only develop their own voice through story structure and character development but learn to sell their ideas to the business side of the industry. 

MFA in Television Writing and Producing

Students will strengthen their writing, which will later develop into planning and creating a series. Students will create a plot and manage casting and production. 

JD/MFA Film and Television Producing 

The ideal program for students looking to learn more about the legal aspects of film and television producing. Graduates of the JD/MFA Film and Television Producing program can begin successful careers as entertainment lawyers, or other legal roles in the entertainment industry. This program is available to students enrolled in Fowler Law School. 

MBA/MFA Film and Television Producing

Designed for people who seek executive level or management positions at talent agencies, studios, television networks and production companies. Students will develop a portfolio that showcases a proposed film or media production.

Admissions | Chapman University Dodge College of Film and Media Arts

Chapman offers students many areas of study; students are encouraged to visit the Chapman University academics page to view more information about their school’s admission requirements and application details.  

Prospective students are encouraged to review the graduate application deadlines based on their particular graduate program. The application deadline for all of Dodge College’s graduate programs are December 1 of the year before. Programs that accept applications after the deadline on a space-available basis will be noted. Please visit the Application page to view a particular program application and requirements. 

A non-refundable application fee is $60 through the online application system. Students are required to submit all official transcripts; applications will not be considered complete until all materials are received. Programs require a minimum of two letters of recommendation and a statement of intent with specific information included in your statement. Each program has different creative supplements that are required for the application process. More information can be found on the Dodge Application Site.

According to US News and World Report, Chapman University is #87 (tied) in Best Colleges for Veterans. Veterans are encouraged to meet with the Director of Veterans Affairs during the application process by phone or in-person. Veterans can learn more by visiting the Veterans Resource Center.

Costs and Financial Aid | Chapman University Graduate School: Dodge College of Film and Media Arts

Chapman University offers a variety of financial aid options available to help students invest in their higher education and attain their educational goals. Students can view more information about financial aid and cost of attendance at Chapman’s Graduate Financial Aid. 

Dodge College offers fellowships to a select number of students each year. These fellowships are awarded based on the talent shown in the application materials submitted; there is no separate application process for fellowship consideration. Preference for fellowships is given to students who apply by the December 1st deadline. 

Graduate costs and fees vary by college; students can view their particular program on the 2020/2021 Tuition & Fee Information page. 

The Chapman University Harriet S. Salmon Interest Free Loan is an interest free loan awarded through the Office of financial Aid. For information on eligibility for this type of loan, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at 714-997-6741. 

Students interested in need-based financial aid should submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or the California Dream Act Application if they are not eligible for federal financial aid.