andypants

Hi Asher, I can tell you a bit about UCLA's CMS program. One thing to consider would be UCLA's quarter system vs. the semester system. My undergrad operated the same way, and while things move along pretty quickly, it allowed me to take all sorts of classes, which I enjoyed. As far as I know, Janet Bergstrom and Allyson Field specialize in European and African American silent/early film, respectively. Kathleen McHugh does feminism and directs UCLA's Women Studies Center. UCLA is also great if you're interested in archival research/studies. As ci1717 mentioned, LA has excellent resources, whether you want to do research (you'd have access to UCLA's remarkable archive, as well as the Academy library and others) or get connected with the industry. I don't know much about UT-Austin, but I've heard many good things about the city and program! I also think it's a good idea to talk with current students, and look into the courses they're currently offering at each school. Good luck!!!

Ugh. That's not something I even considered, thanks for the advice. I do find UCLA to be the better fit for me, interest-wise (primarily post-WWII European film). May I ask what your focus area is?

Hello everyone, I've narrowed my choices down to USC vs. UCLA (MA in Critical/Cinema Studies), and am leaning towards the latter. What are your thoughts on UCLA's program, its advantages and weaknesses? Also, is anyone here NOT pursuing an academic career? I'm interested in public programming/curating and writing, but I sometimes have doubts that getting an MA is the best way to go about that... any opinions? Thanks for your input, and congrats to all who received good news!