Media and Theatre Arts

(See our web site for more information.) http://mta.montana.edu

The Department of Media and Theatre Arts (MTA) offers two distinct options leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree either in Motion Picture/Video/Theatre or in Photography.

Both the Motion Picture/Video/Theatre degree program and the Photography degree program are in heavy demand, therefore GPA gates are in place, allowing only a certain number of students to continue, in order to preserve the integrity of student education. In Motion/Picture/Video/ Theatre the curriculum begins with first-year foundation courses emphasizing an understanding and analysis of motion pictures, photography, and theatre and introduces students to the actual production process. Motion Picture/Video/Theatre requires that students pass a distinct academic gate in pursuit of the degree. To be eligible for consideration for admission to the MPVT major with sophomore standing, a student must have completed the required first-year (foundation) courses with a minimum 3.00 GPA. This minimum GPA is only the qualifying grade point for consideration for sophomore admission to the major and does not guarantee admission. Admission is for fall semester only. Students must apply on a MTA application form by April 30th, for admission to the MPVT major with sophomore standing for the following fall semester. The department will notify students accepted for the coming fall semester on or before June 30th. When any of the six required first-year MTA courses has been attempted at MSU, a student's grade may change only by retaking that specific course in Media & Theatre Arts (i.e., no transfer credits or other substitutions for the specific course are permitted). A student who is not admitted to sophomore standing may reapply only once. Admission to the upper division 300- and 400- level courses in Motion Picture/Video/Theatre requires a 3.0 GPA in all departmental classes required at the 100- and 200- levels. In the third year, students who qualify by attaining a minimum average GPA in their MTA requirements in the first two years build upon these basics in production process workshops that are required of all students in fiction, non-fiction, television, and stage. The individual student's capstone senior project is approved by the entire faculty and developed in consultation with a team of faculty advisors assigned to the project through a workshop process. In addition, each student, in agreement with her/his advisor, must select a particular area of interest.

The curriculum in Photography emphasizes both artistic and applied approaches to the medium. A four-year program of comprehensive courses includes introduction to new technologies of digital imaging and manipulation of still images as well as conventional silver-based practice. Photography requires that students complete MTA 103 with a grade of "B" or higher, followed by faculty approval of a portfolio review to advance to MTA 264 and MTA 265. In order to advance to upper division courses in this curriculum, Photography requires that students complete MTA 103, 264 and 265 with a minimum average GPA of 2.6. The senior year consists of two semesters of independent capstone projects. Proposals for these projects are approved by photography faculty members prior to production. The Photography Option sets high standards for production and is one of the few four-year degree programs in photography in a sizable geographical area of north central and northwest United States. The Photography option is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

For both the Motion Picture/Video/Theatre and the Photography options, there are specific classes that are offered only in sequence. Any prospective transfer student should send a list of courses that he/she has completed elsewhere or is in the process of completing, for evaluation by the Department of Media and Theatre Arts well in advance of registering at MSU. Students who intend to transfer to MTA should seek prior approval of credit taken elsewhere in order to be certain that these credits will count toward the degree in Motion Picture/Video/Theatre or Photography. In no case may a class completed with a grade below "C" elsewhere be applied toward the departmental requirements for the degree in either Motion Picture/Video/Theatre or Photography. Any class submitted by an entering student in the Motion Picture Video/Theatre option for transfer toward any of the five first-year requirements must be approved by a MPVT professor of the course for which transfer credit is sought and the MTA department chair on the basis of a review of the syllabus of the course taken elsewhere. A challenge exam may be required for any transfer credit at the discretion of the course professor. Students who intend to transfer into the Photography option must have earned a grade of "B" or higher in the beginning photography class and submit a portfolio to photography faculty. The portfolio will be reviewed at the end of the semester in which they enter the curriculum. All students enrolled in Media and Theatre Arts will be assigned an academic advisor.

Course fees are assessed to all students enrolled in MTA 102 and MTA 103. Students who have declared a major, minor or double major in Media & Theatre Arts are charged a program fee per semester (subject to annual increase) beginning their sophomore year.

Curricula in Media and Theatre Arts

• Motion Picture/Video/Theatre Option
• Photography Option
• Photography Minor (Non-Teaching)

MOTION PICTURE/VIDEO/THEATRE OPTION

The following is a recommended course plan for MTA majors. Variations may occur in a student's schedule. The freshman year requirements must be successfully completed before a student may enroll in sophomore year courses. The sophomore year requirements must be successfully completed before a student may enroll in junior year courses.

*MTA 102 and MTA 103 are offered both fall and spring semesters. These courses may be taken in either fall or spring semester.

All the required MTA first year courses 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, and 218, must be completed with a minimum average GPA of 3.0 in order to be eligible for consideration for admission to the MPVT major with sophomore standing.

All required MTA first and second year courses must be completed with a minimum average GPA of 3.00 in order to advance to upper division, 300-400 level classes in this curriculum.

*Each student, in agreement with her/his advisor, must select a particular area of emphasis. Twelve (12) credits must be completed to satisfy this requirement of the curriculum. These credits may be selected from MTA 333 (Production Operations), MTA 476 (Internship), or MTA 400 (Seminar) as well as from other areas of interest that may relate to the student's emphasis. Any individual's choice of these credits requires her/his academic advisor's written approval per initials on the student record sheet. Students who choose a theatre emphasis are required to successfully complete MTA 263, Stage Makeup & Costume Design Theory (3 cr.) in partial fulfillment of these requirements.

**MTA 472C and MTA 474 are offered both fall and spring semesters. These courses may be taken in either fall or spring semester. MTA 474 is a co-requisite of MTA 472C and must be taken concurrently.

A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation, 42 of these credits must be in courses numbered 300 and above.

PHOTOGRAPHY OPTION

Students declaring a photography option will take MTA 103 Understanding Photography. All students who declare this option and earn a grade of B or better in MTA 103 will be eligible for faculty review of their portfolio. Portfolio submissions will be accepted on the last day of fall and spring semesters. Admission to courses numbered above 103 will be subject to a successful review of creative photography work accepted. Students will be notified of full admission to the photography option in a timely manner.

*Each student must complete MTA 303 and MTA 304. MTA 303 and MTA 304 are offered spring semester alternating years.

A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation, 42 of these credits must be in courses numbered 300 and above.

PHOTOGRAPHY MINOR (NON-TEACHING)

Due to over enrollment of Photography majors, the department has issued a moratorium on Photography minors.