Documentary Arts and Visual Research

The Documentary Arts and Visual Research PhD in Temple's School of Theater, Film and Media Arts offers students with an MFA in Film and Media Arts the opportunity to pursue a defined research agenda for doctoral work. Part of the School of Theater, Film and Media Arts' dual degree program, this doctoral program helps you form practical and theoretical expertise to critically examine perspectives and topics relevant to alternative and traditional forms of cinematic arts. You'll apply the technological artistry skills developed in the MFA program to create visual research projects and posit research questions related to documentary arts.

The integrative curriculum is designed to give you the experience necessary to lead research in

• academia,
• cultural institutions and foundations,
• documentary production,
• emerging media technologies, and
• research institutions.  

Through coursework that facilitates applied and creative research approaches, students work with experienced, interdisciplinary faculty to investigate and answer questions of the technological age. You'll develop an understanding of how media technologies have shaped paradigms of cultural and political organization, as well as cognitive, personal and physical self-understanding.

The Documentary Arts and Visual Research PhD is part of the Film and Media Arts Department's dual degree program. Students who have earned an MFA in Film and Media Arts are eligible for the Documentary Arts and Visual Research PhD. As part of the three-year, full-time doctoral program, you'll select an interdisciplinary elective in diverse fields such as as anthropology, geography, media studies, humanities and visual ethnography, for a comprehensive, in-depth research experience in the evolving world of visual media. Upon completion of the required courses and electives, students work with advisors to complete a final dissertation.

University degree requiring four years of study.

Request one certified copy of official transcripts from every college and university you have attended, even if only one course was taken. International degrees must be assessed for equivalency with a U.S. degree based on the characteristics of the national educational system, the type of institution attended and the level of studies completed. A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is ordinarily required for admissions consideration. If unofficial transcripts are submitted during the application process, submission of official academic records will be required by the end of your first term of graduate study if you are admitted and subsequently enroll at Temple University.

Film graduates pursue careers in higher education or in a wide array of fields in the film and media industry.

Students are prepared for professional careers as

• camera operators,
• directors of photography,  
• documentary sound designers,
• film researchers,
• producers and
• writers.