Overview

The Cinematic Arts and Technology programme at California State University Monterey Bay offers a robust foundation in media production and theory. Students engage with a curriculum designed to foster creativity across narrative, documentary, and experimental formats within a professional academic environment.

This degree focuses on developing practical craftsmanship alongside intellectual rigour. Participants explore the entire lifecycle of media creation, from initial pre-production and research to final assessment and distribution. The course emphasises the relationship between aesthetics and content, ensuring graduates can navigate the ethical and social implications of their work.

Why Cinematic Arts and Technology at California State University Monterey Bay?

The institution provides a unique environment where media is studied contextually in relation to social movements and technological advancements. Students benefit from a community-based approach to media, allowing them to apply their skills in real-world settings through dedicated workshops and collaborative ventures.

The facilities support a wide range of creative outputs, including animation, motion graphics, and sound experimentation. With a strong focus on both historical movements and contemporary practices, the university ensures that students develop a fluent understanding of media criticism and professional ethics.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 6450 per year
National fee: USD 6450 per year
Local fee: USD 6450 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Filmmaking
Cinematic History 1849-1960
Art of Storytelling
Practical Application
Media, Power, and Society
Contemporary Media History
Elements of Cinema
Community-Based Media
Capstone Preproduction and Development
Capstone Completion & Assessment
Editing
Animated Short Films
Production Lighting
Pre-Prod Research Methods
Production Management
Marketing Strategies
Business for Filmmakers
Distribution Workshop
Queer Film Theory
Voice and Speech
Actor’s Process
Experiments in Sound
Visual Design
Animation
Screenwriting
Experimental Production
Film Directing
Cinematography
Documentary Production
Environmental Media Arts

Careers with Cinematic Arts and Technology

Graduates are prepared for diverse professional roles within the commercial, independent, and community media sectors. The skills acquired during the programme lead to careers in film production, broadcast television, and interactive media design.

Potential career paths include directing, cinematography, and media management. The curriculum's focus on both technical proficiency and storytelling also enables graduates to pursue opportunities in animation, sound design, and digital marketing across various creative industries.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Filmmaking

Cinematic History 1849-1960

The Art of Storytelling

Practical Application

Media, Power, and Society

Contemporary Media History

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-05-15 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Seaside, United States

Disciplines

Visual Arts Film Studies Art History View 1645 other Bachelors in Visual Arts in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.4

English requirements

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

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98 accuracy using real exam data
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Other requirements

General requirements

Equivalent of a 2.40 Grade Point Average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale in high school

High school diploma equivalent or certificate of graduation

Official high school transcript (official record of marks/scores/grades)

National Test Scores (if required by home country)

SAT or ACT scores required for students who graduate from a US high school or a US accredited international school

Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) credit accepted but not required

English language proficiency

Have completed the A-G requirements with grades of C- or better.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

6450 USD / year

≈ 6450 USD / year
Out-of-State

6450 USD / year

≈ 6450 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

6450 USD / year

≈ 6450 USD / year

Additional Details

Nonresident Tuition: $396 per semester unit. (In addition to basic tuition fees and other systemwide fees charged all students)

Living costs

Seaside

United States

1100 - 1600 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Cinematic Arts and Technology.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Seaside

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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