Cinema, Religion, and Worldview
Nancy Semotiuk, Chair; Lynelle Ellis, Director; Brent Bergherm, Carl Cosaert, Linda Potter Crumley, Paul Dybdahl, Linda Felipez, Jerry Hartman.
The Master of Arts in Cinema, Religion, and Worldview is an interdisciplinary program drawing from Communication and Languages, Technology, and the School of Theology. The academic program is housed at the Center for Media Ministry at Walla Walla University within the Communication and Languages Department and is suitable for students who already hold degrees in theology, communication, or other related fields. These individuals will build on past academic and ministry experience as they pursue a more specialized master’s degree focused on the intersection of Cinema, Religion, and Worldview. Students enrolled in the program will contribute to the field through their research and media projects ranging from social activism to evangelism--and many additional areas of ministry.
Admission. Applicants must meet general admission requirements as outlined earlier in the Graduate Bulletin. A complete application consists of:
- The application form
- Three professional references
- All transcripts for accredited colleges or universities previously attended
- An Admission essay
Once a student is accepted, a $200 non-refundable deposit is due 30 days after notice of acceptance to reserve a place in the program. This deposit will be applied toward tuition charges when the student enrolls. Students accepted after May 1 should make this deposit as soon as they receive an acceptance letter. Accepted students who miss the deposit deadline may lose their place in the program. The deposit check should be made payable to Walla Walla University and sent to Walla Walla University, The Center for Media Ministry, 204 South College Avenue, College Place, WA 99324; the student’s name and WWU ID number should be included to ensure proper credit.
Program Structure. The M.A. degree program in Cinema, Religion, and Worldview is designed to be completed online in two years with intensive on-site workshops and featured speaker symposia. Students can participate online while working full-time, though certain classes require annual two-week intensives.
Students newly graduating from Walla Walla University and who have taken specific additional coursework may qualify to enter the 4 + 1 MA program. The following WWU majors are eligible to apply: BA in Global Communication, Religion, Strategic Communication, Theology, BS in Film/TV/Media, Graphic Design, and Digital Media & Design. They must have an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or higher and a GPA of 3.5 or higher in the major.
Curriculum. The curriculum for the program will include 52 credits of courses including foundational theology courses exploring worldview and mission, communication theory and research methods, story structure, graduate seminar and capstone project.