Main Departmental Office
Speech and Drama Building, 120B
P.O. Box 310589
Denton, TX 76203-0589
(940) 565-2537
Web site: www.rtvf.unt.edu
Graduate Faculty: Craig, Fore, Hoerschelmann, B. Levin, M. Levin, Sauls, Staples, Veeder.
The department offers graduate programs leading to the following degrees:
These programs are designed for persons who wish to pursue research in mass communication. Building on a strong undergraduate program, the department has a particular emphasis at the graduate level in the following areas:
The department participates actively as an institutional member of the Broadcast Education Association, the International Television Association (ITVA), the Association for Communication Administrators, and the University Film and Video Association. It supports the UNT chapters of Alpha Epsilon Rho National Broadcasting Society and the International Television and Video Association.
Faculty research activities are centered in two major areas: film, audio and video production, and critical studies of visual and aural media. Research that culminates in the publication of results in scholarly journals and books is produced by departmental scholars engaged in the critical study of film and television, and includes analyses of themes, genres, techniques, content, archival resources and techniques, and the art, history and criticism of the mass media. Research that culminates in film, video or audio productions is broadcast locally, regionally and nationally, or exhibited at film/video festivals and competitions. Much of this creative work subsequently is distributed nationally and internationally.
Prospective students should apply for admission to the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies. Applications are evaluated by the graduate committee of the Department of Radio, Television and Film. Prospective students may contact the department for information concerning the graduate programs or visit our Web site at www.rtvf.unt.edu.
In addition to criteria set by the School of Graduate Studies, admission to graduate study in radio/television/film requires the following.
1. Successful completion of a minimum of 24 undergraduate semester hours (including 12 advanced) of course work in radio/television/film or related fields, as approved by the department graduate faculty. However, a student without this background may make up the deficiency by taking undergraduate leveling courses. These courses are taken in addition to the credits needed for the master's degree. For this minimum course work requirement:
a. the grade point average must be at least 3.0;b. the grade for each course must be no less than C (in case of repeated courses, only the most recent grade will be considered);
c. at least 3 hours must have been earned in each of the following areas: survey of radio/television/film, basic audio production, basic video production, basic film production, and law and regulation of radio/television/film;
d. in lieu of the three production courses required in the item above, a student may elect RTVF 5200;
2. A statement of purpose that describes the student's career goals and explains how the master's degree from UNT will help the student achieve those goals.
3. A minimum of two letters of recommendation from former or current professors. If the student has worked in any of the areas of radio, television or film, one letter from a person who has supervised the student may be substituted.
4. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE), evaluated in combination with other application documentation by the RTVF graduate committee. In most cases a student is required to score a minimum of 450 on the verbal section of the exam and 450 on either the quantitative or analytical section, for a minimum score of 900. Having this minimum score does not guarantee admission. At the discretion of the graduate committee, on occasion, a student with slightly below these scores may be admitted if the application package is outstanding in other areas. It should be noted though that these deviations from the general requirement are extremely rare.
5. A writing sample (research paper, professional report, substantial essay, etc.) and/or a sample of creative work (screenplay, completed video or film submitted on VHS). Tapes submitted cannot be returned.
After the first 12 semester hours of graduate study are completed, the student and the major professor prepare a degree plan using one of the options available in the student's area of concentration. The degree plan must be approved by the department chair and the graduate dean. Until it has been approved, the student will not be permitted to enroll for additional graduate work for credit applicable to the degree.
Since department courses are offered in a specific sequence beginning in the fall semester, students are urged to enter the program in the fall semester.
Master of Arts or Master of Science
Option 1. 36 hours, including 6 hours of thesis and an oral defense of the thesis. With the approval of the major professor, a major component of the thesis may be a creative work. A student may elect 6 to 12 hours in a minor area.
Option 2. 36 hours and a final written comprehensive examination. A student may elect 6 to 12 hours in a minor area.
Persons studying toward the MA degree must meet a foreign language requirement. There is no foreign language requirement for the MS degree. Students should contact the graduate adviser to determine specific course requirements.
Students who elect Option 2 must take a final comprehensive examination and should ask the department office for examination dates and application deadlines. The department publication, "Milestones on the Road to the MA and MS Degrees," distributed to students admitted to the program, further explains procedures and requirements.
Aural competency in distinguishing discrete sounds and visual competency in distinguishing shapes, forms, colors and movements are required to complete RTVF critical studies courses. Additional visual competency to utilize studio and location equipment and manual dexterity to operate equipment are required to complete RTVF production courses. Articulation competency to achieve broadcast industry standards may be required. Specific competency requirements for internship, seminar and special problems courses are available from the graduate adviser.
Radio station KNTU-FM, broadcasting at 100,000 watts on 88.1mHz, serves the Denton/Dallas/Fort Worth area with educational, informative and entertaining programming daily from 6 a.m. to midnight. All students at UNT are eligible to work at KNTU where they can learn skills in radio production, programming and station administration.
North Texas Television (NTTV) is the department-sponsored cable television channel. Students produce original programs, make scheduling decisions and oversee the telecasts.
Graduate teaching and research assistantships are available for outstanding applicants. Decisions on assistantships are made in March for the following fall semester.
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