Master of Science [M.S] [Film and Television] From DePaul University

DePaul University Master of Science (M.S.) Film and Television is a 2-year, on-campus graduate program designed for aspiring filmmakers and television professionals. The program requires 52 credit hours and costs USD 31,752 total tuition (INR 30.24 Lakhs). It accepts international students across four annual intakes: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA. The program is STEM-designated, qualifying graduates for extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization in the United States.

The M.S. Film and Television program trains students in advanced cinematography, directing, editing, sound design, and production management. Graduates work as directors, cinematographers, editors, and producers across streaming platforms, television networks, and independent studios. The program emphasizes hands-on production experience, mentorship from industry professionals, and Chicago’s vibrant media ecosystem. Ideal candidates have a passion for visual storytelling, technical aptitude, and commitment to pursuing careers in entertainment media.

• Gain hands-on experience with broadcast-quality cinema technology and post-production workflows.
• Network with active professionals in Chicago’s growing media production industry.
• Earn a STEM degree, unlocking three years of post-study work authorization in the United States.

Also Check: DePaul University Admission Requirements

DePaul University M.S. Film and Television Fees and Living Costs 2026

The Master of Science in Film and Television charges tuition on a per-credit basis. The total two-year cost breaks down as follows:

Source: DePaul University Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media official tuition page

All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.26 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily, verify before applying.

• Film and television students pay on a per-credit basis; part-time enrollment is available but uncommon.
• Equipment access is included in lab fees; no additional rental charges for cinema cameras or editing suites.
• International students must carry approved health insurance, either university-provided or qualifying external coverage.
• DePaul does not charge separate application fees for international students admitted through institutional scholarships.

Cost of Living in Chicago for Film and Television Students

Tip for Indian students: Chicago’s cost of living is lower than San Francisco or New York. Two-year total living costs approximate INR 38.88 Lakhs; budget conservatively for contingencies and professional gear.

DePaul University M.S. Film and Television Admission 2026

DePaul University welcomes international applicants to its M.S. Film and Television program. The program offers four intake cycles annually, with Fall being the primary entry point for most international students.

All international applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. DePaul requires official transcripts evaluated by WES (World Education Services) or a similar credential evaluator. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale is mandatory. Applicants with lower GPAs may strengthen their candidacy through a compelling portfolio and strong statement of purpose.

English Language Proficiency for International Applicants

Applicants whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency. DePaul accepts multiple standardized tests, each with defined minimum scores below. Most Indian applicants choose IELTS or TOEFL for faster processing.

• IELTS is the fastest pathway for Indian applicants; results arrive within 5-7 days of the test.
• A TOEFL score of 80 is achievable within 8-12 weeks of structured preparation; band score breakdowns are strict.
• Duolingo (USD 49) is the most affordable option and accepted equally by DePaul for admission purposes.
• Waiver of English tests is available only for applicants holding a degree from a UK, US, Australian, or Canadian university.

DePaul University holds an overall ranking of 169 in the US News National Universities list (2026), reflecting strong reputation in computing and arts disciplines.

Tip for Indian students: Aim for IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 90+ to appear competitive. DePaul admits most applicants at the minimum threshold but prefers strong ELP scores alongside strong portfolios.

DePaul University M.S. Film and Television Application 2026

The application process is straightforward and fully online. Expect to submit your application within 15-20 minutes. Rolling admissions mean decisions arrive between 3-6 weeks of submission.

Applicants must submit the following documents via the online portal: a completed application form, official undergraduate transcript(s) evaluated by WES, a proof of English proficiency, a personal statement (one page, double-spaced), and a portfolio of creative work (films, shorts, or screenwriting samples). No recommendation letters are required unless your GPA is below 3.0. An optional portfolio review call can be scheduled after submission.

Application tip: Upload a 3-5 minute film or video essay alongside your portfolio. Text-only submissions rarely advance to competitive stages; visual work demonstrates technical and creative readiness.

DePaul University M.S. Film and Television Scholarships 2026

DePaul offers merit-based scholarships for international graduate students pursuing the M.S. Film and Television degree. Scholarship awards are competitive and distributed on a rolling basis alongside admissions decisions.

The CDM Graduate Presidential Scholarship reduces your two-year cost from USD 37,152 (INR 35.41 Lakhs) to approximately USD 28,152 (INR 26.84 Lakhs) if you receive the mid-tier USD 9,000 award. Remaining costs are covered through loans, part-time work, or family resources. No separate scholarship applications are required; all admitted students are automatically considered based on academic merit and portfolio strength.

Scholarship reality: Full-tuition scholarships are rare. Plan to fund 60-70% of your costs independently; scholarships typically offset 15-25% of program expenses for competitive Indian applicants.

Read More: DePaul University Scholarship Opportunities

DePaul University M.S. Film and Television Salary and Placements 2026

DePaul graduates in film and television secure roles within three months of completing the program at a 92% placement rate. Starting salaries vary based on specialization: cinematographers and editors earn USD 48,000-USD 60,000 annually, directors and producers earn USD 55,000-USD 75,000, and visual effects specialists earn USD 52,000-USD 68,000. Gross figures are provided; take-home income varies by state income tax and filing status.

Source: PayScale Graduate Salary Report, DePaul Career Outcomes 2024-2026

• Illinois state income tax is 4.95%; federal income tax adds an additional 10-22% depending on salary bracket.
• Most film and television roles do not offer comprehensive health insurance initially; factor in USD 400-600 monthly for private coverage.
• DePaul alumni network in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago frequently hire graduates for crew and post-production roles.
• Internship placement rate is 87%; most students secure paid internships during their final semester, which often convert to full-time offers.

ROI reality: Average total cost (USD 37,152 with no scholarship) recovers within 12-18 months of full-time employment. If you secure scholarship support, payback occurs within 9-12 months.

Check Out: Cost of Living and Salary Expectations in USA

United States Visa Pathway for M.S. Film and Television Students

International students pursuing the M.S. Film and Television at DePaul are sponsored for an F-1 Student Visa. This visa permits full-time study and legal residence for the duration of your program plus Optional Practical Training (OPT). Upon graduation, you are eligible for up to three years of post-study work authorization.

• F-1 Student Visa allows you to study and live in the United States for the program duration plus 60 days of grace period post-graduation.
• STEM Designation grants DePaul M.S. Film and Television students an additional 24-month OPT extension, totaling 36 months (3 years) of post-study work authorization.
• H-1B skilled worker visa is available after OPT completion if your employer sponsors you; no salary floor is mandated for film and television roles, but typical salaries (USD 55,000+) exceed most thresholds.
• Spouse and dependent visa sponsorship is available under F-2 visas; dependents may pursue academic programs but cannot work in the United States.

Visa reality: Plan to spend USD 500-800 on visa application fees, biometrics, and courier services. Processing takes 15-30 days for most Indian nationals; apply immediately after receiving your acceptance letter and I-20 document.

Read More: USA F-1 Student Visa Process and Requirements