Name: Costs & Aid
Start: 2021
End: 2022

Next entry: Aug 2022Apply Now >

Create something extraordinary that speaks to people on a deep level.

Next entry: Aug 2022Apply Now >

Imagine and realize a creative vision through design, visual aesthetics, sound, and use of still and moving images.
Master techniques related to camera, software, storytelling, troubleshooting, and the creative process.
Harness the potential of the web and social media to share your message.
Create a professional portfolio that will prepare you for a career in film, television, and new media.
Available online and on-campus

New! Bachelor’s Specialization in Cinematic Arts & New Media. This option is great for students who want to transfer in credits and graduate on a fast track.

Create something extraordinary

Watch the student video by Abdul Mokhtar, 3 minutes

In our BA in Cinematic Arts & New Media, you’ll learn more than just the technical side of media production. We’ll teach you how to understand your unique creative process and create work that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

Our classes are project-based and focused on building your portfolio. By choosing the projects, classes, and topics you’re passionate about, you can create exactly the degree you need to pursue the career of your choice.

Full immersion in each project

Watch the student video by Ashia Fredeen, 3 minutes

Our project-based classes allow you to bring your vision to life and oversee projects from conception to completion.

Our expert faculty will support your creative growth with individualized attention and constructive criticism, pushing you to new creative heights and teaching you how to innovate.

Available on-campus and online

Watch the student video by Sherrie Greenfield, 3 minutes

While our degree program is fully available either on-campus or online, we also offer US students the flexibility to develop their own hybrid model (not available for international students). For example, if an online student would like to spend one semester or more on-campus to take advantage of using all our specialized equipment and facilities, we make that possible! Or, if an on-campus student needs to study remotely and become an online student for a semester or more, that is also an option. We work with you to develop the best format to fit your needs.

Supportive creative community

Whether you’re studying online or on-campus, our classes are a safe creative environment that feels like family. As a student, you’ll be connected to a community of creative people focused on inner growth and creating meaningful work from the deepest level.

Our professors are active in their field and stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends. All classes are focused on highly collaborative projects and allow you to create deep bonds with fellow classmates that last beyond graduation.

Meditate and create

As a student, you’ll learn the Transcendental Meditation technique. This evidence-based technique reduces stress, enhances clear thinking, and heightens creativity.

It will also get you in touch with your deepest self, helping you to bring renewed creativity and fresh inspiration to every one of your projects.

Internships and portfolio

As a student in our program, you’ll have the opportunity to kick-start your career through freelance projects and internships.

By the time you graduate, you’ll have an impressive portfolio and know exactly what it takes to succeed in a media career.

Next entry: Aug 2022Apply Now >

Career areas

Cinematic arts & films

Learn the art of storytelling, screenwriting, producing, directing, lighting, cinematography, digital photography, nonlinear editing, short narrative film production, documentary film, motion graphics, and visual effects. See examples of student work

Digital music & sound design

Explore digital music production, music for film, post-production and sound design, foley art, ADR, SFX, podcasting, mixing and mastering using software such as Abelton Live and Protools.
See examples of student work

Digital arts

Learn how to take professional photographs and create graphics and animations using Adobe Creative Cloud software like Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Lightroom, and Premiere.

Featured faculty

Amine Kouider

Amine Kouider is an award-winning filmmaker, Chair of the Department of Cinematic Arts & New Media, and a founding member of David Lynch Foundation Television.

He has worked as the producer, director, director of photography, and editor on projects around the world, including subjects such as high-security prisons, street children in Colombia, homeless men in New York City, refugees in Uganda, teenage prostitutes in Los Angeles, Buddhist nuns in Thailand, and Pandits in India. His works include the feature-length Rue Des Vandales and a surrealist narrative short film, The Land of Nothing.

Stuart Tanner

Stuart Tanner is Assistant Professor of Cinematic Arts & New Media and an acclaimed producer and director of documentary films for the BBC, National Geographic, the Discovery Channel, and others.

Stuart’s past projects include Saving The Disposable Ones (2011), a documentary that takes viewers to the streets of inner-city Columbia; Time Team (2004), an hour-long archaeological program for the Channel Four/Discovery series, which uncovered the mysteries of one of the first man-made monuments built in Britain; and Children of Vengeance (2002), a documentary for the BBC on the Arab-Israeli conflict, which won the Foreign Press Association’s Story of the Year award.

Featured classes

Cinematography

In this class, you will learn the language of cinematography in its technical and aesthetic forms; explore the fundamentals of camera position and light set-ups; practice camera movements, handheld techniques, and learn about the power of the frame in conveying a story.

Art of story

This course will examine the range of narrative forms and narrative devices that have been used since the dawn of time right up until the modern day. We will discover that although the forms and types of media used might have changed as technology has advanced, in fact, most of the essential forms of narrative used in creative works have been with us for ages.

Power of social media marketing

In this course, students will learn to harness the power of media marketing in the Internet age by using social sites – such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn – for their current, future or imagined businesses. Students will learn key marketing and branding concepts, and gain hands-on experience with visual marketing and modern content marketing.

Next entry: Aug 2022Apply Now >

Cost & Aid, 2022-23

US On-Campus Students

US Online Students

Tuition is based on the total number of credits per semester – two semesters per year. Typically, enrollment is two courses at a time, 17 credits (full-time) or one course at a time, 9 credits (3/4 time)

¾ time per semester (9-11 credits)

US Online Undergraduate, ¾ time

The example below can vary by FAFSA analysis of independent student finances or dependent family finances.

Semester Cost and Typical Financial Aid
Tuition	$4,800
Federal grants (maximum)	-$2,550
Net cost per semester	$2,250
Federal student loan	-$2,550
Your payment	$0

Additional Financial Aid Information

Federal Grants

Federal grants are available for full-time and part-time students. The grants vary depending on income level as determined by the FAFSA, and by credit load per semester. Students in higher-income categories may not qualify for federal grants.

Employer Waiver Program

Many companies offer tuition assistance programs to their employees. If you’re currently employed, we encourage you to check on this. If they offer assistance, please contact MIU’s Financial Aid office.

Scholarship from MIU

Part-time online students benefit from a proportionately lower tuition than the full-time rate. For example, a half-time student’s tuition is less than half the full-time tuition. Because these discounts are included in the part-time tuition, an additional MIU scholarship isn’t available for part-time students.

Federal Student Loans

Federal Student Loans have limits based on lifetime usage, annual limits, and limited to the educational costs for each semester. Here are the annual maximum limits:

$5,500 per year for first-year dependent
$6,500 per year for second-year dependent
$7,500 per year for third, fourth, fifth-year dependent
$9,500 per year for first-year independent
$10,500 per year for second-year independent
$12,500 per year for third, fourth, fifth-year independent

Federal Student Loan Repayment

Federal Student Loan Repayment is postponed as long as you are enrolled at least half-time each semester. If your enrollment drops below half-time, you have a six-month grace period before repayment begins. There are also postponements for low income and unemployment, as well as repayment based on income and Public Service Forgiveness.

Education Tax Incentives

There are a variety of money-saving tax benefits to assist in reducing the cost of education expenses. More about education tax benefits.

Veterans

Veterans should contact the VA for information on Veterans Education Benefits. MIU is a Yellow Ribbon school. Our Veterans Certifying Official is our Director of Financial Aid.

Loan Repayment Options

Standard

Payments are a fixed amount that ensures your loans are paid off within 10 years (within 10 to 30 years for Consolidation Loans).

Extended

Payments may be fixed or graduated and will ensure that your loans are paid off within 25 years.

Graduated

Payments are lower at first and then increase, usually every two years, and are for an amount that will ensure your loans are paid off within 10 years (within 10 to 30 years for Consolidation Loans).

Income-Based

Your monthly payments will be either 10 or 15 percent of discretionary income (depending on when you received your first loans), but never more than you would have paid under the 10-year Standard Repayment Plan.

Income Contingent

Payments are recalculated each year and are based on your updated income, family size, and the total amount of your Direct Loans. Any outstanding balance will be forgiven if you haven’t repaid your loan in full after 25 years.

Income Sensitive

Your monthly payment is based on annual income, but your loan will be paid in full within 15 years.

Tuition, other fees, scholarships, and financial policies are subject to change prior to the entry date. For more information, contact us at finaid@miu.edu for a quick reply — normally one business day — or see more about financial aid.

½ time per semester (6-8 credits)

US Online Undergraduate, ½ time

The example below can vary by FAFSA analysis of independent student finances or dependent family finances.

Semester Cost and Typical Financial Aid
Tuition	$2,700
Federal grants (maximum)	-$1,700
Net cost per semester	$1,000
Federal student loan	-$1,000
Your payment	$0

Additional Financial Aid Information

Federal Grants

Federal grants are available for full-time and part-time students. The grants vary depending on income level as determined by the FAFSA, and by credit load per semester. Students in higher-income categories may not qualify for federal grants.

Employer Waiver Program

Many companies offer tuition assistance programs to their employees. If you’re currently employed, we encourage you to check on this. If they offer assistance, please contact MIU’s Financial Aid office.

Scholarship from MIU

Part-time online students benefit from a proportionately lower tuition than the full-time rate. For example, a half-time student’s tuition is less than half the full-time tuition. Because these discounts are included in the part-time tuition, an additional MIU scholarship isn’t available for part-time students.

Federal Student Loans

Federal Student Loans have limits based on lifetime usage, annual limits, and limited to the educational costs for each semester. Here are the annual maximum limits:

$5,500 per year for first-year dependent
$6,500 per year for second-year dependent
$7,500 per year for third, fourth, fifth-year dependent
$9,500 per year for first-year independent
$10,500 per year for second-year independent
$12,500 per year for third, fourth, fifth-year independent

Federal Student Loan Repayment

Federal Student Loan Repayment is postponed as long as you are enrolled at least half-time each semester. If your enrollment drops below half-time, you have a six-month grace period before repayment begins. There are also postponements for low income and unemployment, as well as repayment based on income and Public Service Forgiveness.

Education Tax Incentives

There are a variety of money-saving tax benefits to assist in reducing the cost of education expenses. More about education tax benefits.

Veterans

Veterans should contact the VA for information on Veterans Education Benefits. MIU is a Yellow Ribbon school. Our Veterans Certifying Official is our Director of Financial Aid.

Loan Repayment Options

Standard

Payments are a fixed amount that ensures your loans are paid off within 10 years (within 10 to 30 years for Consolidation Loans).

Extended

Payments may be fixed or graduated and will ensure that your loans are paid off within 25 years.

Graduated

Payments are lower at first and then increase, usually every two years, and are for an amount that will ensure your loans are paid off within 10 years (within 10 to 30 years for Consolidation Loans).

Income-Based

Your monthly payments will be either 10 or 15 percent of discretionary income (depending on when you received your first loans), but never more than you would have paid under the 10-year Standard Repayment Plan.

Income Contingent

Payments are recalculated each year and are based on your updated income, family size, and the total amount of your Direct Loans. Any outstanding balance will be forgiven if you haven’t repaid your loan in full after 25 years.

Income Sensitive

Your monthly payment is based on annual income, but your loan will be paid in full within 15 years.

Tuition, other fees, scholarships, and financial policies are subject to change prior to the entry date. For more information, contact us at finaid@miu.edu for a quick reply — normally one business day — or see more about financial aid.

Less than ½ time (4 credits)

US Online Undergraduate, less than ½ time (4 credits)

Cost– less than ½ time
Tuition	$2,000
Federal grants (maximum)	-$850
Net cost	$1,150
Federal student loans (not available)	0
Your payment	$1,150

Tuition, other fees, scholarships, and financial policies are subject to change prior to the entry date. For more information, contact us at finaid@miu.edu for a quick reply — normally one business day — or see more about financial aid.

Full-Time (12 or more credits)

International On-Campus Students

Annual Cost and Typical Financial Aid
Tuition and fees	$16,530
Housing (single room) and meals	$7,400
Health insurance (estimate)	$3,506
Personal expenses, books, unexpected needs (estimate)	$3,500
Cost Per Year	$30,936

Full-time students may apply for up to $6,000 scholarship based on qualifying documented family income. Our undergraduate scholarship application form will be made available to you upon application to the university.

Tuition, other fees, scholarships, and financial policies are subject to change prior to the entry date.

International Online Students

International Online Undergraduate

Typically, online enrollment is two courses at a time (17 credits) or one course at a time (9 credits), per semester (two semesters per year).

Tuition per Semester
Full-time (12 or more credits)	$8,000
¾ time (9-11 credits)	$4,800
½ time (6-8 credits)	$2,700
Less than 6 credits	$500 per credit

Tuition, other fees, scholarships, and financial policies are subject to change prior to the entry date.

FAQ

Do I need to have prior experience in this field prior to enrolling?

No. We will teach you everything from scratch. All you need is the will to learn and some passion for the area you choose to learn. Experience always helps but we’re here to guide you through the entire process from start to finish.

Where can I see some student’s work?

See our Vimeo collection and our Soundcloud collection.

Is there any additional cost to the program?

Online Students: Yes. Our classes use up-to-date, industry-standard software like the Adobe Creative Cloud software. As a student, you are required to purchase your own Adobe Creative Cloud license. It costs $19.99/month for the first year and then $29.99/month every year after that. On top of that, you’ll have to purchase your own equipment. We will provide you with links to find the best computer, camera, lighting, and sound equipment for your budget. Contact your financial aid officer about additional grants and loans for purchasing equipment.
On-campus students: Yes. Each on-campus CANM class has a $20 lab fee to help pay for our expenses. This lab fee will give you access to state of the art equipment and software ranging from computer, camera, lights and sound equipment to software required to go through your classes.

What kind of studios and equipment are available for on-campus students?

We have professional state of the art film/video, photography and sound studios as well as Youtube and podcast recording rooms and a media lounge available for our on-campus students. All you need to access our spaces and equipment is training on how to use the equipment and a $20 per class lab fee. The lab fee that you pay allows you to check out film and audio equipment and studio space for the duration of the class. You can also check out equipment even if you’re not taking a CANM class for that particular class.

Do online students take the program entirely online?

Yes. However, before you enroll you’ll need to learn the TM technique since it is a key element of Consciousness-Based education. This instruction will be in-person with a certified TM teacher near you. Since we offer an on-campus program as well, US-based students can opt to study on-campus for a semester or longer any time during your education.

Do I need to learn Transcendental Meditation before starting the program?

Before your first class

All MIU students practice the Transcendental Meditation^® technique. If you have not learned it yet:

Once accepted as a US student, the cost of TM instruction is covered through a grant offered by MIU
On-campus students can either learn TM upon arrival or prior to enrolling
Online students are required to learn the TM technique before starting the first class
Contact your admissions counselor for details
Find information on the TM technique or search for a TM teacher at TM.org

How do I transfer my credits from previous institutions?

Undergraduate degree students can apply transfer credits to cover electives, some general education requirements, and up to half the course work in the major, for a maximum of 90 total credits. General transfer credits are accepted for courses completed with a grade of “C” or higher. The academic department of your major sets the policies for major transfer credits, and this varies by major. The Office of Admissions only evaluates for general transfer credits; you will be connected with a separate academic advisor to evaluate for major transfer credits/waivers. Of the 90 total transfer credits, 16 can be credits from vocational coursework.

How many hours should an online student expect to spend on this program?

You should plan to spend 12-14 hours per week for a 4-credit course. If you are taking two courses at a time, you should plan to spend 24-28 hours per week reading, creating assignments, writing discussion forum posts, and studying course materials.

How many weeks are in each course?

There are two semester terms, plus a January term and a summer term, in the academic school year.

Online students: 4-credit courses are eight weeks long and 2-credit course are four weeks long.
On-campus students: 4-credit courses are 4 weeks long and 2-credit course are 2 weeks long.

What are the options for full-time and part-time enrollment?

Online students: You can take one or two courses at a time. Choose the pace that is best for you. Full-time students take 12 credits or more per semester, and Three-quarters time students take 9-11 credits per semester
On-campus students: Full-time only, 12 credits or more per semester

Can students get financial aid for this program?

Yes, financial aid is available to eligible degree-seeking students. See Cost & Aid for tuition and an estimate of your financial aid. Also, feel free to contact our financial aid office at finaid@miu.edu or (641) 472-1156.

Next Steps

Get your questions answered
and download our free booklet.

Request info >

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and one-on-one virtual visits.

Learn more >

Our next entries:
Aug 2022 and Feb 2023

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BA in Cinematic Arts & New Media online or on-campus

Create something extraordinary

Full immersion in each project

Available on-campus and online

Supportive creative community

Meditate and create

Internships and portfolio

Career areas

Cinematic arts & films

Digital music & sound design

Digital arts

Featured faculty

Amine Kouider

Stuart Tanner

Featured classes

Cinematography

Art of story

Power of social media marketing

Cost & Aid, 2022-23

US Online Undergraduate, ¾ time

Additional Financial Aid Information

Loan Repayment Options

US Online Undergraduate, ½ time

Additional Financial Aid Information

Loan Repayment Options

US Online Undergraduate, less than ½ time (4 credits)

International Online Undergraduate

FAQ

Before your first class

Next Steps

Follow MIU

BA in Cinematic Arts
& New Media online or on-campus