Educational Programs

Summer Term
Begins May 29
Register Today!

We have added a number of general education liberal arts and sciences classes to this year's summer schedule, along with several career and technical courses.

Learn more

MCTC Foundation Scholarships

The MCTC Foundation awards numerous scholarships each year to students in need as well as to students with high academic potential. During the 2010-2011 school year, the MCTC Foundation awarded over $387,000 to 291 students. Scholarship information for the 2012-2013 school year is now available. Please refer to the scholarship packet to see available scholarship opportunities.

The scholarship application deadline is May 25, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. in T.2500.

Download the MCTC Scholarship packet

Sound for Cinema

Program description

Ever since silent films transitioned to “talkies” in the early 19th century, sound technology has been an essential component in making motion pictures. Through MCTC’s Sound for Cinema program, you will have the opportunity to work with state of the art technology, getting hands-on training from professionals in the aesthetic, technical and theoretical approaches to sound, emphasizing the recording and mixing sound for motion pictures.

Program start and location

You must begin the Cinema program in the fall semester only. Courses are taught on MCTC’s main campus. You will spend considerable time outside the classroom working on productions.

Degree options and requirements

Sound for Cinema Diploma—48 credits

Click here for program and course information.

What you will learn

  • You will get training in the art and craft of sound recording and mixing.
  • You will learn the aesthetic, technical and theoretical approaches used in the recording and mixing of sound for motion pictures.
  • You will develop strategies for collaboration with directors and other production team members.
Click here to read more...
  • You will learn how to use emerging technologies to create productions.
  • You will learn best practices for professional standards and expectations.
Click here to minimize...

Points of pride

  • The MCTC Cinema programs are amongst the very few two-year degree programs offered in cinema production in the U.S. The MCTC Cinema Division is the only comprehensive cinema production institution of its kind in the upper Midwest.
  • MCTC’s cinema programs are some of the most affordable programs in the U.S. and tuition covers almost all of your production costs.
  • Thanks to a low student-to-teacher ratio, you will receive personal attention from qualified, passionate faculty members who are working professionals and hold MFA or Ph.D. degrees.
Click here to read more...
  • A diverse student base adds to the creative experience. Students come from all over the world, have varied professional backgrounds and range in age from 18 to 65.
  • Cutting-edge technology strengthens the programs’ practical experience. Students have access to the latest software, cameras and equipment as well as production and post-production facilities and studios. Students use film and digital technology in their productions.
  • Local and nationally recognized industry experts from Hollywood and New York serve as guest speakers and work with students every semester.
  • Former student achievements have included: producing a Super Bowl ad that was the most-watched television commercial of all time; writing and producing a short film that qualified for consideration as a 2010 Oscar nomination; earning the McKnight Screenwriting Fellowship Award in 2009; receiving Bush Foundation Artist Fellowships; and winning a 2008 Nicholl Fellowship in Screenwriting from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, one of the most prestigious screenwriting prizes in the world.
Click here to minimize...

Where you could work

  • Local and national film and video production houses
  • Local and national independent producers
  • Independent home video distribution companies
Click here to read more...
  • In-house production departments within retail stores and corporations
  • Local and national film studios
  • Local and national television, cable stations and networks
  • National and local advertising agencies
  • Computer software companies
  • As a freelancer
Click here to minimize...

Potential job titles

  • Sound editor
  • Sound technician
  • Master control operator
Click here to read more...
  • Audio engineer
  • Production assistant
  • Independent producer
Click here to minimize...

Occupational outlook

Nationally, the number of jobs in the entertainment industry is expected to increase through the year 2016 as a growing population enjoys movies as entertainment, according to iseek.org.

Click here to read more...

There is strong demand for productions from foreign and domestic television, cable television, pay TV services and feature film markets. In addition, computer and Internet services are providing new outlets for film productions, and there is also a demand for home movie rentals, music videos and live performances.

Click here to minimize...

Beyond-the-classroom opportunities

Strong relationships with the local film industry position MCTC you as sought-after candidate for internships and on-location work. These community collaborations also produce myriad programs, events and guest speakers, most of which are hosted on the MCTC campus.

Click here to read more...

The Cinema Division partners with: Minnesota Film and TV Board, IFP Minnesota, Screenwriter’s Workshop of Minnesota, the Jerome Foundation and the Walker Art Center. Local relationships helped establish the Annual Cinema Division Production Excellence Awards which spotlight student works in Directing, Screenwriting, Cinematography, Editing and Post-Production, Sound Arts and Digital Photography.

Click here to minimize...

Articulation Agreements, Common Course Outlines and Gainful Employment Information

Please contact the program dean for information about articulation agreements.

Click here for Common Course Outline information.

Click here for Gainful Employment information.

Cinema

Cinema
Play

Learn how to make movies with passionate instructors and some of the best facilities and equipment available. MCTC offers degrees and certificates in all areas of cinema. Learn the art of visual storytelling in our Cinema Production program or many other specialty areas. We'll help you achieve your dreams on the big screen.

Watch Video