HCU鈥檚 School of Fine Arts has launched a cohesive new curriculum focused on storytelling and professional excellence in cinematic arts, digital media and creative writing. 鈥淣arrative Arts at HCU serves as a vibrant hub for aspiring storytellers and media artists,鈥� explains Prof. Joshua Sikora, director of the new initiative. 鈥淲e鈥檙e fostering an environment where faith, culture and technology intersect, empowering students to enhance their creativity and skills.鈥�
The Department of Narrative Arts offers comprehensive Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Cinematic Arts, Animation, Video Game Design, Graphic Design and Creative Writing. Each program features intensive, hands-on curricula emphasizing artistic mastery and cutting-edge technical skills to prepare graduates for careers in creative industries.
Additionally, a shorter Bachelor of Arts in Narrative Arts with concentrations in Creative Writing, Cinema Production or Digital Media emphasizes foundational knowledge of narrative theory with streamlined applications relevant to the student鈥檚 chosen concentration.
Finally, students can further refine their craft in four rigorous graduate programs. The low-residency Master of Fine Arts degrees in Creative Writing and Screenwriting have equipped students for professional success since their launch in 2020, and are now joined by two parallel Master of Arts in Creative Writing and Cinematic Arts, which can be completed 100% online.
CORE FOUNDATIONS
A defining aspect of Narrative Arts at HCU is a thoughtful integration of faith and creativity. Across the undergraduate programs, all students take a shared core of five classes that develop a rich understanding of story theory, bolstered by an exploration of scripture鈥檚 narrative richness. These courses encourage students to reflect on their own personal convictions, while exploring art鈥檚 transformative power, driven by our Creator鈥檚 incarnational example.
In addition to these foundations, all majors also facilitate the development of professional skills. With an emphasis on collaboration and communication across creative disciplines, students work together to refine their craft, develop portfolios and network with industry veterans. Through both hands-on projects and real-world internships, students gain essential career experience and connections with accomplished professionals.
CREATIVE WRITING
As one of the three primary areas of focus in Narrative Arts, the Creative Writing program immerses students in poetry, fiction and creative non-fiction. Students develop writing skills and curate professional portfolios. Frequent guests include authors, editors and publishers. Opportunities for cross-disciplinary work include Creative Writing students collaborating on film scripts and comic books. Alumni from both the undergraduate and graduate programs have found professional success with award-winning publications, impressive academic achievements and marketable communication skills.
The MFA in Creative Writing is a terminal degree emphasizing a workshop-driven approach. The low-residency program includes biannual writing retreats and can be completed in two-and-a-half years, while the shorter MA in Creative Writing can be completed 100% online.
CINEMATIC ARTS
The Cinematic Arts program prepares students for careers in film and media production, emphasizing a comprehensive understanding of the production process, with students specializing in directing, screenwriting, cinematography, editing and visual effects. A hallmark of the Cinematic Arts program has been annual productions that pair experienced professional filmmakers with a student crew, leading to irreplaceable on-set experience and award-winning portfolio work.
The MFA in Screenwriting provides a terminal degree designed for script writers in film, television and digital media. Supported by biannual retreats with industry professionals, as well as trips to the South by Southwest Film Festival, the program places a strong emphasis on mentorship and critique. The new MA in Cinematic Arts provides a broader range of options, including opportunities to study directing, cinematography, producing and editing.
DIGITAL MEDIA
The BFAs in Animation, Video Game Design and Graphic Design build from shared technical foundations taught in our state-of-the-art Digital Media Lab. All students learn essential skills in 2D and 3D digital design, as well as timeless artistic foundations. From here, each student is able to lean into their chosen field of study, while extensive cross-discipline collaboration allows for animators to work on video games and graphic designers to contribute creative visions and art direction to a range of media projects.
A COMMUNITY OF CREATORS
The department is a supportive, collaborative community where students work together to practice their craft and refine their voices. With access to high-end equipment, industry resources and accomplished professionals, students have everything they need to thrive in their creative careers. Graduates have entered a wide array of fields, including television production, independent filmmaking, graphic design, church media and publishing. The rapidly growing alumni network is already fostering valuable connections for mentorship and job opportunities.
Narrative Arts at HCU is a home for a new generation of aspiring storytellers and creative artists. With its blend of faith, creativity and professionalism, it prepares students to succeed in their fields and contribute meaningfully to the narrative landscape. HCU鈥檚 uniquely unified approach to cinema, digital media and creative writing offers a rich, unbeatable learning experience.