Film MFA Degrees & Concentrations

About the Programs

We believe that there is no substitute for the powerful mentorship that occurs when artists established in their careers guide artists at the beginning of theirs. We treat filmmaking not only as a creative pursuit with a heritage in both the narrative and visual arts, but also as a technology and a business. Our students thrive in an intensely creative environment filled with hands-on experience, one-on-one faculty guidance, and the support of a community of talented peers. The strength of our school is a comprehensive, collaborative curriculum that provides a foundation in all aspects of filmmaking. Students form creative partnerships that often extend into professional life, and access a group of artists dedicated to bringing fresh stories to the screen and varied approaches to the medium. The MFA curriculum nurtures storytelling and helps students to explore, refine, and celebrate their vision.  

The three MFA concentrations in filmmaking, Screenwriting & Directing, Creative Producing, and the new Writing for Film & Television concentration, share a common first year. The course of instruction combines producing, directing, and writing with technical training and history and theory to provide students with a deep understanding of all the principles and practice of dramatic filmmaking. All the courses within this unique, integrated curriculum focus on film as a medium for the telling of stories. Students in all three concentrations participate in projects that require their engagement during the winter break as well as in the summer between their first and second year.

Our faculty draws upon veteran and rising practitioners in film, television, and new media. MFA student work regularly wins awards and recognition for its combination of technical excellence, visual originality, and outstanding storytelling. Our alumni produce, write, and direct work that sets the standard for independent cinema as well as ground-breaking Hollywood filmmaking.