MFA in Film

Curriculum and Requirements

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 instruction, and the support of a community of talented peers. All students begin with the same core classes in the essential principles of storytelling: Screenwriting & Directing, Creative Producing, and Writing for Film & Television; gaining a toolkit that ensures their creative voice is matched with technical mastery and professional readiness. After the first year, students go on to take further specialized coursework in their chosen areas of expertise. The thesis workshop is a space dedicated to the deep development of projects that will become creative calling cards. Our alums graduate as thoughtful, trained storytellers with robust creative portfolios.

Detailed coursework and degree requirements are available on each concentration webpage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who should consider an MFA in Film?

There is no one path that leads to film school. Our students arrive from across the world, bringing diverse life experiences with them. The one thing they all share is a passion for visual storytelling. The MFA in Film provides a safe space for creative collaboration, risk-taking, and experimentation that pushes our students to tell the best possible version of the stories only they can tell.

Can I take courses in areas of study outside of my concentration?

Absolutely! Our program is built around the unique shared first year, in which all our students, across concentrations, take the same core classes, including creative producing, directing, directing the actor, film history/theory/criticism, screenwriting, as well as a practical tech arts class. After the first year, each concentration has its own distinct course of study. Visit the concentration pages to learn more.

What kind of creative material should I submit?

All applicants are required to submit an autobiographical essay, dramatic writing sample, feature film treatment, as well as complete a response to a short film prompt. However, each concentration has its own unique requirements, which may include additional materials. Visit our Creative Materials page for more information.

How does an MFA in Film at Columbia differ from other film schools?

We have been known as the “Story School” for many years, and for good reason. Our devotion to story is what defines and distinguishes our Program. Studying here gives our students a true advantage—expert dramatic storytelling instincts—in the incredibly competitive industries of film, television, and other forms of digital media.

Our faculty give ​​thoughtful and meaningful attention to our students’ scripts, directing, and producing–page by page, frame by frame. Students come from around the globe to call New York City–and Dodge Hall–home. This diverse exchange of perspectives is essential to the collaborative work that defines our Program, creating a meaningful, productive exchange of ideas which has led to creative partnerships that continue to thrive long after graduation.

Through special programming, such as our Carla Kuhn Memorial Speaker Series and Master Classes, we bring some of the world's leading filmmakers to meet our students. Our annual film festival is more than a showcase of student work–it’s a stage to celebrate and launch the projects our filmmakers will use to forge their paths after graduation.

Is there financial aid available?

Columbia University School of the Arts provides over $18 million for student support each year in the form of tuition scholarships, paid student positions, and teaching assistantships, as well as institutional awards and grants to support research, travel, and productions. We believe that the education and resources provided by the School of the Arts support an investment that will yield personal, intellectual, and professional gains for the rest of your life. We also realize that meeting the cost of this investment requires careful planning.

Columbia University School of the Arts and Columbia University Student Financial Services work carefully with students to arrange the financing of their degrees. Loan packages, jobs, fellowships, scholarships and other options are available for eligible students. Please see Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid for information and important financial aid application procedures and deadlines.

Have more questions? Visit our MFA Film FAQ page.