Academy of Art University

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Motion Pictures & Television

DURATION

6 Semesters

LANGUAGES

English

PACE

Full time

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Request application deadline

EARLIEST START DATE

Jun 2025

TUITION FEES

USD 1,615 *

STUDY FORMAT

Distance Learning, On-Campus

* per unit for international students / USD 1,407 per unit for domestic students

Introduction

The School of Motion Pictures & Television’s MFA program offers in-depth, advanced training in the various areas of film and television production. Depending on the area of specialization, the MFA program culminates in a thesis film or professional reel/portfolio. Areas of study include directing, producing, cinematography, editing, production design, and screenwriting. Students are prepared to compete for work in the industry or to teach, as the MFA is a terminal degree.

Unit Requirements

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Degree Requirements

MFA Motion Pictures & Television Degree Requirements

Successful completion of the Final Thesis Project
Minimum grade of C in all required 63 units
Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and the following Academic Study requirements:
1 Art Historical Awareness & Aesthetic course
1 Cross-Cultural Understanding course
- 1 Art Historical Awareness & Aesthetic course
- 1 Cross-Cultural Understanding course

Program Outcome

Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

Editing

Demonstrate advanced–level achievement in editing through both thesis films and various other projects
Demonstrate proficiency in post-production technology and techniques
Demonstrate proficiency in at least three different editing programs
Effectively showcase work in an industry-standard demo reel and website
Collaborate effectively with multi-disciplinary teams

Screenwriting

Propose a story that is marketable and/or appealing to a general audience for development into a thesis film (Midpoint Review only)
Write shorts that are of sufficient quality to be approved for thesis production (Final Review only)
Deliver a feature script or original TV pilot demonstrating command of story structure, character development, and dialogue and principles
Collaborate effectively with multi-disciplinary teams

Cinematography

Demonstrate advanced-level achievement in cinematography through thesis films and various other projects (Final Review only)
Work effectively with various cameras, lenses, and accessories
Design and execute creative lighting schemes
Effectively manage a scene for coverage
Apply principles of composition and camera movements to enhance the story
Collaborate effectively with grip, camera, and electric teams
Effectively showcase work in an industry-standard demo reel and website

Directing

Propose a story that is marketable and/or appealing to a general audience for development into a thesis film (Midpoint Review only)
Demonstrate advanced-level achievement in directing through completion of an approved thesis project (Final Review only)
Guide a crew in preproduction, production, and postproduction to execute effective choices that serve the story
Elicit engaging and believable performances from actors
Effectively showcase work in an industry-standard demo reel and website
Collaborate effectively with multi-disciplinary teams

Producing

Propose a story that is marketable and/or appealing to a general audience for development into a thesis film (Midpoint Review only)
Demonstrate advanced-level achievement by producing two or more thesis films (Final Review only)
Acquire or originate and develop material for a project that can be pitched in a professional setting
Effectively showcase work in an industry-standard demo reel or website
Collaborate effectively with multi-disciplinary teams

Production Design

Design the look of at least two thesis films based on the director’s vision, including choosing locations, creating settings, selecting props, and dressing sets. (Final Review only)
Communicate design concepts through basic drawing skills and visual presentations
Effectively showcase work in an industry-standard demo reel and website
Collaborate effectively with multi-disciplinary teams

Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:

Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.

Curriculum

Program Tuition Fee

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English Language Requirements

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