SET THE SCENE:
A GUIDE TO MFA PROGRAMS IN FILM, TELEVISION AND NEW MEDIA
Gain the skills and expertise to tell your visual story at MSMU and find your place in a community of driven, creative-minded professionals.
HOW TO USE THIS RESOURCE
Review this resource from top to bottom, or drop down to the section that appeals to you most:
WHY GET AN MFA IN FILM, TELEVISION AND NEW MEDIA?
As industry needs evolve, so does the relevance of academic qualifications and experience. An MFA’s value lies in its ability to equip you with the latest techniques, knowledge and applied skills to make sure you stay competitive in a fast-paced industry.
Now is your time to earn a Master of Fine Arts that will make you an impactful media artist and storyteller.
Return on Investment: Will An MFA Get Me There?
While the financial commitment and time required for an MFA are valid concerns, it’s essential to consider the education and experience as an investment in your future. An MFA can open doors to advanced roles and higher salary brackets that truly make it a worthwhile artistic endeavor.
Moreover, the value of an MFA extends beyond the material. The experience itself — the process of honing your craft, collaborating with fellow creatives and being part of a vibrant arts community — is an immeasurable return on your investment.
Harnessing Versatility: Career Opportunities in Fine Arts
Whether you aspire to be a celebrated filmmaker, a visionary TV producer or a renowned photographer, an MFA provides you with a universal passport to various career paths. It empowers you with sought-after skills both in your specific field and across a range of creative sectors. Check out our blog about what you can do with a film degree.
Leave Your Creative Mark with a Fine Arts Degree
As you consider the advantages of pursuing an MFA, we invite you to read on to explore how this degree can open doors for career opportunities and creative growth.
An MFA is a terminal degree, and earning one demonstrates that you have undergone a range of rigorous courses tailored to your artistic medium or specialized craft. Throughout your master’s of fine arts studies, you will hone your artistic vision and fine-tune your creative techniques, resulting in a more distinct, refined and captivating portfolio.
Whether you want to master the technical aspects of filmmaking (such as editing or sound design) or hope to sharpen your non-technical skills (such as screenwriting or acting), an MFA degree can help make your dreams a reality.
Jobs for MFA Graduates in Creative Fields:
Jobs for MFA graduates are vast. Graduates of a respected MFA program can expect to secure careers related to the visual and performing arts, design, production, creative writing and so many more.
Director
Producer
Cinametographer
Screenwriter
Documentarian
Editor
Sound Design
Actor
An MFA is valuable because it:
Gives professionals the chance to hone their skills;
Prepares future field experts to climb the “studio” ladder;
Equips artists to work for an established studio;
Provides MFA professionals the opportunity to command a higher salary upon hire;
Prepares individuals to secure a career as professors in the world of academia.
In the MFA in Film, Television and New Media at Mount Saint Mary’s University, you’ll embark on a two-year journey to develop the essential skills and know-how to bring your passion to life.
Our flexible MFA program offers classes on weekends, weeknights or a combination of both at our studio in the heart of Hollywood — perfect for working professionals, media insiders and anyone seeking to intern or dedicate extensive time to their craft.
Experience the unique program structure designed to fit seamlessly into your busy life while empowering you to transform your creative aspirations into reality.
The centerpiece of the department’s curriculum is to encourage collaborative film-making, innovative thinking and a critical, hands-on understanding of new technologies. By graduation, students will have built a body of work that demonstrates their creative and technical abilities.
PROGRAMS
All of our film programs allow students to connect with industry professionals, pursue their specializations and discover their distinct voice.
CONCENTRATIONS
Students have the option to pursue a variety of concentrations during their program.
Cinematography
Use lighting, camera angles, and more to tell a visual story through film.
Directing
Bring an overall vision to life by directing the cast and crew.
Producing
Take a story from script to screen by choosing location, actors, etc.
Documentary Studies
Develop the skills to bring powerful, true stories to the masses.
Screenwriting
Craft the story, write the dialogue, and set the scene with the script.
Music and Sound Design
Record, edit, and mix various sound elements and musical pieces to evoke emotion.
Photography
Create visual elements in film with an artistic eye and the right technical knowledge.
Acting
Bring the script's dialogue to fruition by acting out the scenes.
Editing
Get the final say in how the full story is told in post-production.
CERTIFICATES
The program offers six certificates designed for students who are seeking in-depth analysis and critical-skill development in a specialized area. The certificate programs can be completed in-person, fully-online, or both.
Photography
Become a skilled photographer in a variety of techniques, including portraits and action photography.
Documentary Storytelling
Develop the skills to write and produce powerful, true stories.
Producing
Learn how to take a story from script to screen by choosing the right location, actors, etc.
Post Production
Discover what goes into post-production and the final editing process.
Music Production & Sound Design
Study the art of music production as you record, edit, and mix various sound elements for the screen.
Acting
Bring a script to life through body language and emotion as an actor.
Not all states are authorized for students to enroll in our fully-online programs. Please visit our State Authorization page to confirm if you are eligible to enroll based on your state of residency.
SPOTLIGHT ON:
MFA FILM AND MBA DUAL DEGREE
The MFA Film and MBA programs have come together to design and offer a dual degree program for students who wish to pursue both degrees concurrently. Pursuing both degrees broadens the skills set of our graduates and makes them more competitive in the job market. It also allows students to pursue two degrees at a discounted rate of tuition, compared to completing both degrees individually.
Students selecting to pursue the MFA in Producing for Film and Television and the MBA in Entertainment Management must complete a total of 75 units to receive both degrees, compared to 82 units if pursued individually.
INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS
Many of our MFA students secure work while still enrolled, whether through internships or professional positions. In addition, they work for some of the industry's most well-known and respected companies.
Located at Mount Saint Mary’s University’s Hollywood Studio, our MFA program equips you with the must-have skills to create professional-grade films. You’ll build a solid portfolio that showcases your expertise across each facet of the creative and technical process in a professional studio setting.
You’ll work on real projects supported by professors with on-the-ground industry expertise, and use the same equipment and gear you'd see on any Hollywood set: camera systems, rigs and stabilizers, extensive lighting kits, top-of-the-line audio equipment, pre- and post-production tools and more.
The unique environment at the Mount allows you to learn all aspects of filmmaking — proposal writing, pre-production, research, shooting, sound, editing, outreach, and fundraising — and further develop your specific talents and skills.
“When I’m filming at the Hollywood Studio, I feel confident in my surroundings because it’s a professional space to welcome actors and crew members.”
Ready to tell your story? Embark on an exciting academic journey with us.
We welcome applicants who hold an undergraduate degree to explore Mount Saint Mary’s University’s dynamic MFA programs. As a prospective student, your academic track record should demonstrate capability and readiness to thrive in advanced study.
Admission will be based on an evaluation of the applicant's potential for success in both the program and the profession.
Tip: The MFA at the Mount is one of the most affordable MFA programs in California. We are also proud to offer a variety of scholarship options and tuition discount programs.
Join a community of mission-driven experts in the fine arts who are dedicated to equipping you with the indispensable skills and tools you need to secure a lifelong, meaningful career in the industry.
If you are ready to transform your future with a Master of Fine Arts in Film, Television and New Media, then we encourage you to connect with us today. We cannot wait to help you find your place at the Mount.