The MFA in Film, Television and Photography program at Mount Saint Mary’s is a 2+ year program designed to provide students with the skills and expertise they need to share the stories they so passionately want to tell. Students can complete the program by taking classes on weekends, weeknights (or both) at our new MSMU Hollywood studio. Our unique weekend structure is specifically designed to accommodate working individuals and those already in the media industry, as well as those who would like to intern or work on creative projects full-time.
Students have the option to pursue the following concentrations: Screenwriting; Directing; Producing; Cinematography; Documentary; Photography; Acting; Editing; Music and Sound Design; and International Media.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Fine Arts in Film, Television & Photography is a terminal degree program comprised of the following requirements:
- Foundations (15 units)
- Concentration (12 units)
- Electives (13 units)
- Thesis (12 units)
- Mid-Program Review and Thesis Proposal
- Final Review and Oral Defense
A minimum of 52 units is required to complete the program.
Foundations (15 Units)
To be taken in the first year. Students are required to complete the Foundations courses prior to their Mid-Program Review and enrollment in Thesis.
Concentration (12+ Units)
Students select specialized program courses from the following concentrations (12+ Units):
- Screenwriting
- Directing
- Producing
- Documentary
- Cinematography
- Photography
- Editing
- Acting
- Music and Sound Design
- International Media
Electives (13 Units)
Students may choose courses from Film, Creative Writing, and Humanities department graduate offerings (13 Units).
Elective units can be applied toward a second concentration.
Please note, individual instructor permission may be required for some courses.
Thesis & Reviews (12 Units)
Students are required to complete a minimum of 12 units of thesis work.
Note: Students must first complete all Foundation courses prior to beginning Thesis work.
FLM 299A Thesis 1 (4 Units)
- Student selects Thesis Committee members, develops and presents a Mid-Point Review & Thesis Proposal (FLM 298A).
- Student continues working with Thesis Committee, completing agreed upon milestones and requirements.
- Student completes all milestones and requirements with Thesis Committee, culminating in a Final Review and Oral Defense.
- If more time is needed, students may continue their Thesis work in order to completes all milestones and requirements with Thesis Committee, culminating in a Final Review and Oral Defense.