Program Overview

Introduction to the MFA Film Program

The Film MFA Program is part of Columbia University School of the Arts, an innovative graduate professional school grounded in a deeply intellectual Ivy League university and energized by its location in New York City, one of the great cultural capitals of the world. The study and practice of art-making at the School is an immersive, constantly evolving process. Aspiring, emerging, or established, our filmmakers, writers, theater practitioners, and visual and sound artists grow individually through intensive engagement with their craft and lively, often profound exchanges of ideas and work.

Admissions Information

The School welcomes applications for admission in the fall semester of each year (no students are admitted for the spring semester). Please note, applications will not be evaluated by each program's Faculty Admissions Committee until they are complete.

Materials Required for Application to the School of the Arts

1. Completed Application: Must be submitted online.
2. Official Undergraduate Transcript: Official paper transcripts are not required for the admission application. If you receive an offer of admission, you will be required to send official paper documents for verification.
3. Three Letters of Recommendation: Online submission of letters of recommendation is required. Recommenders should be academic or professional contacts who can speak to your creative ability and potential; personal/friend references are not permitted.
4. Creative Materials Required for Application: Creative Materials vary by concentration.
5. $110 Online Application Fee: This may be paid by credit card (Visa and MasterCard only) when submitting an application online; or by check or money order, mailed with your materials, made out to Columbia University.

Creative Materials

All elements of the application will be examined carefully for talent in narrative filmmaking. All written submissions must be written solely by the applicant.

Screenwriting & Directing

• Autobiographical essay: Four to six double-spaced pages. Tell us something about yourself, your artistic experiences, creative influences, and professional objectives.
• Dramatic Writing Sample: A log line must be included. No more than 10 pages. Must be in screenplay format and must contain dialogue.
• Film prompt: Read the following openings, choose one and imagine the scene that might follow it. The scene you write must include both dialogue and description. It should be no less than two and no more than three pages long.
• Feature film treatment: On one double-spaced page for a film you might wish to write, direct or produce based on your application concentration. The treatment must concisely relate a complete dramatic story sufficient to sustain a feature-length film.
• Visual Submission (not required, but strongly suggested for Screenwriting & Directing Film Concentration applicants): Film/Video Work: All Film MFA applicants may submit up to 30 minutes of film/video work.

Writing for Film & Television

• Autobiographical Essay: Three to four double-spaced pages. Please tell us the story of one or two experiences in your life that affected you strongly and shaped you as a writer.
• Dramatic Writing Sample: Please submit a short sample of your original screenplay or teleplay writing up to ten pages in length.
• Film prompt: Read the following openings, choose one and imagine the scene that might follow it. The scene you write must include both dialogue and description.
• Feature Film Treatment: On one double-spaced page for a film you might wish to write, direct or produce based on your application concentration.
• Visual Submission (optional): You are welcome to upload a visual sample (10 minutes or less) if you feel it showcases your ability as a writer.

Creative Producing

• Autobiographical essay: Four to six double-spaced pages. Tell us something about yourself and your background, artistic experiences, creative influences, and professional objectives.
• Dramatic Writing Sample: A log line must be included. No more than 10 pages. Must be in screenplay format and must contain dialogue.
• Film prompt: Read the following openings, choose one and imagine the scene that might follow it. The scene you write must include both dialogue and description.
• Feature film treatment: On one double-spaced page for a film you might wish to write, direct or produce based on your application concentration.
• Visual Submission (optional): Film/Video Work: All Film MFA applicants may submit up to 30 minutes of film/video work.
• Creative Producing applicants must ALSO submit a current resumé.

School-wide Application Requirements

In addition to the Required Creative Materials, ALL applicants must submit the following:

• Completed Online Application
• Undergraduate Transcript
• Three Letters of Recommendation
• $110 Online Application Fee

Fall 2026 Admissions Deadline

• MFA Film Program: Tuesday, December 9, 2025 @ 11:59 PM ET

Information Session

• Saturday, November 8, 2025, 11:30 AM ET

Q &A Sessions

• MFA Film - Screenwriting & Directing AND Writing for Film & Television: Tuesday, November 25, 2025, 7 PM ET
• MFA Film - Creative Producing: Thursday, December 4, 2025, 6 PM ET