Program Overview

Program Overview

The Master of Fine Arts in the Department of Film & Media Arts at the University of Utah is a three-year program designed to develop filmmakers who want to push the boundaries of conventional fictional and documentary storytelling.

Program Structure

Starting with a comprehensive foundation in the production, criticism, and history of film and media arts, students work closely with faculty committees to design a course of study that meets their creative and professional goals. Our students write, direct, and produce multiple projects over the course of their degrees, and exit the program prepared for careers as independent artists, contract professionals, and film and media teachers.

Course Requirements

The program requires the following courses:

• FILM 6010 – Introduction to Graduate Studies
• FILM 6360 – Major Developments in Film and Media Studies
• FILM 6500 – Graduate Production I: Fundamentals and Collaboration
• FILM 6501 – Graduate Production II: Writing and Directing
• FILM 6502 – Graduate Production III: Synthesis
• FILM 6585 – Second Year Film I: Pre-Production
• FILM 6595 – Second Year Film II: Production and Post Production
• FILM 6590 – Thesis Project (minimum 10 hours)
• A portfolio of creative work
• A written evaluation of the MFA thesis project

Application Guidelines

The Department of Film & Media Arts accepts applications for fall admittance. The application deadline is December 31st. However, International Students should submit applications by November 30 to allow for additional processing time.

Application Requirements

To apply to the MFA in Film & Media Arts, complete the online Graduate School application, which requires:

• Transcripts from all prior higher education institutions
• A letter of personal intent (750 words or less)
• Letters of recommendation from three references
• A creative submission (an example of your own work in film or video indicative of your personal creative approach to the medium)

Financial Aid

Graduate students typically receive financial support in the form of teaching assistantships, which enable students to gain valuable instructional experience in a variety of undergraduate Film & Media Arts courses. Teaching assistants receive at least a 75% tuition waiver through the University of Utah’s Graduate School Tuition Benefit Program, in addition to a stipend.

Life at the U

The University of Utah is a center for scholarship and creativity in science, humanities, and fine arts. Graduate students are essential contributors to the University's mission to educate the individual and to discover, refine, and disseminate knowledge.

Graduate Student Resources

• Salt Lake City: a unique fusion of outdoor beauty and city amenities
• Housing: the University of Utah offers some graduate and family housing on campus
• Transportation: the University of Utah has an agreement with the UTA that provides students access to TRAX, UTA buses, and Frontrunner trains

Film Industry and Community in Utah

Utah hosts a vibrant community of film enthusiasts and professionals, including:

• Sundance Film Festival
• Salt Lake Film Society
• MAST Studio
• Utah Film Center
• Utah Film Commission

Screendance Graduate Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Screendance at the University of Utah is an interdisciplinary collaboration between the Modern Dance Program and the Department of Film & Media Arts. This program provides professional-level production courses with state-of-the-art equipment, as well as movement and theory classes. The Certificate requires a two-semester on-site commitment and can also be completed as an additional credential while pursuing a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Dance or in Film & Media Arts.