Graduate Program - Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) in Film

The Program prepares students for employment in the motion picture industry and/or entry into the teaching profession. Students are required to do significant production work in film, video, and screenwriting. In addition to course work in production, students undertake substantial work in film history, theory, and criticism.

Graduate Requirements

The requirements for graduation will generally consist of a portfolio of work including a 16 mm film and a selection of high-end video pieces. The M.F.A. is a three year program, yet most students take longer to finish this portfolio of production work. The M.F.A. program's emphasis is on studio film/video productions, although students are required to take an equal amount of classes in film history and criticism. In addition to the studio portfolio, a written evaluation of the major M.F.A. project will be required and a video copy of the candidate's work must be deposited with the Film Division. An M.F.A. comprehensive examination is Film History must be successfully completed. This examination will generally be taken upon completion of formal course work toward the M.F.A.

Detailed application requirements here.

PROGRAM OF STUDY FOR M.F.A. IN FILM (52.5 credit hours)

Required Courses:
FILM 6010 Introduction to Graduate Studies
FILM 6370 Documentary Video Production*
FILM 6420 Film Theory
FILM 6480 Film Directing*
FILM 6490 Videography*
FILM 6560 Film History
FILM 6570 Film History
FILM 6610 Advanced Film Production I
FILM 6620 Advanced Film Production II
FILM 7870 Graduate Seminar in Film (2 semesters)

Elective Courses (minimum of 12 hours):
FILM 6190 Computer Animation
FILM 6280 Experimental Film Survey*
FILM 6330 Directing Actors for Film
FILM 6370 Documentary Video Production*
FILM 6480 Film Directing*
FILM 6490 Videography*
FILM 6520 Screenwriting I*
FILM 6530 Screenwriting II*
FILM 6540 Screenwriting III*
FILM 6630 Post Production I*
FILM 6640 Post Production II*
FILM 6720 Film Production Project*
FILM 6730 Documentary Film Survey*
FILM 6790 Film Festival Workshop*
FILM 6900 Internship
FILM 6950 Graduate Research Project

*graduate level course number

For more info on the undergraduate program e-mail info@film.utah.edu or call the Film Division at (801) 581-5127.

Address inquiries by mail:
Darci Berg
Division of Film Studies
University of Utah
375 S 1530 E RM 257b
Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0380