Master of Fine Arts - Film Production

Master of Fine Arts - Film Production

Program Overview

The production track of the M.F.A. emphasizes studio film and video productions. In addition to production coursework and projects, students are required to establish a strong theoretical grounding in film history and criticism classes. The Program prepares students for employment in the motion picture industry and/or entry into the teaching profession.

The M.F.A. may take between two and three years for completion. The requirements for graduation consist of a portfolio of work. In addition to the studio portfolio, a written evaluation of the M.F.A. thesis project will be required with a video copy of the candidate's work deposited with the Film & Media Arts Department. A comprehensive examination in Film History, administered upon completion of formal course work, must be successfully completed.

Application Guidelines

The Department of Film & Media Arts accepts applications for admission completed by December 31st for fall admittance. Students wishing to apply for the M.F.A. must apply to the University of Utah Graduate School. Graduate school applications should be completed at least 30 days prior to the department deadline of December 31st to allow time for processing. The online Graduate School application can be found here: https://app.applyyourself.com//?id=utahgrad. To complete the graduate school application you will need the following items:

  • Transcripts from all prior higher education institutions you have attended. You will be asked to upload your transcripts. If you are accepted to the program you may receive a request to have official transcripts mailed directly to the admissions office.

  • A sample of critical writing (from any discipline)

  • A letter of personal intent explaining why you want to go to film school and what you hope to accomplish during your studies here. We are interested in your ideas about filmmaking and how you express yourself in writing.

  • Three (3) contacts for letters of recommendation.


    • In addition to the Graduate School application you must submit the following to The Department of Film & Media Arts:

    A reel of your own work in film or video indicative of your personal creative approach to the medium. Your reel should showcase no more than 20 minutes of the best examples of your filmmaking work (one complete piece of work is preferred). You may submit your reel as a DVD or a URL link. Please include a separate document describing related information (medium, date completed, etc.) and your role in the work submitted (cinematographer, screenwriter, director, etc.). Your reel should be mailed to: Film & Media Arts, 375 South 1530 East, 275b, Salt Lake City, UT 84112.

    Any questions about submitting materials can be directed to Paula Lee, Administrative Program Coordinator, 801.581.5127 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    If you have questions about this program, please contact Kevin Hanson, Interim Director of Graduate Studies at 801.581.5127 or via email, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    We look forward to receiving your application.