MFA Degrees in Film, Media, and Entertainment
The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is an academically recognized terminal degree given to students in the fine arts and performing arts. In NYFA’s MFA graduate programs, students are immersed in a rigorous creative environment where they can build expertise and mastery in their craft.
Designed for aspiring visual storytellers with ambitious creative goals and the ability to conduct scholarly research, NYFA’s MFA programs provide a framework where students can make a practice of their concentration, honing their skills as they strengthen their artistic voice. Through hands-on, project-based learning, students gain advanced training in their chosen discipline as they complete challenging projects, develop a strong portfolio, and solidify their identity as an artist and visual storyteller.
The MFA degree programs in Filmmaking and Acting for Film are offered at our Los Angeles and South Beach campuses. The Producing, Screenwriting, Photography, Documentary Filmmaking, Cinematography, Game Design, and 3D Animation and VFX Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programs are available at NYFA Los Angeles.
MFA Degree Programs
Campuses
Who Should Apply
An ideal candidate for a Master of Fine Arts program can demonstrate their enthusiasm and interest for their chosen discipline through academic or professional life experience. It is not required for students to have an undergraduate degree in the same field as their desired MFA program, but prospective students should have the capacity to commit to advancing their skills within their chosen field. NYFA values life experience, and welcomes students who have recently graduated from college, as well as students who are returning to school after pursuing other creative and professional endeavors to pursue their graduate degree.
Accelerated Schedule
NYFA’s Master of Fine Arts degrees are four to six semesters, depending on the discipline. With an accelerated schedule that allows students to complete three full-length semesters in each calendar year, the MFA degree can be finished in two years. The accelerated calendar reflects the nature of our intensive programs, which helps keep students immersed their area of study.
Curriculum
The MFA curriculum is designed to help students develop mastery in their chosen field in a challenging, graduate-level program. The programs are project-based, and students spend a majority of their time creating original content for their portfolio. This approach allows students to refine their creative and technical skills and gain advanced training in their field, preparing them to pursue a number of artistic paths. To learn more, please visit our course catalog.
MFA students will also engage in History and Theory coursework that supports the curriculum. MFA students can learn more about these requirements on NYFA’s History and Theory Courses page.
Candidates applying to NYFA’s Master of Fine Arts graduate programs must submit the required application materials, listed below. To learn more about the application materials and the application process, please visit the MFA Admissions Requirements page. Please note that students must possess a Bachelor’s Degree by the time of enrollment.
Graduate (MFA) applicants must submit the following materials for admission:
- Completed Graduate Program Application
- Application Fee ($75)
- Undergraduate Degree Transcript
- Narrative Statement
- Letters of Recommendation
- Creative Portfolio
- Proof of English Proficiency
To learn more, please visit our MFA admissions requirements page.
Cross Campus Study
MFA Filmmaking and MFA Acting for Film students have the opportunity to complete their degree at more than one domestic NYFA campus – Los Angeles and South Beach, Miami. This option allows students to continue their MFA degree program in another prominent city for film, media, and entertainment. Please note that limitations apply (i.e. transfers will only be allowed at certain points within the program) and all campus transfers must be approved by the department chair and between US-based campuses. For more information, please visit our cross campus study page.
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Please note: Equipment, curriculum, and projects are subject to change and may vary depending on location. Students should consult the most recently published campus catalog for the most up-to-date curriculum.