About Master’s Program,
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.
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.
If you are interested in joining us and want to learn more about what the MFA in Film & Media Arts at the University of Utah may have to offer you, please contact Sarah Sinwell, Director of Graduate Studies.
Master’s Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
All applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. However, your undergraduate degree does not need to be in film or a related area to be considered for this program.
The candidate is required to maintain a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA in course work listed on the Program of Study for the master’s degree. A grade below B is not accepted toward a graduate degree.
Master’s Funding Coverage,
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 a tuition waiver through the University of Utah’s Graduate School Tuition Benefit Program, in addition to a stipend. Assistantships are awarded for a maximum of six semesters, contingent on satisfactory teaching or work performance and satisfactory progress toward the degree. Graduate students may also apply for a range of scholarships and fellowships offered by the College of Fine Arts and the University. Information about current tuition and fees is available on the University’s Financial & Business Services site.
Application Requirement,
To apply to the MFA in Film & Media Arts, complete the online Graduate School application:(found here). For the graduate school application, you will need the following items:
- Transcripts o Transcripts from all prior higher education institutions you have attended, which you will upload via the online application. If you are accepted to the program you will be required to provide official transcripts directly to the admissions office.
- Letter of Personal Intent o In your letter, answer the following prompt: o What are your personal, creative, and career goals, and how will an M.F.A. degree from University of Utah’s Film and Media Arts Department help you to reach those goals? Who are you as an individual and how do your unique experiences, values, and world views shape who you are as a filmmaker and artistic collaborator? This essay should help us to get to know you beyond your resume and professional accomplishments. Please submit 750 words or less.
- Letters of Recommendation o Enter contact information for three references into the online application portal. The system will automatically send a request to your references for their letter, which they can upload to the system.
- Creative Submission o An example of your own work in film or video indicative of your personal creative approach to the medium. Your creative submission should showcase no more than 20 minutes of the best examples of your filmmaking work. At least one complete piece should be included; “reels” or short excerpts of pieces are not preferred by the committee. You may upload your work or submit a URL link in the application system. Along with your work, please include a separate document describing the medium, date completed, role in the submitted work, and any other relevant information.
Application Deadline,
May 01 2025
Application Fee,
The non-refundable graduate application fee is $55 for domestic applicants and $65 for international applicants. The application fee must be paid in order to consider your application complete.
