Cinema Arts, M.F.A.

Matriculation Requirements

Applicants who have completed a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.00 satisfy the undergraduate requirements of this program.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Create a body of work that reflects an understanding and command of the short-form narrative and the principles of visual storytelling.
• Ability to successfully collaborate with fellow students, cast, and crew in pursuit of common creative and production objectives.
• Ability to manage the film production process, including the resources of time, money, technology, and people.
• Exhibit an ability to learn from the study of film history, film theory, and master artists and technicians in the field.

Admissions Requirements

• Fall Application Deadline—January 15, then rolling admission.
• Spring Application Deadline—This program does not accept applications for spring.

Supporting Documents for Matriculation

Submit the following documents to the Office of Graduate Admissions:

• Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Applicants who earned a bachelor’s degree outside the United States need to submit a course-by-course international transcript evaluation. See Graduate Admissions for more information.
• Résumé.
• Statement of purpose. Write a three- to four-page (double-spaced, 12-point font) statement explaining your purpose in undertaking graduate study in cinema arts. This is your opportunity to articulate your goals, interests, and career plans as they relate to pursuing an M.F.A. in cinema arts. We are trying to gain a sense of who you are and the distinctive experiences and interests that have motivated you to pursue this degree.
• Two letters of recommendation from former instructors, employers, collaborators, or other people familiar with you and your work.
• Creative portfolio. Prepare and submit a portfolio of creative work via the online application system, Slideroom. Note that, upon submitting your creative portfolio, Slideroom will charge a small fee for applicants to use this service. (You may pay this fee with a credit or debit card.) Portfolio submission materials will not be returned to applicants. We recommend submitting copies only. All cinema arts applicants must submit one of the following:
  • A short film that you have personally directed, or for which you were a principal creative contributor and credited as such (e.g., as writer, producer, cinematographer, editor, vfx designer/supervisor), not to exceed 15 minutes; or
  • An original treatment for a feature film, in 10 pages or less (double-spaced, 12-point font), which can include photographs or visuals not to exceed one third of total treatment, plus one additional written page explaining why you want to make this project and create this specific story; or
  • A short script (correctly formatted) that you have individually written, not to exceed 12 pages in length.

Additional/optional items: You are welcome to submit up to five additional items on Slideroom (either visual pieces, such as videos, photos, visual documentation of creative work, or written pieces, provided you played a key role on those works). Clearly describe exactly your role on each item that you submit on Slideroom.

While you are required to submit a portfolio of your creative work on Slideroom, you are permitted to supplement your portfolio by listing a URL to an online portfolio of your creative work on your résumé or CV.

Required Tests

• F-1 or J-1 international students must submit English Proficiency Exam. TOEFL- 79, IELTS- 6.5, PTE- 58-63, Duolingo 105-160.

Refer to the instructions at Graduate Admissions.

Contact

Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema

25 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11210
E: Feirstein@brooklyn.cuny.edu
P: 718.237.3410

Or contact:

Office of Graduate Admissions

222 West Quad Center
2900 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11210
E: grads@brooklyn.cuny.edu
P: 718.951.4536

Office Hours

Mondays–Fridays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

To make an appointment with a graduate admissions counselor, visit:

BC Admissions Appointment Tool