Film and Media Art MFA Curriculum Requirements

The majority of our students begin the program’s 60-credit standard curriculum; however, we recognize not all students require foundational courses. To ensure students of varying experience find a place in our program, you have the opportunity to apply for Advanced Standing during the application process. The faculty MFA Committee will review your application holistically and decide if Advanced Standing is appropriate based on your previous professional and academic experience. Students with Advanced Standing will complete the program in 52 credits, five semesters.

This sample curriculum map is designed to give you an idea of your course load as a full-time student in the standard, 60-credit curriculum over 6 semesters. For full course information, review our course catalog.

Fall Semester 1 (12 credits)

• Foundational Course: VM 613 Foundations of Image and Sound Production
• Foundational Course: VM 641 The Language of Media Arts
• Media Studies Electives: VM 610 Media Pedagogy

Spring Semester 1 (12 credits)

• Foundational Course: VM 642 Conceptual Development
• Media Studies Electives: VM 643 Experimental Media
• Production Electives: VM 607 Fiction Film Directing

Fall Semester 2 (12 credits)

• Media Studies Electives: VM 655 Topics in Media Studies
• Media Studies Electives: VM 664 Studies in Documentary History and Theory
• Production Electives: VM 612 Graduate Sound Design

Spring Semester 2 (12 credits)

• Production Electives: VM 628 Experimental Media Production
• Production Electives: VM 637 Space, Place, Image, Sound
• Finalize Thesis Project Proposal and secure Thesis Committee

Fall Semester 3 (8 credits)

• MFA Thesis Prep
• Production Electives: VM 612 Graduate Sound Design

Spring Semester 3 (8 credits)

• MFA Thesis Project
• MFA Production Workshop