Breaking into the Film Business with Dual MBA and MFA Degree

The world we live in today often makes us feel like we have to make binary choices. You are either left-brained or right-brained; a strategist or a dreamer; a suit or a creative. 

However, you might have realized by now that people don’t need to adopt unnecessary dichotomous thinking when it comes to academics. Sometimes, two fields of study that appear unrelated will actually complement one another. 

With regards to studying film, tapping into the powers of your “right brain” and “left brain” could be what allows you to make a successful career out of your creative passions. 

If you want to break into the film industry, modern business skills and acumen will be paramount to your success. While a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) will help you hone your art form and become a better storyteller, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) will prepare you to compete in a notoriously difficult job market. So, consider pairing the two!

In other words, an MBA can help you land a career in filmmaking — here’s why.

An MFA lays the groundwork for a career in filmmaking

MFA degree programs are dedicated to hands-on experience and skill development. Students gain expertise in their craft and graduate with a body of work that demonstrates their creative and technical abilities. 

In traditional MFA programs, students work in real studios and develop relationships with experienced mentors and fellow students alike. MFA film students have the opportunity to learn every aspect of filmmaking, from pre-production and research editing, outreach and fundraising (and everything in between). 

Because an MFA’s curriculum is focused on helping students hone their creative skills, many MFA programs don’t cover career development or the soft skills you need to compete in the business-focused side of the filmmaking field.

That’s where an MBA degree comes into play.

Bridge the gap with a MFA MBA dual degree program

The MBA is the go-to graduate degree for business pros and aspirational CEOs alike. And for good reason — the skills you learn and connections you make in a quality MBA program can lead to major career advancement in minimal time, whether you’re a business owner or trying to climb the corporate ladder. 

In a traditional MBA program, you will explore how to:

• interpret data to persuasively advocate for a particular point of view;
• analyze conditions in which organizations operate;
• implement new business practices;
• learn how to navigate organizational change.

In an MBA program that is geared towards MFA students, you will also explore how to:

• analyze and implement entertainment management strategies;
• manage aspiring artists, performers or sponsors;
• produce integrated, successful marketing campaigns;
• become an entrepreneur within the field of fine arts.

So, an MFA and MBA may not immediately sound like a natural pairing, but they are more complementary than you might think. By combining these graduate degrees, you’ll gain a strong creative foundation and learn to navigate the fast-changing landscape of filmmaking and business entertainment.

Earn an MFA MBA dual degree at the Mount

At Mount Saint Mary’s University Los Angeles, the MFA MBA dual degree is ideal for students who want to broaden their skills, become more competitive in the job market and learn the nuts-and-bolts of the business side of filmmaking.

With access to world-class resources and top faculty from both programs, the Mount’s graduates are highly sought after by film and television studios, production companies and networks. 

Even better? The MBA/MFA program at the Mount allows students to earn both degrees in less time and for a lower rate of tuition compared to earning both degrees individually. 

Students can also elect to pursue an MBA in Entertainment Management concurrently with the MFA in Film, Television and Photography or the MFA in Producing for Film and Television.

If you’re ready to break into the film industry, we’re ready to help you along the way — request more information, schedule an appointment with us or start your online application today.