Deciding whether to pursue a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Film is about more than weighing costs against potential job titles. An MFA can shape your creative voice, expand your professional opportunities and give you the confidence to thrive in a competitive industry. From honing your storytelling craft to building a network of collaborators and mentors, film school offers benefits that extend far beyond the screen.
As an artistic person, you likely have projects floating around your head, all in various stages of completion. Pursuing an MFA program can provide you with the discipline, deadlines and structured opportunities you need to take your projects from the mental drawing board to a completed film. Having a more structured schedule for production and engaging with expert faculty members can spur you to delve deeper into your storytelling and technical craft, while your peers keep you inspired and provide crucial feedback from diverse backgrounds.
One of the most valuable benefits of pursuing an MFA is the opportunity to learn film theory alongside hands-on practice, allowing you to develop both artistry and skill simultaneously.
The academic benefits of graduate film school are only part of the picture. MFA graduates develop and refine their portfolios throughout the program, leaving them with festival-ready projects and reels that are worth raving about. The connections made through professors and alumni open doors to industry opportunities that are often out of reach for self-taught filmmakers. From these relationships, graduates can develop collaborations, join internships and leverage professional opportunities.
Since an MFA is a terminal degree, it serves as a credential for teaching others about the industry and provides you with the opportunity to advance in the field, thereby greatly expanding your career prospects. Additionally, MFA graduates may enjoy potential earning benefits, as their expertise lends itself to career growth, thanks to the advanced training they invested in during graduate school.
Acquiring a film degree gives you a built-in supportive community of peers, mentors and collaborators. As you share your work with classmates and faculty, you will gain confidence in your craft and solidify your identity as a filmmaker. Many MFA programs include regular feedback sessions, so you develop as an artist who hears feedback and learns how to give constructive criticism to peers.
As you develop your skills in filmmaking, you will also develop your skills in critiquing films, with plenty of opportunities to analyze and reflect on individual films and the direction the industry is heading, not just producing.
Pursuing any graduate degree is an investment, and an MFA in film is no different.
MFA programs are expensive, and there is potential for student debt; however, the invaluable experience and connections students receive through a program often make the trade-off worthwhile. While committing yourself to learning more about the film industry is important, striking a balance between academic training and real-world experience is crucial. The right graduate degree will give you a deep look into the industry, opportunities to contribute to it and courses to improve your craft.
There are long-term creative, professional and personal gains found in MFA in film programs, each a valuable part of a professional's budding resume. Before you decide to pursue a graduate degree in film, you should evaluate your priorities and career goals. An MFA will provide you with practical, real-world experience, but the cost of a graduate program may not be suitable for everyone. Ultimately, the decision to pursue an MFA in film depends on each filmmaker’s goals and circumstances.
At Mount Saint Mary’s University, we provide dynamic ways for you to earn an MFA in film:
MFA in Film, Television and New Media
The MFA in Film, Television and New Media at Mount Saint Mary’s is a two-year program designed to provide students with the skills and expertise they need to share the stories they so passionately want to tell. Students can complete the program by taking classes on weekends, weeknights, or both. Our flexible weekend structure accommodates working individuals and those already in the media industry, as well as those who would like to intern or work on their projects full-time.
MFA in Producing for FIlm and Television
The MFA in Producing for Film and Television is a 43-unit terminal MFA degree that can be completed in two years. It is designed for individuals who wish to fully immerse themselves in all aspects of producing film and television assets. Students will learn how content is developed, pitched and sold to networks and studios.
Dual MFA and MBA Degree
The MFA Film and MBA programs have come together to design and offer a dual degree program for students who wish to pursue both degrees concurrently. Pursuing both degrees broadens the skill set of our graduates, making them more competitive in the job market. It also allows students to pursue two degrees at a discounted rate of time and tuition, compared to completing both degrees individually.
Each of our MFA in Film programs emphasizes hands-on training, providing coveted Hollywood studio access along with creative-business integration, so our graduates are able to make business moves as well as they make movies.
Learn more in our Guide to MFA Programs in Film, Television and New Media, or you can meet with our admissions team to discuss your goals and next steps.