The world of film has changed over the years with new technologies, ever-evolving styles and innovative ideas. One thing that has remained constant, however, is that there will always be the need for talented, hard-working individuals who want to make an impact.
If you’re feeling called to express your creativity, pursue your passion and tell powerful stories, then studying film is a great way to answer that call.
By earning an MFA degree, you’ll be on the road to launching a career that will allow you to flex those creative muscles and produce meaningful art in a way that matters most to you.
Learn more about studying film at the Mount with our resource: A Guide to MFA Programs in Film, Television and Photography.
What is an MFA? What will I learn?
So, what exactly is an MFA degree?
A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree is a graduate-level program designed for students who want to pursue careers in visual arts, creative writing or performing arts.
Whether you are interested in a career in film, TV or other similar fields, it’s important to understand that these are very competitive industries to break into. It’s not enough to be a creative, passionate and talented artist — you need to have a solid foundation of knowledge, skills and theory in order to stand out from other job seekers.
That’s one of the reasons that earning an MFA degree can help launch your career. Throughout the program, you’ll get a chance to reward your creative spirit and pursue your interests, balanced with the technical and practical theory that makes it all work. And the best part of all, you’ll be surrounded by other passionate creators like yourself who will inspire you to do your best work.
What you’ll learn will depend on your field of interest. You can expect to take some core classes, but much of your time will be devoted to your specialty and medium. If you want to specialize in film, for example, you may get to take classes like Screenwriting, Pitching and Packaging, Directing and Advanced Editing.
What can I do with a film degree?
One of the most exciting things about earning a film degree is that you can pursue many different career paths. From the stage to the studio, from the director’s chair to the editor’s bay, the real-world applications of earning a film degree are nearly endless.
However, there’s one thing that all of these different career paths have in common: there is a strong demand for highly-skilled individuals with a strong portfolio of work.
But, how do you build a portfolio of work before starting your career? And how do you know if it’s any good?
That’s where earning an MFA degree comes in.
When exploring MFA programs, be sure to choose one that prioritizes hands-on learning and studio work so that you can gain real-world experience, start building industry connections and get a good sense of what it takes to succeed in that field.
What skills will I need to pursue in a career in film?
Whichever path you choose, there are some universal skills that you’ll be able to develop through an MFA program:
Creativity
Can you think outside the box? Are you bringing fresh ideas to the table? You will learn to produce authentic work that matters.
Communication
How well are you able to articulate your ideas to team members? Learn how to communicate proactively with intention and thoughtfulness.
Flexibility
Things change quickly in the world of creative arts. Sometimes you need to be able to adapt on the fly, so it’s important to be flexible.
Research
Sometimes, understanding the why behind different concepts or approaches is just as important as the idea itself. This is an area that earning an MFA will especially help with.
Commitment
The process can sometimes be a grind. Long hours, frustration and people challenging your ideas. To be successful, you’ll need to be 100% committed.
Earning your MFA degree at MSMU
Here at Mount Saint Mary’s University, our focused curriculum prepares students to stand out in the applicant pool and launch successful careers in the arts. Through our rigorous MFA program, you’ll get the chance to choose from the following concentrations:
- Cinematography
- Directing
- Producing
- Documentary Studies
- Photography
- Screenwriting
- Acting
- Editing
- Music and Sound Design
You’ll also have the chance to learn in our Hollywood Studio, where you can work on real projects supported by professors with on-the-ground industry expertise. The setup is just like what you’d see in Hollywood — camera systems, rigs and stabilizers, extensive lighting kits, top-of-the-line audio equipment, pre- and post-production tools and more.
If you are ready to transform your future with a Master of Fine Arts in Film, Television and Photography, then we encourage you to connect with us today.
We cannot wait to help you find your place at the Mount.
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You have the opportunity to enroll in one of the best MFA programs in California. Learn more about studying film with our resource: A Guide to MFA Programs in Film, Television and Photography.
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