Internship experiences and workshops led by professionals are "built-in" to the studies. Situated near New York City, and in the heart of a vibrant media market, our students and graduates will be able to hone their skills and be better prepared to obtain work in the field. MFA film students attend online courses during the fall and spring semesters and attend nine-day residencies in the summer and winter sessions. To complete the degree, students attend four residencies and eight online courses. The program can be completed in two years. Each student takes four "Essentials" courses below in the following order, one in each concentration outside of their main concentration). FILM6000 Screenwriting Essentials Screenwriters are tasked with translating the story into the structure demanded by a teleplay or screenplay. Whether it be selecting what story elements to keep — and which to throw away — or how to structure a story so it is told in the most dramatic way possible, screenwriters use the opportunities provided in their chosen medium: film, tv, etc., to create the blueprint of the production. FILM6001 Producing Essentials Producers play a vital role in the selection of material, business development, legal filings, and creative execution of content produced for theatrical, streaming, or broadcast. The producer has a role that is part business person and part creative executive. This course will present an overview of the expectations placed on the producer, and a career path which can lead to that position. FILM6002 Directing Essentials Directors don't merely interpret the screenplay, they must understand how best to exploit its cinematic potential. Whether it be in the casting, the locations, in the performances, or in the design of the production and camerawork to be used, the director must accept the creative responsibility of anchoring the production for the entirety of its' development and execution. FILM6003 Cinematography Essentials Armed with the script, supported by production designers and cast, the cinematographer must lead the talented crew on the set, to visualize and photograph the story. A creative cinematographer is not just a talented photographer, but a key collaborator in how the story is told. The role demands a knowledge of the ever-changing technology of film, and the skills to obtain the best work from a large crew. There are a lot of moving parts the cinematographer must lead, in order to best serve the production, and allow it to move toward fruition. FILM6004 Editing/Post Production Essentials The editor is the anchor of the film project. Relied upon and trusted by directors and producers to provide another set of 'eyes', the editor not only assists in selecting the best material to use, but often decides where it should be used. Decisions about cutting scenes, moving them around as the story demands, and otherwise structuring the story in ways not previously seen, often fall to the editor. Artists such as Orson Welles said, 'Editing isn't just a part of film. Editing is filmmaking'.

In making admissions decisions, the greatest weight is given to screenwriting samples, completed film projects, festival and professional recognition, and employer recommendations. Work-related experience will also be taken into consideration. While admission will not require the undergraduate major to have been in a film-related field, creativity demonstrated while an undergraduate, or in professional work environments, will be considered. Prospective students may also arrange a meeting with one of the program directors to discuss program options and tour the film facilities.