Film (M.F.A)

Program Overview

Syracuse University's M.F.A. in Film program combines film production with critical and conceptual study, emphasizing global cinema and interdisciplinary exploration. Students develop unique plans of study, produce multiple films, and receive guidance from experienced filmmakers and scholars. The program prepares graduates for diverse careers in the film industry, including filmmaking, screenwriting, and production design.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• The Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)
in film program at the Department of Film and Media Arts at Syracuse University integrates film production with the critical and conceptual study of film.
• The program emphasizes global cinema, offering international programs, hosting visiting artists from around the world, and providing a curriculum that covers film history, culture, and theory.
• The objective of the program is to develop a unique plan of study for each student that supports their talents and interests, while complementing required coursework.
• The program encourages students to explore film in a personal and intelligent manner, with an awareness of its history and potential.
• Students are expected to be creative, articulate, and curious about cinema.

Outline:

Coursework:

• Major studio: 24 credits
• Studio electives: 12 credits
• Art history or related academics: 12 credits
• Free electives: 6 credits
• Graduate seminar: 3 credits
• Final presentation: 3 credits
• Total Credits: 60

Content and Structure:

• The curriculum is flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies to their individual interests.
• Students are encouraged to take courses in other disciplines, such as video, photography, computer art, sound, music composition, creative writing, drama, humanities, women's studies, and African American studies, to develop an interdisciplinary approach to filmmaking.
• The program does not impose a specific aesthetic or critical agenda but encourages students to explore the medium of film in their own unique ways.
• Students are required to produce a minimum of three films, including a final graduate project, and present them to the faculty at portfolio review sessions.
• The program supports work in digital cinema and super 16mm.
• Film students have 24-hour access to post-production facilities.

Assessment:

• The assessment of student work is based on a combination of factors, including the quality of the films produced, the student's written work, and their participation in class discussions and critiques.
• Students are also required to present their work at portfolio review sessions, which provide an opportunity for feedback from the faculty and peers.

Teaching:

• The program's faculty includes experienced filmmakers, scholars, and industry professionals.
• The program emphasizes a hands-on approach to learning, with students actively involved in the production of their own films.
• Students have access to state-of-the-art equipment and production facilities.
• The program offers opportunities for students to collaborate with other students in the Department of Film and Media Arts, as well as with students in other disciplines across the university.

Careers:

• The M.F.A.
in film program prepares students for a variety of careers in the film industry, including filmmaking, screenwriting, editing, cinematography, and production design.
• Graduates of the program have gone on to work on films that have been screened at major film festivals and received critical acclaim.
• The program also offers opportunities for students to network with industry professionals and develop connections that can help them launch their careers in the film industry.