Overview

The Film and Television Production programme at San Diego State University offers an intensive environment for aspiring filmmakers to develop a unique and clear artistic voice. This Master of Fine Arts degree prioritises hands-on creative endeavour within the context of independent cinema and television production. Students join a tightly knit cohort each autumn, fostering collaborative alliances that often extend well beyond their university careers.

Why Film and Television Production at San Diego State University?

The programme is distinguished by its unusually flexible, elective-heavy curriculum designed to support the individual needs of every student. San Diego State University provides access to specialised facilities, including the Production Center for Documentary and Drama and the Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film. Students benefit from a curriculum that balances technical craft skills with high-level artistic achievement, supported by a faculty of experienced industry professionals.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 8548 per year
National fee: USD 8548 per year
Local fee: USD 8548 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum requires the completion of 54 graduate units, including core preparation, production electives, and critical studies. Modules may include:

Business Aspects of Film
Production for Television and Film
Writing for Television and Film
Writing Short Narrative and Documentary Films
Midway Review Production
Film Editing and Postproduction
Sound Design for Film
Documentary Production
Research and Bibliography in Media Production

Careers with Film and Television Production

Graduates are prepared for professional roles within the global media landscape, focusing on independent filmmaking and creative leadership. The programme develops expertise suitable for careers as directors, cinematographers, editors, sound designers, and production designers. By building a comprehensive portfolio and a directed thesis project, students establish the professional foundation necessary to enter the film and television industry or pursue roles in media research and documentary production.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Business Aspects of Film

Production for Television and Film

Writing for Television and Film

Writing Short Narrative and Documentary Films

Midway Review Production

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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105

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

54 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

San Diego, United States

Disciplines

Visual Arts Film Studies Liberal Arts View 211 other Masters in Film Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Personal Statement

A resume to include any film and/or video production experience you have had

A story treatment for a short film, either narrative or documentary

Three letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional sources who can speak to your ability to achieve artistically and creatively in Media Production

Creative samples fo your work

Official Transcripts

Program Application (online)

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

11548 USD / year

≈ 11548 USD / year
Out-of-State

11548 USD / year

≈ 11548 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8548 USD / year

≈ 8548 USD / year

Additional Details

Non-resident tuition: Add $444 per unit to the basic tuition and fees listed above.

Living costs

San Diego

United States

1400 - 2455 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Film and Television Production.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

San Diego

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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