Overview

The Independent Film and Digital Imaging program from Governors State University is dedicated to internationally recognized films and photography that draw on evolving technology to celebrate diverse visions, especially those currently underrepresented in film and the photographic arts.

The MFA-IFDI is centered on authorship. We guide each of our students through all the creative processes of photography and film. Our filmmakers are engaged in individual and small crew development, production, post, and delivery - we want you to focus on conceiving your thesis from the very beginning so that your coursework dovetails in the writing, directing, and producing of a beautiful documentary or drama. Our photographers are working on techniques and aesthetics that will lead to a celebration of their work in a gallery exhibition. Our class sizes are capped at 12 and we maintain a strong emphasis on getting to know and nurture the development of each student on an individual basis. Our students range in age from their 20s to their 70s, but the majority are mid-career and looking for the opportunity to blossom in creative ways that they have never experienced before.

Career Path

With an MFA in Independent Film and Digital Imaging—a terminal degree—you can pursue careers in various settings, such as photography, filmmaking, graphic design, corporate communications, and teaching at the college level.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

History of Photography

History of Film

Film Seminar

Critical Practices in Contemporary Photography

Independent Study

Digital Imaging Thesis Development

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-01-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

National rolling basis

Language

English

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Credits

60 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Chicago, United States

Disciplines

Film Studies Digital Media View 179 other Masters in Digital Media in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

Evidence of an undergraduate degree, preferably in a related field (media, multimedia, communications, English, or the liberal arts).

Have a minimum cumulative undergraduate G.P.A. of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Graduate courses can be substituted but the cumulative G.P.A. must be a 3.0 or better;

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

24780 USD / year

≈ 24780 USD / year
Out-of-State

12390 USD / year

≈ 12390 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12390 USD / year

≈ 12390 USD / year

Living costs

Chicago

United States

1297 - 2491 USD / month

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

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.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Independent Film and Digital Imaging.

Available Scholarships

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

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