M.B.A. in Accounting
DePaul University, situated in the heart of Chicago, offers a distinguished Master of B...
M.F.A. in Documentary
Chicago, Illinois
INTAKE: Jan, Mar, June & Sept
Program Overview
The Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Documentary program at DePaul University is a dynamic and comprehensive program designed to nurture and cultivate the talents of aspiring documentary filmmakers. Rooted in the heart of Chicago, one of the most vibrant cultural hubs in the United States, this program offers students a unique opportunity to explore the art of non-fiction storytelling. DePaul University's M.F.A. in Documentary program provides an immersive, hands-on, and ethically grounded approach to documentary filmmaking. With a focus on creative storytelling, industry-experienced faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and numerous opportunities for professional growth, students in this program are well-prepared to make their mark in the world of documentary filmmaking and related fields.DePaul University's M.F.A. in Documentary program provides students with the knowledge and practical experience they need to excel in a variety of career paths within the documentary filmmaking industry. Whether graduates aspire to be documentary filmmakers, directors, producers, or researchers, the program equips them to create impactful and thought-provoking documentaries that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Curriculum:
1. Emphasis on Creative Storytelling: The M.F.A. in Documentary program places a strong emphasis on creative storytelling techniques. Students learn how to craft compelling narratives that are rooted in real-life events and experiences. They explore a wide range of documentary styles, from observational and expository to participatory and poetic modes of storytelling.
2. Industry-Experienced Faculty: Students benefit from the guidance of faculty who are accomplished professionals in the field of documentary filmmaking. These mentors bring real-world experience and insights into the classroom, helping students develop practical skills and knowledge.
3. State-of-the-Art Facilities: DePaul University provides access to cutting-edge filmmaking facilities, including digital equipment, editing suites, and sound studios. Students have the opportunity to work with industry-standard tools to bring their documentary visions to life.
4. Hands-On Experience: The program's curriculum is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in every aspect of documentary production. From pre-production planning to post-production editing, students gain practical experience at each stage of creating a documentary.
5. Diverse Documentary Genres: Students are encouraged to explore diverse documentary genres, from social and political documentaries to personal and experimental films. This exposure allows them to find their unique voice and style within the world of non-fiction filmmaking.
6. Collaborative Environment: Documentary filmmaking often involves collaboration. DePaul fosters a collaborative learning environment where students can work together on projects, mirroring the teamwork commonly seen in the industry.
7. Guest Speakers and Industry Events: DePaul frequently hosts guest speakers and industry events, providing students with opportunities to network with professionals, attend screenings, and gain insights into emerging trends in documentary filmmaking.
8. Film Festivals and Showcases: Students have the chance to showcase their work at film festivals, both locally and internationally. This exposure helps them gain recognition and can open doors to the professional documentary filmmaking community.
9. Immersive Chicago Experience: DePaul University's location in Chicago offers students a rich and diverse backdrop for their documentaries. The city's cultural diversity, social issues, and vibrant communities provide an ideal setting for documentary exploration.
10. Professional Development: Beyond filmmaking skills, students receive training in pitching their documentaries, funding opportunities, and distribution strategies. This knowledge equips them for the practical aspects of the documentary industry.
11. Ethics and Responsibility: The program also emphasizes the ethical aspects of documentary filmmaking. Students learn to approach sensitive subjects with responsibility, respect, and integrity.
12. Alumni Success: DePaul's M.F.A. in Documentary program has a track record of successful alumni who have made their mark in the documentary industry, earning recognition at major film festivals and contributing to important social dialogues.
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Score
IELTS: 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 23868
Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs
Application Fees : US$ 75
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Academic Qualifications: International students applying for postgraduate programs are required to have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution. The minimum academic requirement is often a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, which is equivalent to 60% or above.
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English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: An overall score of 6.5 or higher, with no individual band score below 6.
- TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - Internet-Based Test): A minimum overall score of 80 with no band less than 17.
- PTE (Pearson Test of English): A score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): A minimum score of 115.
DePaul University is dedicated to supporting the academic aspirations of international students. The university offers various scholarships and financial aid opportunities to help make education more accessible.
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International Student Scholarships: DePaul University provides merit-based scholarships to international undergraduate and graduate students. These scholarships consider academic achievements, test scores, and other criteria.
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Global Gateway Scholarships: These scholarships are designed for undergraduate international students who transfer from specific partner institutions to DePaul. They help facilitate a smooth transition.
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Dean's Merit-Based Scholarships: DePaul's colleges and schools offer dean's merit-based scholarships to international students within their respective programs. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievements and contributions.
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Graduate Assistantships: Graduate assistantships may be available to international students pursuing master's or doctoral degrees. These assistantships offer a stipend and sometimes a tuition waiver in exchange for research or teaching assistance.
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International Experience Scholarship: This scholarship is for undergraduate students planning to participate in study abroad programs. It provides financial support to students seeking to gain global perspectives.
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Vincent G. Rinn Family Endowed Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to international students with financial need. It helps cover tuition costs and promote diversity within the DePaul community.
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Donor-Funded Scholarships: DePaul University administers a range of donor-funded scholarships, some of which are available to international students. These scholarships often have specific eligibility criteria and application requirements.
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Athletic Scholarships: DePaul offers athletic scholarships for international student-athletes who excel in various sports. These scholarships may cover tuition and related expenses.
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External Scholarships: DePaul encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities, both in their home countries and in the United States.
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Fellowship Programs: Some academic departments and schools offer fellowship programs that provide financial support to international graduate students pursuing specific areas of study.
It's important to note that scholarship availability, criteria, and application deadlines can vary among programs and departments at DePaul University.
The Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Documentary program at DePaul University equips students with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience necessary to excel in the dynamic field of documentary filmmaking. Graduates of this program can look forward to a range of rewarding career prospects in the world of documentary filmmaking and related fields.
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Documentary Filmmaker: As the most direct career path, graduates can become documentary filmmakers. They can work on various subjects, including social issues, history, environmental concerns, and personal narratives, creating impactful documentaries for a global audience.
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Independent Filmmaker: Many M.F.A. in Documentary graduates venture into independent filmmaking. They may produce documentaries independently or collaborate with production companies to tell compelling stories on various platforms, from cinema to streaming services.
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Film Director: Graduates with a focus on documentary filmmaking can also explore opportunities in directing. They may work on non-fiction content, such as documentaries, reality TV, or news segments.
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Producer: Some graduates may choose to work as producers, overseeing documentary projects from concept to completion. Producers play a critical role in securing funding, coordinating production, and ensuring the successful delivery of the documentary.
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Cinematographer: Cinematography is a crucial aspect of documentary filmmaking. Graduates with a strong interest in visuals and camera work can pursue careers as documentary cinematographers, capturing stunning and evocative images for documentaries.
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Film Editor: Film editors shape the narrative and structure of documentaries. They piece together raw footage to create a compelling story. M.F.A. graduates can seek opportunities as film editors in documentary production.
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Production Manager: Some graduates may opt for roles as production managers, responsible for organizing and coordinating the various aspects of documentary shoots. This role involves logistical planning, budgeting, and on-set management.
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Documentary Researcher: Researchers play a crucial role in documentary production, gathering information, conducting interviews, and fact-checking. Graduates can work as documentary researchers, ensuring the accuracy and depth of the content.
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Educator: With their expertise, some M.F.A. graduates choose to teach documentary filmmaking at educational institutions. This allows them to share their knowledge and inspire the next generation of documentary filmmakers.
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Nonprofit and Advocacy Organizations: Many nonprofits and advocacy groups use documentary films to raise awareness about important issues. Graduates can work with such organizations to create impactful documentaries that drive social change.
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Television Networks and Streaming Services: The demand for documentary content on television networks and streaming platforms has surged. Graduates can secure positions with these entities to produce and direct documentary series and films.
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Film Festivals and Distribution: Some graduates may work with film festivals, where they can showcase their own work or curate documentary selections. Others may pursue careers in film distribution, ensuring that documentaries reach their intended audiences.
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Freelance Documentary Work: Freelancing is a common path for documentary filmmakers. Graduates can take on various roles on a project basis, providing creative services for different documentaries and production companies.
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Digital Storytelling: In the digital age, online platforms, social media, and web documentaries offer new avenues for storytelling. Graduates can find opportunities in digital content creation, exploring innovative ways to engage audiences.
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International Opportunities: Documentary filmmaking transcends borders. Graduates can explore international opportunities, collaborating on documentaries that address global issues and reach diverse audiences.
