M.S. in Accounting and Analytics
The Master of Science in Accounting and Analytics at Stony Brook University offers a co...
M.F.A. in Film
Stony Brook, New York
INTAKE: Winter
Program Overview
Stony Brook University’s MFA in Film is a rigorous and immersive graduate program designed for students who aspire to become filmmakers, screenwriters, and industry professionals. The program offers a comprehensive education in both the creative and technical aspects of filmmaking, with an emphasis on narrative storytelling, film production, and post-production. Students receive hands-on experience, engaging with all stages of the filmmaking process, from conception to execution. Graduates are well-prepared to work in film, television, and new media, having developed a diverse skill set that encompasses both artistic vision and industry knowledge.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the MFA in Film program is structured to provide a strong foundation in film theory, history, and production techniques. Students take courses in screenwriting, cinematography, film editing, directing, and sound design, while also studying the history and theory of cinema. The program encourages students to experiment with various film genres, formats, and technologies, offering opportunities to create short films, feature projects, and multimedia works. Students also have access to state-of-the-art production facilities, which supports their creative projects and technical learning.
Research Focus: The MFA in Film at Stony Brook University encourages students to engage with both creative and academic research in film. Students explore a range of film genres and styles, from experimental and avant-garde filmmaking to mainstream cinema. Faculty members specialize in various aspects of filmmaking, including narrative and documentary filmmaking, film theory, and the socio-political contexts of cinema. This diverse faculty expertise fosters an environment where students can create meaningful, socially relevant works while engaging critically with the medium’s history, theory, and future potential.
Industry Engagement: Stony Brook University’s MFA in Film program has strong connections with the film and media industries, both locally and internationally. The program provides students with opportunities for internships and collaborations with film festivals, production companies, and media organizations. The university’s location in New York State offers access to the vibrant New York City film industry, providing students with opportunities to network, gain real-world experience, and showcase their work to industry professionals. In addition, students benefit from workshops, master classes, and guest lectures from renowned filmmakers, producers, and screenwriters.
Global Perspective: The MFA in Film program at Stony Brook University is committed to providing students with a global perspective on cinema. The program includes exposure to international cinema and filmmaking practices, encouraging students to incorporate diverse cultural viewpoints and cinematic styles into their own work. Stony Brook has a diverse faculty and student body, allowing for a cross-cultural exchange of ideas and experiences. The program also encourages students to participate in global film festivals, screenings, and collaborative projects that emphasize the international nature of contemporary filmmaking.
Location
Stony Brook, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 33914
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
Stony Brook University offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students, helping them manage the costs of their education. While U.S. federal financial aid is not available to international students, there are merit-based scholarships and other financial resources that can help reduce tuition fees and living expenses.
Graduate Scholarships: Graduate international students may also be eligible for various scholarships and assistantships within their academic departments. These awards are often based on academic performance, research interests, or teaching potential. Some graduate programs may offer full or partial tuition waivers, along with stipends for research or teaching assistant positions. International graduate students should check with their specific department or program for details on available scholarships and assistantships.
External Scholarships: In addition to the scholarships offered by Stony Brook University, international students are encouraged to explore external funding opportunities. Many organizations, government agencies, and private foundations offer scholarships and grants to international students who wish to study in the United States. Students can research scholarship opportunities through their home country’s government, non-profit organizations, and international scholarship programs. Some popular external scholarships include the Fulbright Program and the United Nations Scholarships.
Scholarships for Specific Countries or Regions: Stony Brook University also participates in various international partnerships and programs that offer scholarships to students from specific countries or regions. These scholarships may be designed to foster collaboration between Stony Brook and institutions abroad, with an emphasis on enhancing global relations.
Graduates of the MFA in Film program at Stony Brook University have access to a variety of career options in the film and media industries.
Filmmaker/Director: Many graduates go on to work as directors, creating their own films, documentaries, and television content. With a solid foundation in both theory and production, they are prepared to lead projects from concept through to final cut.
Screenwriter: The MFA program provides extensive training in screenwriting, allowing graduates to write scripts for film, television, and digital media. They may work as freelance writers, or for production companies, writing original screenplays or adapting existing works.
Cinematographer/Director of Photography: Graduates interested in the technical side of filmmaking may pursue careers as cinematographers, responsible for capturing the visual essence of a film. This includes lighting, camera work, and composition, ensuring that the director’s vision is translated to the screen.
Film Editor: With an emphasis on post-production in the MFA program, graduates can work as editors, shaping raw footage into a finished film. They may work in editing for narrative films, documentaries, commercials, and digital content, using advanced editing software and techniques.
Producer: Graduates can work as producers, overseeing the development, financing, and production of films and TV shows. Producers coordinate with writers, directors, and crew to ensure that a project is completed on time, within budget, and to creative expectations.
Production Designer: For those with an eye for visual storytelling, production design offers career opportunities in film set design, props, and costumes. Production designers work closely with the director to create the visual world of a film, from sets to overall aesthetic.
Sound Designer/Audio Engineer: Graduates may pursue careers in sound design or audio engineering, focusing on creating the soundscape for films. This role includes editing, mixing, and adding sound effects to ensure the auditory experience complements the visual one.
Film Critic/Journalist: Graduates can work as film critics or journalists, writing for publications, websites, or magazines. They analyze films, write reviews, and interview filmmakers, contributing to the wider film discourse.
Film Festival Programmer: Those with an interest in curating and organizing can work as film festival programmers. These professionals select films for screening at festivals, organize events, and work with filmmakers and the media to promote the festival’s mission.
Academic/Film Scholar: Graduates may choose to continue their education and pursue a career in academia as film professors, teaching film theory, history, and production at the university level, while conducting scholarly research.
