An independent directory of verified film degrees in the United States
American Film Institute Conservatory · Cinematography
A two-year, full-time MFA in which Cinematography Fellows shoot narrative short films, take lighting workshops, create a 35mm visual essay and shoot a thesis project.
| Field | Classification | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Cinematography | Dedicated degreeThe degree itself is in this field. | Source: conservatory.afi.com · verified October 12, 2026 |
MFA awarded in the Cinematography discipline.
Source: conservatory.afi.com · verified October 12, 2026We list verified film degrees only — no certificates, workshops or generic degrees with a few film electives. Eligibility rules
Thesis filmFellows plan, produce and shoot a thesis project in a seminar shared with Directing Fellows.
Source: conservatory.afi.com · verified October 12, 2026As listed on the program's official page on October 12, 2026. Listing does not mean a faculty member is teaching or supervising new students in a given year.
Source: conservatory.afi.com · verified October 12, 2026Equipment access: not verified. We publish this only when the school states it on an official page.
Thesis and project spending
We never estimate a total cost when key expenses are unpublished. Compare production costs
| Material | Status | Instructions as published |
|---|---|---|
| Cinematography reel | Required | Moving image sample of original work as sole cinematographer, up to 20 minutes.Length: up to 20 minutesSource: conservatory.afi.com · verified October 12, 2026 |
| Creative prompt / exercise | Required | "Ten-Sixty" assignment: a narrative film of 10 shots in 60 seconds on a set topic (SERENDIPITY), no audio or dialogue.Length: up to 1 minutesSource: conservatory.afi.com · verified October 12, 2026 |
| Visual portfolio | Required | Still photography portfolio of 8-12 images in a merged PDF, including formal portraits.Source: conservatory.afi.com · verified October 12, 2026 |
| Cinematography reel | Required | Cinematography reel of up to three minutes.Length: up to 3 minutesSource: conservatory.afi.com · verified October 12, 2026 |
| Other material | Optional | Optional supplemental submissions: a second moving image sample and a documentary sample.Source: conservatory.afi.com · verified October 12, 2026 |
We do not publish acceptance rates or estimate competitiveness. Build an application checklist
Application deadline
December 1, 2026 · for Fall 2027
Source: conservatory.afi.com · verified October 12, 2026| Category | Amount | Basis and year |
|---|---|---|
| All students | $75,508 | per academic year · 2026-2027Source: conservatory.afi.com · verified October 12, 2026 |
| All students — Estimate, subject to modification | $78,151 | per academic year · 2027-2028Source: conservatory.afi.com · verified October 12, 2026 |
Partial fundingPolicy year: 2027-2028
AFI Scholarship scholarship
Amounts vary; may partially cover tuition and fees
Eligibility: Incoming domestic and international Fellows; need and merit
Source: conservatory.afi.com · verified October 12, 2026Something out of date? Suggest an update · Represent this school? Claim the profile
Same degree level and field. Listed for discovery, not ranked.
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