An independent directory of verified film degrees in the United States
California Institute of the Arts · School of Film/Video - Program in Film and Video
A three-year MFA for filmmakers working in personal, documentary, experimental and installation forms. The first year is technical training in production, cinematography, editing and sound alongside history and theory classes; students then propose and complete a thesis film, video or installation.
| Field | Classification | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Film Production | Dedicated degreeThe degree itself is in this field. | Source: calarts.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
| Film Studies | Broader film degreeA broader film degree whose official curriculum substantially covers this field. | Source: catalog.calarts.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
MFA degree in Film and Video (CIP 50.0602) with a filmmaking curriculum.
Source: catalog.calarts.edu · verified October 12, 2026We list verified film degrees only — no certificates, workshops or generic degrees with a few film electives. Eligibility rules
Thesis filmThesis film, video or installation, proposed in the third semester; a final thesis review is required.
Source: calarts.edu · 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: calarts.edu · verified October 12, 2026Production and equipment costs: not verified. We publish this only when the school states it on an official page.
We never estimate a total cost when key expenses are unpublished. Compare production costs
| Material | Status | Instructions as published |
|---|---|---|
| Film or reel | Required | Film- or video-based work with a suggested total runtime of 10 minutes, including at least one piece shot by the applicant; no show reels, trailers or screenplays.Length: up to 10 minutesSource: calarts.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
| Writing sample | Optional | Optional creative or critical writing, maximum 1,500 words; no scripts.Length: up to 1500 wordsSource: calarts.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
| Other material | Optional | Optional video introduction, 30-90 seconds.Source: calarts.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
Test policy: not verified. We publish this only when the school states it on an official page.
We do not publish acceptance rates or estimate competitiveness. Build an application checklist
| Category | Amount | Basis and year |
|---|---|---|
| All students — Full-time BFA and MFA programsFrom the school's rate table for this level | $62,954 | per academic year · 2026-2027Source: calarts.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
Partial funding
Merit scholarships scholarship
Varies by school and program
Eligibility: All admitted students are considered
Source: calarts.edu · 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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