An independent directory of verified film degrees in the United States
Chapman University · Dodge College of Film and Media Arts
A two-year MFA in film production in which students apply in one of three emphases (directing, cinematography or editing) and finish with a team thesis project that receives a $20,000 production contribution from the college.
| Field | Classification | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Film Production | Dedicated degreeThe degree itself is in this field. | Source: chapman.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
| Film Directing | Named concentrationPathway: DirectingAn officially named concentration, specialization or track inside the degree. | Source: chapman.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
| Cinematography | Named concentrationPathway: CinematographyAn officially named concentration, specialization or track inside the degree. | Source: chapman.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
| Editing | Named concentrationPathway: EditingAn officially named concentration, specialization or track inside the degree. | Source: chapman.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
Dedicated MFA in film production with directing, cinematography and editing emphases.
Source: chapman.edu · verified October 12, 2026We list verified film degrees only — no certificates, workshops or generic degrees with a few film electives. Eligibility rules
Thesis filmIn the second year students form a creative team to realize a final thesis project.
Source: chapman.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: chapman.edu · verified October 12, 2026Published production and course fees
We never estimate a total cost when key expenses are unpublished. Compare production costs
| Material | Status | Instructions as published |
|---|---|---|
| Creative portfolio | Required | A one- to two-page creative portfolio list of activities; each emphasis has its own version of this list.Length: 1–2 pagesSource: chapman.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
| Creative prompt / exercise | Required | One-page transformational moment essay (directing, cinematography and editing emphases).Length: up to 1 pagesSource: chapman.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
| Creative prompt / exercise | Pathway-specificDirecting | Thesis film essay of no more than two pages telling an original 15-20 minute thesis film story.Length: up to 2 pagesSource: chapman.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
| Writing sample | Pathway-specificDirecting | Narrative scene of no more than three pages based on one of three given scenarios, in short story or screenplay format.Length: up to 3 pagesSource: chapman.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
| Other material | Pathway-specificDirecting | Self-introduction video essay of two to five minutes in which the applicant may not appear.Length: up to 5 minutesSource: chapman.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
| Directing reel / sample | Pathway-specificDirecting | Narrative work: an original narrative film, or a photo narrative of up to 20 still photographs if the applicant has not directed a narrative film.Source: chapman.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
| Cinematography reel | Pathway-specificCinematography | Cinematography reel or body of work totaling no more than 20 minutes, with credits.Length: up to 20 minutesSource: chapman.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
| Film or reel | Pathway-specificEditing | Up to three pieces the applicant edited as primary editor, each no longer than ten minutes; a photo narrative is accepted from applicants without visual work.Length: up to 10 minutesSource: chapman.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
We do not publish acceptance rates or estimate competitiveness. Build an application checklist
Application deadline
November 15, 2026 · for Fall 2027
Source: chapman.edu · verified October 12, 2026| Category | Amount | Basis and year |
|---|---|---|
| All students | $26,414 | per semester · 2026-2027Source: chapman.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
Partial funding
Leo Freedman First Cut Fellowship in Film Grant production grant
$500-$3,000
Eligibility: Graduate and undergraduate filmmakers, for unusual production-specific thesis expenses
Source: chapman.edu · verified October 12, 2026Innovative Filmmakers Challenge production grant
$2,500 to $15,000
Eligibility: Graduate and undergraduate projects using virtual production and/or artificial intelligence
Source: chapman.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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