
Indiana University-Bloomington · The Media School
MS in Media — Documentary/Nonfiction Production
Overview
A 30-credit MS in Media with a concentration in documentary/nonfiction production, combining film studies coursework with a four-semester production practicum and ending in a thesis, comprehensive exam or capstone project.
- Official program name
- MS in Media — Documentary/Nonfiction Production
- Awarded degree
- Master of Science in MediaMaster's · Master of ScienceSource: mediaschool.indiana.edu · verified October 12, 2026
- School
- Source: mediaschool.indiana.edu · verified October 12, 2026
- Location
- Bloomington, IN
- Delivery
- On campusClasses, workshops and productions meet in person on campus.Source: mediaschool.indiana.edu · verified October 12, 2026
- Required attendance
- Not verified
- Study intensity
- Not published
- Duration
- Not verified
- Required credits
- 30 credit hoursSource: bulletins.iu.edu · verified October 12, 2026
Fields of study
| Field | Classification | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Film Production | Named concentrationPathway: Documentary/Nonfiction ProductionAn officially named concentration, specialization or track inside the degree. | Source: mediaschool.indiana.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
Why this degree is listed
Broader MS in Media with an officially named documentary/nonfiction production concentration that includes a four-semester production practicum.
Source: mediaschool.indiana.edu · verified October 12, 2026We list verified film degrees only — no certificates, workshops or generic degrees with a few film electives. Eligibility rules
Curriculum, pathways and faculty
Official concentrations and pathways
- Documentary/Nonfiction ProductionSource: mediaschool.indiana.edu · verified October 12, 2026
Thesis, film or capstone
Culminating requirementThesis, comprehensive examination or capstone project option, each orally defended.
Source: bulletins.iu.edu · verified October 12, 2026Production projects
- Developing and producing a large-scale documentary, including research, story development, writing, filming and editing.Source: mediaschool.indiana.edu · verified October 12, 2026
Published areas of study
- Coursework includes film studies, theory and history alongside production.Source: mediaschool.indiana.edu · verified October 12, 2026
Faculty listed by the program
Faculty list: not verified. We publish this only when the school states it on an official page.
Production costs and equipment
Equipment and facility access
Equipment access: not verified. We publish this only when the school states it on an official page.
Published production and equipment costs
Production 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
Admissions
Portfolio and submission materials
| Material | Status | Instructions as published |
|---|---|---|
| Other material | Required | A writing sample or creative portfolio.Source: bulletins.iu.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
Other requirements
- Prior degree
- RequiredFour-year bachelor's degree or international equivalentSource: bulletins.iu.edu · verified October 12, 2026
- Minimum GPA
- RequiredAt least a B average (3.0) in the major over the last two undergraduate years, or professional equivalencySource: bulletins.iu.edu · verified October 12, 2026
- Statement of purpose
- RequiredStatement of professional goals and personal narrativeSource: bulletins.iu.edu · verified October 12, 2026
- Recommendation letters
- Required3 letters — Three letters of recommendationSource: bulletins.iu.edu · verified October 12, 2026
- Résumé / CV
- RequiredResume or curriculum vitaeSource: bulletins.iu.edu · verified October 12, 2026
Tests
- GRE General Test
- Not requiredNot considered in reviewSource: mediaschool.indiana.edu · verified October 12, 2026
- TOEFL iBT
- Required — minimum 100International students; internet-based score greater than 100 or approved equivalentSource: bulletins.iu.edu · verified October 12, 2026
We do not publish acceptance rates or estimate competitiveness. Build an application checklist
Deadlines
Application deadlines: not verified. We publish this only when the school states it on an official page.
Tuition and fees
| Category | Amount | Basis and year |
|---|---|---|
| In-state — Graduate tuition and mandatory fees, Indiana residents (cost of attendance estimate)Published for on campus studyFrom the school's rate table for this level | $11,280 | per academic year · 2026-2027Includes feesSource: bloomington.iu.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
| Out-of-state — Graduate tuition and mandatory fees, non-residents (cost of attendance estimate)Published for on campus studyFrom the school's rate table for this level | $30,792 | per academic year · 2026-2027Includes feesSource: bloomington.iu.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
Funding
Funding not verified
Funding policy: not verified. We publish this only when the school states it on an official page.
Named scholarships, assistantships and production grants
Center for Documentary Research and Practice support production grant
Eligibility: Documentary projects; terms not published on the program page
Source: mediaschool.indiana.edu · verified October 12, 2026
Sources and verification
- bloomington.iu.edu/cost-aid/cost-attendance/graduate.html — Official tuition and fees page, verified October 12, 2026
- bulletins.iu.edu/iu/gradschool/2026-2027/programs/bloomington/media-arts-and-sciences/index.shtml — Official catalog / bulletin, verified October 12, 2026
- mediaschool.indiana.edu/academics/graduate/ms/design-and-production.html — Official program page, verified October 12, 2026
- mediaschool.indiana.edu/academics/undergraduate/bfa-cinema/index.html — Official program page, verified October 12, 2026
- mediaschool.indiana.edu/admissions/graduate.html — Official program page, verified October 12, 2026
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