An independent directory of verified film degrees in the United States
Northwestern University · Radio/Television/Film
A two-year MFA built around ten core courses in documentary film and media making. Students make at least one short film in year one and complete a 10-20 minute thesis project (documentary, hybrid or interactive) in year two. Admitted students receive full tuition, a living stipend and a $5,000 thesis grant.
| Field | Classification | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Film Production | Dedicated degreeThe degree itself is in this field. | Source: docmedia.northwestern.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
| Film Directing | Broader film degreeA broader film degree whose official curriculum substantially covers this field. | Source: docmedia.northwestern.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
| Producing | Broader film degreeA broader film degree whose official curriculum substantially covers this field. | Source: docmedia.northwestern.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
Dedicated MFA in documentary filmmaking with directing, cinematography, sound and editing training and a thesis film.
Source: communication.northwestern.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 project of 10-20 minutes (documentary, hybrid or interactive), followed by a final portfolio review with two faculty members; students organize a public screening of thesis projects.
Source: docmedia.northwestern.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: docmedia.northwestern.edu · verified October 12, 2026Thesis and project spending
We never estimate a total cost when key expenses are unpublished. Compare production costs
| Material | Status | Instructions as published |
|---|---|---|
| Film or reel | Required | Production sample of up to 10 minutes of material the applicant had a significant hand in producing; any genre; links in a PDF/Word document with a one-sentence summary and the applicant's role.Length: up to 10 minutesSource: docmedia.northwestern.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
| Other material | Required | Program statement (500 words maximum) including a short synopsis of a documentary or documentary-based project to pursue in the program.Length: up to 500 wordsSource: docmedia.northwestern.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
We do not publish acceptance rates or estimate competitiveness. Build an application checklist
Application deadline
December 7, 2026 · for Fall 2027
Source: docmedia.northwestern.edu · verified October 12, 2026| Category | Amount | Basis and year |
|---|---|---|
| All students — The Graduate School full-time master's tuition (covered for admitted Documentary Media students per program page)From the school's rate table for this level | $23,662 | per quarter · 2026-2027Source: northwestern.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
These are the published rates. The program also states tuition coverage for funded students — see Funding below for what is covered.
Fully funded (all admitted)Policy year: Beginning with the c
Thesis production grant production grant
$5,000
Eligibility: All MFA Documentary Media students, between first and second years
Source: docmedia.northwestern.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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