An independent directory of verified film degrees in the United States
San Francisco State University · School of Cinema
A 60-unit, three-year MFA in Cinema covering fiction, documentary and experimental production with required directing courses, cinema theory and a teaching course, ending in a creative work project with a public screening. Fall entry only; the GRE is not required.
| Field | Classification | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Film Production | Dedicated degreeThe degree itself is in this field. | Source: bulletin.sfsu.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
| Film Directing | Broader film degreeA broader film degree whose official curriculum substantially covers this field. | Source: bulletin.sfsu.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
MFA in Cinema focused on independent film and media production.
Source: bulletin.sfsu.edu · verified October 12, 2026We list verified film degrees only — no certificates, workshops or generic degrees with a few film electives. Eligibility rules
Thesis filmCINE 894 Creative Work Project with a documented public screening.
Source: bulletin.sfsu.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: cinema.sfsu.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We never estimate a total cost when key expenses are unpublished.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 | One moving-image work (live-action, animation, fiction, documentary or experimental) in which the applicant had a major creative role, max 5 minutes; trailers, reels and compilations not accepted.Length: up to 5 minutesSource: cinema.sfsu.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
| Creative portfolio | Optional | Additional work sample (moving image, photographs, paintings, screenplays or creative writing).Source: cinema.sfsu.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
| Academic writing sample | Required | Academic writing sample of 7-12 pages; no reviews or scripts.Length: 7–12 pagesSource: cinema.sfsu.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
We do not publish acceptance rates or estimate competitiveness. Build an application checklist
Application deadline
February 1 · for Fall 2027
The school does not print a year with this date.
Source: cinema.sfsu.edu · verified October 12, 2026| Category | Amount | Basis and year |
|---|---|---|
| In-state — Graduate, 6.1+ units (full time)From the school's rate table for this level | $4,274 | per semester · 2026-2027Source: bursar.sfsu.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
| Out-of-state — Non-resident tuition, added per unitFrom the school's rate table for this level | $471 | per unit · 2026-2027Estimate$28,260 = 60 units × $471 per unit. Excludes mandatory fees, production and equipment costs, travel, and any rate change during the program.Source: bursar.sfsu.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
Funding not verified
Funding policy: not verified. We publish this only when the school states it on an official page.
Barbara Hammer Award production grant
$1000
Eligibility: SF State undergraduate and graduate students; one applicant, toward completion of an LGBTQ-themed film.
Source: cinema.sfsu.edu · verified October 12, 2026Jennifer Hammett Endowed Scholarship scholarship
$1000
Eligibility: Graduate students who have demonstrated teaching excellence as a GA or GTA; by nomination.
Source: cinema.sfsu.edu · verified October 12, 2026Robin Eickman Cinema Student Scholarship scholarship
Eligibility: Graduate and senior-level undergraduate Cinema majors.
Source: cinema.sfsu.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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