An independent directory of verified film degrees in the United States
University of California-Santa Cruz · Film and Digital Media Department
A two-year, full-time MFA in documentary media for social issues, combining production and post-production training with social science research methods. Students shoot over the summer and complete a documentary thesis, typically a 20-minute film, plus a written thesis document. Admitted students receive guaranteed support described in their offer letters.
| Field | Classification | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Film Production | Broader film degreeA broader film degree whose official curriculum substantially covers this field. | Source: catalog.ucsc.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
MFA whose official catalog states the core curriculum is oriented around documentary filmmaking. Listed as a broader film degree under its exact title.
Source: catalog.ucsc.edu · verified October 12, 2026We list verified film degrees only — no certificates, workshops or generic degrees with a few film electives. Eligibility rules
Thesis filmDocumentary thesis project, typically a 20-minute documentary screened at the end-of-year MFA exhibition, plus a 15-20 page written thesis.
Source: catalog.ucsc.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: film.ucsc.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We never estimate a total cost when key expenses are unpublished.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 | Online sample of documentary production work (video/film, photography or audio), with the applicant's role; up to five video and/or audio samples and up to 40 still images.Source: graduateadmissions.ucsc.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
| Academic writing sample | Required | Analytical writing sample (research paper, professional report or essay).Source: graduateadmissions.ucsc.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
| Research statement / proposal | Required | Project proposal describing the documentary work to be carried out in the program.Source: graduateadmissions.ucsc.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
We do not publish acceptance rates or estimate competitiveness. Build an application checklist
Application deadline
January 8, 2027 · for Fall 2027
Source: film.ucsc.edu · verified October 12, 2026| Category | Amount | Basis and year |
|---|---|---|
| In-state — Graduate academic student fees, total California resident (includes waivable UC SHIP)From the school's rate table for this level | $24,118.58 | per academic year · 2026-2027Includes feesSource: catalog.ucsc.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
| Out-of-state — Graduate academic student fees, total nonresidentFrom the school's rate table for this level | $39,220.58 | per academic year · 2026-2027Includes feesSource: catalog.ucsc.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
Funding not verified
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Same degree level and field. Listed for discovery, not ranked.
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