Editorial selection

Top Film Directing Schools

Schools with a dedicated directing degree or an officially named directing pathway — or a broader film production degree whose verified curriculum substantially covers directing — documented with its structure and culminating work. Editorial, alphabetical, unnumbered.

13 schools, 17 supporting programs · methodology v1.0 · criteria and evidence rules · reviewed October 12, 2026

Directing is taught in three ways in US film schools: as its own degree or discipline (common in conservatory-style MFAs), as a named concentration inside a production degree, or as a core part of a broader filmmaking curriculum where every student directs. All three can qualify here, but the entry says which one applies and shows the evidence. A single directing elective is not enough.

What to compare. How many films you direct and at what scale, how actors are involved (acting-for-directors courses, collaboration with acting programs), whether the thesis is a directed film, and how crews are formed. Directing-focused applications usually ask for a directing sample or reel plus written materials — each entry shows exactly what the school publishes.

Listed alphabetically, not in order of quality. Required for this list: Eligible degree or formal pathway · Published structure · Culminating work · Published admissions materials · Source quality and freshness. Sponsored placements are never part of this list.

American Film Institute Conservatory
Los Angeles, CA
Supporting degree (1). Each program is assessed on its own facts; resources, costs and requirements of one program are not implied for another.
MFAMFA in Directing
American Film Institute Conservatory awards the Master of Fine Arts in Directing, with verified film directing focus. Published length: Two years. Thesis film: Directing Fellows direct a thesis project in their second year.
Exact award
Master of Fine Arts in Directing
Fields
Film Directing (dedicated degree)
Formal pathways
None published
Format
On campus
Length
Two years
Thesis / capstone
Thesis film — Directing Fellows direct a thesis project in their second year.
Portfolio
Other material (required); Directing reel / sample (required); Creative prompt / exercise (required); Writing sample (required)
Equipment & facilities
Access terms not published
Tuition
$75,508 per academic year (2026-2027)
Production costs
Supplies allowance (cost-of-attendance estimate): $3,000 per academic year
Funding
Partial funding; 1 named award
Strengths
Culminating thesis film documented.
Production-related costs are published, so you can budget beyond tuition.
Scholarships, assistantships or grants are published (not guaranteed for every student).
Tradeoffs and gaps
Equipment access terms are not published.
May suit
Applicants who want to specialize in directing; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Thesis film verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Master of Fine Arts in Directing: Film Directing — dedicated degree.
Funding evidence
Partial funding; 1 named award.
Published cost
Tuition published (2 verified rates, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified: Two years.
Production resources and costs
1 production cost item documented.
Published admissions materials
4 submission items published (other, directing reel, creative prompt, writing sample).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
California Institute of the Arts
Valencia, CA
Supporting degree (1). Each program is assessed on its own facts; resources, costs and requirements of one program are not implied for another.
MFAMFA Film Directing
California Institute of the Arts awards the Master of Fine Arts - Film Directing, with verified film directing focus. Published length: Three years. Thesis film: MFA thesis film followed by a graduation review.
Exact award
Master of Fine Arts - Film Directing
Fields
Film Directing (dedicated degree) · Film Production (broader film degree) · Screenwriting (broader film degree)
Formal pathways
None published
Format
On campus
Length
Three years
Thesis / capstone
Thesis film — MFA thesis film followed by a graduation review.
Portfolio
Directing reel / sample (required); Creative prompt / exercise (required); Other material (optional); Writing sample (optional)
Equipment & facilities
Film Directing Studio with two digital camera packages, sound and lighting support. School of Film/Video equipment cage.
Tuition
$62,954 per academic year (2026-2027)
Production costs
Not published
Funding
Partial funding
Strengths
Culminating thesis film documented.
Equipment or facility access is documented for students.
Scholarships, assistantships or grants are published (not guaranteed for every student).
Tradeoffs and gaps
No program-specific production or equipment costs published — budget for them separately.
A longer commitment: Three years.
May suit
Applicants who want to specialize in directing; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Thesis film verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Master of Fine Arts - Film Directing: Film Directing — dedicated degree.
Funding evidence
Partial funding.
Published cost
Tuition published (1 verified rate, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified: Three years.
Production resources and costs
2 equipment/facility access items documented.
Published admissions materials
4 submission items published (directing reel, creative prompt, other, writing sample).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
Chapman University
Orange, CA
Supporting degree (1). Each program is assessed on its own facts; resources, costs and requirements of one program are not implied for another.
MFAFilm Production (MFA)
Chapman University awards the MFA in Film Production, with verified film production, film directing, cinematography and editing pathways. Published length: Two years. Thesis film: In the second year students form a creative team to realize a final thesis project.
Exact award
MFA in Film Production
Fields
Film Production (dedicated degree) · Film Directing (Directing concentration) · Cinematography (Cinematography concentration) · Editing (Editing concentration)
Formal pathways
Directing, Cinematography, Editing
Format
On campus
Length
Two years
Thesis / capstone
Thesis film — In the second year students form a creative team to realize a final thesis project.
Portfolio
Creative portfolio (required); Creative prompt / exercise (required); Creative prompt / exercise (pathway-specific); Writing sample (pathway-specific); Other material (pathway-specific); Directing reel / sample (pathway-specific); Cinematography reel (pathway-specific); Film or reel (pathway-specific)
Equipment & facilities
Thesis teams have full use of industry-standard equipment and facilities. Marion Knott Studios is open 24/7 for student use.
Tuition
$26,414 per semester (2026-2027)
Production costs
Film Conservatory fee: $885 per semester
Funding
Partial funding; 2 named awards
Strengths
Formal pathways published: Directing, Cinematography, Editing.
Culminating thesis film documented.
Equipment or facility access is documented for students.
Production-related costs are published, so you can budget beyond tuition.
Scholarships, assistantships or grants are published (not guaranteed for every student).
Tradeoffs and gaps
None identified from published facts.
May suit
Applicants who want to specialize in directing; aspiring cinematographers; applicants focused on editing and post-production; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Thesis film verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
MFA in Film Production: Film Directing — named concentration (Directing).
Funding evidence
Partial funding; 2 named awards.
Published cost
Tuition published (1 verified rate, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified: Two years.
Production resources and costs
2 equipment/facility access items; 1 production cost item documented.
Published admissions materials
8 submission items published (creative portfolio, creative prompt, writing sample, other, directing reel, cinematography reel, film reel).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
Columbia College Chicago
Chicago, IL
Supporting degree (1). Each program is assessed on its own facts; resources, costs and requirements of one program are not implied for another.
MFAFilm and Television Directing (MFA)
Columbia College Chicago awards the Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television Directing, with verified film directing focus. Thesis film: Thesis project: a short film, a short television pilot, or multiple short webisodes.
Exact award
Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television Directing
Fields
Film Directing (dedicated degree) · Film Production (broader film degree) · Screenwriting (broader film degree)
Formal pathways
None published
Format
On campus
Length
56 credits
Thesis / capstone
Thesis film — Thesis project: a short film, a short television pilot, or multiple short webisodes.
Portfolio
Creative portfolio (required); Visual portfolio (required); Creative prompt / exercise (required); Other material (required); Other material (optional)
Equipment & facilities
Camera and lighting equipment from four equipment centers. Three film production soundstages in the Media Production Center.
Tuition
$1,495 (basis not stated by the school) (2026-2027)
Production costs
Film project expenses, year 1: $3,000 per academic year; Film project expenses, year 2: $10,000 per academic year
Funding
Funding not verified
Strengths
Culminating thesis film documented.
Equipment or facility access is documented for students.
Production-related costs are published, so you can budget beyond tuition.
Covers film and television together.
Tradeoffs and gaps
No funding policy verified.
No dated deadline published for the next intake.
May suit
Applicants who want to specialize in directing; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Thesis film verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television Directing: Film Directing — dedicated degree.
Published cost
Tuition published (1 verified rate, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified; 56 credits.
Production resources and costs
2 equipment/facility access items; 2 production cost items documented.
Published admissions materials
5 submission items published (creative portfolio, visual portfolio, creative prompt, other).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
CUNY Brooklyn College
Brooklyn, NY
Supporting degree (1). Each program is assessed on its own facts; resources, costs and requirements of one program are not implied for another.
MFACinema Arts, M.F.A.
CUNY Brooklyn College awards the Master of Fine Arts in Cinema Arts, with verified film production, film directing, cinematography, screenwriting, editing and producing pathways. Thesis film: Third-year thesis in one of several disciplines: director, cinematographer, screenwriter, editor, producer or VFX artist.
Exact award
Master of Fine Arts in Cinema Arts
Fields
Film Production (dedicated degree) · Film Directing (Thesis as director concentration) · Cinematography (Thesis as cinematographer concentration) · Screenwriting (Thesis as screenwriter concentration) · Producing (Thesis as producer concentration) +1
Formal pathways
Live Action Filmmaking
Format
On campus
Length
66 credits
Thesis / capstone
Thesis film — Third-year thesis in one of several disciplines: director, cinematographer, screenwriter, editor, producer or VFX artist.
Portfolio
Film or reel (optional); Writing sample (optional); Screenplay sample (optional); Creative portfolio (required)
Equipment & facilities
Students shoot on Alexa LF, XT, RED Weapon and Panaflex Millennium XL camera platforms with LED, HMI and tungsten lighting. Post-production in Avid, Resolve and Premiere Pro. Studios and stages in the Feirstein facility.
Tuition
$5,545 per semester
Production costs
Academic Excellence Fee (full-time MFA): $5,022 per semester; Academic Excellence Fee, summer/winter courses: $1,175 per course; Production costs beyond school-provided resources
Funding
Funding not verified
Strengths
Formal pathways published: Live Action Filmmaking.
Culminating thesis film documented.
Equipment or facility access is documented for students.
Production-related costs are published, so you can budget beyond tuition.
Tradeoffs and gaps
No funding policy verified.
No dated deadline published for the next intake.
May suit
Applicants who want to specialize in directing; aspiring cinematographers; future producers; applicants focused on editing and post-production; writers developing feature or television scripts; people who need to keep working or study away from campus; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Thesis film verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Master of Fine Arts in Cinema Arts: Film Directing — named concentration (Thesis as director).
Published cost
Tuition published (2 verified rates).
Published structure
Format and length verified; 66 credits.
Production resources and costs
3 equipment/facility access items; 4 production cost items documented.
Published admissions materials
4 submission items published (film reel, writing sample, screenplay sample, creative portfolio).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
DePaul University
Chicago, IL
Supporting degrees (2). Each program is assessed on its own facts; resources, costs and requirements of one program are not implied for another.
BFABFA in Film & Television
DePaul University awards the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Television, with verified film production, cinematography, film directing, editing, screenwriting and producing pathways. Capstone project: Senior-year capstone in the major (liberal studies requirement).
Exact award
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Television
Fields
Film Production (dedicated degree) · Film Directing (Directing concentration) · Cinematography (Cinematography concentration) · Screenwriting (Screenwriting concentration) · Producing (Creative Producing concentration) +1
Formal pathways
Cinematography, Comedy Filmmaking, Creative Producing, Directing, Documentary, Editing, Production, Production Design, Screenwriting, Showrunner, Sound Design, Visual Effects
Format
On campus
Length
192 quarter hours
Thesis / capstone
Capstone project — Senior-year capstone in the major (liberal studies requirement).
Portfolio
Creative portfolio (optional)
Equipment & facilities
Film and Television students take classes and work on projects at DePaul's production facility at Cinespace.
Tuition
$48,180 per academic year (2026-2027)
Production costs
Not published
Funding
Funding not verified
Strengths
Formal pathways published: Cinematography, Comedy Filmmaking, Creative Producing, Directing, Documentary, Editing….
Culminating capstone project documented.
Equipment or facility access is documented for students.
Covers film and television together.
Tradeoffs and gaps
No program-specific production or equipment costs published — budget for them separately.
No funding policy verified.
No dated deadline published for the next intake.
May suit
Applicants who want to specialize in directing; aspiring cinematographers; future producers; applicants focused on editing and post-production; writers developing feature or television scripts.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Capstone project verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Television: Film Directing — named concentration (Directing).
Published cost
Tuition published (1 verified rate, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified; 192 quarter hours.
Production resources and costs
1 equipment/facility access item documented.
Published admissions materials
1 submission item published (creative portfolio).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
MFAMFA in Film & Television Directing
DePaul University awards the Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television Directing, with verified film directing focus. Published length: Three years. Thesis film: Thesis short film or television/web series pilot, delivered to a thesis committee for a formal defense.
Exact award
Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television Directing
Fields
Film Directing (dedicated degree) · Film Production (broader film degree)
Formal pathways
None published
Format
On campus
Length
Three years · 96-100 quarter hours (96 plus any required introductory course)
Thesis / capstone
Thesis film — Thesis short film or television/web series pilot, delivered to a thesis committee for a formal defense.
Portfolio
Film or reel (required); Writing sample (required)
Equipment & facilities
Access to ARRI Alexa, Amira and RED cameras, sprinter vans and professional lighting. Stage time at DePaul Cinespace Studios is requested through the Production Office and reserved through Patron Portal.
Tuition
$1,003 per credit (2026-2027)
Production costs
Not published
Funding
Partial funding; 1 named award
Strengths
Culminating thesis film documented.
Equipment or facility access is documented for students.
Scholarships, assistantships or grants are published (not guaranteed for every student).
Covers film and television together.
Tradeoffs and gaps
No program-specific production or equipment costs published — budget for them separately.
No dated deadline published for the next intake.
A longer commitment: Three years.
May suit
Applicants who want to specialize in directing; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Thesis film verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television Directing: Film Directing — dedicated degree.
Funding evidence
Partial funding; 1 named award.
Published cost
Tuition published (1 verified rate, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified: Three years; 96-100 quarter hours (96 plus any required introductory course).
Production resources and costs
2 equipment/facility access items documented.
Published admissions materials
2 submission items published (film reel, writing sample).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
Supporting degree (1). Each program is assessed on its own facts; resources, costs and requirements of one program are not implied for another.
MFAMFA in Motion Picture Arts - Production
Florida State University awards the Master of Fine Arts in Motion Picture Arts with a Major in Production, with verified film production, film directing, cinematography, producing and editing pathways. Published length: Two years (six consecutive semesters, including summers). Thesis film: Capstone Project in semester 5, led by directors and producers; other specialists create portfolio pieces.
Exact award
Master of Fine Arts in Motion Picture Arts with a Major in Production
Fields
Film Production (dedicated degree) · Film Directing (Directing concentration) · Cinematography (Cinematography concentration) · Producing (Producing concentration) · Editing (Post-Production concentration)
Formal pathways
Directing, Cinematography, Producing, Post-Production, Production Design, Visual Effects
Format
On campus
Length
Two years (six consecutive semesters, including summers)
Thesis / capstone
Thesis film — Capstone Project in semester 5, led by directors and producers; other specialists create portfolio pieces.
Portfolio
Screenplay sample (required); Creative portfolio (required); Creative prompt / exercise (required)
Equipment & facilities
Equipment Room with grip trucks and RED cameras. 24/7 access to production resources.
Tuition
$479.32 per credit (2026-2027)
Production costs
Film Equipment Fee: $350 per semester; Production expenses
Funding
Partial funding
Strengths
Formal pathways published: Directing, Cinematography, Producing, Post-Production, Production Design, Visual Effects.
Culminating thesis film documented.
Equipment or facility access is documented for students.
Production-related costs are published, so you can budget beyond tuition.
Scholarships, assistantships or grants are published (not guaranteed for every student).
Tradeoffs and gaps
None identified from published facts.
May suit
Applicants who want to specialize in directing; aspiring cinematographers; future producers; applicants focused on editing and post-production; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Thesis film verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Master of Fine Arts in Motion Picture Arts with a Major in Production: Film Directing — named concentration (Directing).
Funding evidence
Partial funding.
Published cost
Tuition published (2 verified rates, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified: Two years (six consecutive semesters, including summers).
Production resources and costs
2 equipment/facility access items; 2 production cost items documented.
Published admissions materials
3 submission items published (screenplay sample, creative portfolio, creative prompt).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CA
Supporting degree (1). Each program is assessed on its own facts; resources, costs and requirements of one program are not implied for another.
MFAMFA in Film and Television Production
Loyola Marymount University awards the Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television Production, with verified film production, film directing, cinematography, editing and producing pathways. Published length: Three years. Thesis film: Directing specializations complete a fiction thesis film (8-15 minutes) or thesis documentary (8-20 minutes); cinematography, editing and creative producing specializations complete a thesis portfolio.
Exact award
Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television Production
Fields
Film Production (dedicated degree) · Film Directing (Directing Fiction; Directing Non-Fiction concentration) · Cinematography (Cinematography concentration) · Producing (Creative Producing concentration) · Editing (Editing concentration)
Formal pathways
Directing Fiction, Directing Non-Fiction, Cinematography, Editing, Creative Producing
Format
On campus
Length
Three years · 60 semester hours
Thesis / capstone
Thesis film — Directing specializations complete a fiction thesis film (8-15 minutes) or thesis documentary (8-20 minutes); cinematography, editing and creative producing specializations complete a thesis portfolio.
Portfolio
Creative prompt / exercise (required); Film or reel (optional); Writing sample (required); Creative prompt / exercise (required); Other material (required)
Equipment & facilities
Cameras, lighting and grip equipment are included in tuition and fees paid to LMU, per the graduate admission FAQ. Post-production suites (editing bays, color-correction stations, sound mixing, ADR/Foley) are included in tuition and fees. Students may use the Westchester and Playa Vista campuses as filming locations.
Tuition
$1,814 per credit (2026-2027)
Production costs
Graduate thesis project cost: $1,000 per project; Costs typically paid by students
Funding
Funding not verified
Strengths
Formal pathways published: Directing Fiction, Directing Non-Fiction, Cinematography, Editing, Creative Producing.
Culminating thesis film documented.
Equipment or facility access is documented for students.
Production-related costs are published, so you can budget beyond tuition.
Covers film and television together.
Tradeoffs and gaps
No funding policy verified.
A longer commitment: Three years.
May suit
Applicants who want to specialize in directing; aspiring cinematographers; future producers; applicants focused on editing and post-production; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Thesis film verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television Production: Film Directing — named concentration (Directing Fiction; Directing Non-Fiction).
Published cost
Tuition published (2 verified rates, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified: Three years; 60 semester hours.
Production resources and costs
4 equipment/facility access items; 2 production cost items documented.
Published admissions materials
5 submission items published (creative prompt, film reel, writing sample, other).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
Mount Saint Mary's University
Los Angeles, CA
Supporting degree (1). Each program is assessed on its own facts; resources, costs and requirements of one program are not implied for another.
MFAMFA in Film, Television and New Media
Mount Saint Mary's University awards the Master of Fine Arts in Film, Television and New Media, with verified film production, screenwriting, film directing, producing, cinematography and editing pathways. Published length: 2 years. Thesis: 12 units of thesis work (Thesis 1-3) with a mid-program review and thesis proposal, ending in a final review and oral defense; public exhibition of thesis work is expected.
Exact award
Master of Fine Arts in Film, Television and New Media
Fields
Film Production (dedicated degree) · Film Directing (Directing concentration) · Cinematography (Cinematography concentration) · Screenwriting (Screenwriting concentration) · Producing (Producing concentration) +1
Formal pathways
Screenwriting, Directing, Producing, Cinematography, Documentary, Editing
Format
Hybrid · Low-residency
Length
2 years · 48 units
Thesis / capstone
Thesis — 12 units of thesis work (Thesis 1-3) with a mid-program review and thesis proposal, ending in a final review and oral defense; public exhibition of thesis work is expected.
Portfolio
Film or reel (optional); Creative portfolio (required)
Equipment & facilities
Hollywood Studio with editing software (Avid Media Composer, Pro Tools, DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Creative Cloud) and cameras from Canon, RED and ARRI. 5.1 edit bay and recording studio with voiceover isolation booth.
Tuition
$1,247 per unit (2026-2027)
Production costs
Program Fee: $847 per semester
Funding
Partial funding
Strengths
Formal pathways published: Screenwriting, Directing, Producing, Cinematography, Documentary, Editing.
Culminating thesis documented.
Equipment or facility access is documented for students.
Production-related costs are published, so you can budget beyond tuition.
Scholarships, assistantships or grants are published (not guaranteed for every student).
Covers film and television together.
Tradeoffs and gaps
No dated deadline published for the next intake.
Requires travel to residencies; not fully online.
May suit
Applicants who want to specialize in directing; aspiring cinematographers; future producers; applicants focused on editing and post-production; writers developing feature or television scripts; people who need to keep working or study away from campus; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Thesis verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Master of Fine Arts in Film, Television and New Media: Film Directing — named concentration (Directing).
Funding evidence
Partial funding.
Published cost
Tuition published (1 verified rate, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified: 2 years; 48 units.
Production resources and costs
2 equipment/facility access items; 1 production cost item documented.
Published admissions materials
2 submission items published (film reel, creative portfolio).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
Ohio University
Athens, OH
Supporting degrees (2). Each program is assessed on its own facts; resources, costs and requirements of one program are not implied for another.
BFABFA in Film
Ohio University awards the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film, with verified film production, film directing, screenwriting, cinematography, editing and film studies pathways. Thesis film: BFA Film Capstone and Capstone Film Production III: Post-Production and Distribution, in sequential semesters.
Exact award
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film
Fields
Film Production (dedicated degree) · Film Directing (Directing concentration) · Cinematography (Cinematography concentration) · Film Studies (Film studies concentration) · Screenwriting (Screenwriting concentration) +1
Formal pathways
Filmmaking, Directing, Screenwriting, Cinematography, Post-production, Film studies
Format
On campus
Length
120 semester hours (university minimum)
Thesis / capstone
Thesis film — BFA Film Capstone and Capstone Film Production III: Post-Production and Distribution, in sequential semesters.
Portfolio
Creative portfolio (required); Film or reel (optional); Screenplay sample (optional)
Equipment & facilities
Student-run Equipment Room with over a thousand items (RED Scarlet, Sony EX3, Canon C100 and 16mm packages, dollies, lighting, grip and sound). Post-production wing with editing suites available 24 hours a day; Avid Media Composer training. Peterson Sound Studio for audio post-production, including Foley and ADR.
Tuition
$7,401 per semester (2026-2027)
Production costs
Not published
Funding
Funding not verified; 1 named award
Strengths
Formal pathways published: Filmmaking, Directing, Screenwriting, Cinematography, Post-production, Film studies.
Culminating thesis film documented.
Equipment or facility access is documented for students.
Scholarships, assistantships or grants are published (not guaranteed for every student).
Tradeoffs and gaps
No program-specific production or equipment costs published — budget for them separately.
No dated deadline published for the next intake.
May suit
Applicants who want to specialize in directing; aspiring cinematographers; applicants focused on editing and post-production; writers developing feature or television scripts; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Thesis film verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film: Film Directing — named concentration (Directing).
Funding evidence
Funding not verified; 1 named award.
Published cost
Tuition published (2 verified rates, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified; 120 semester hours (university minimum).
Production resources and costs
3 equipment/facility access items documented.
Published admissions materials
3 submission items published (creative portfolio, film reel, screenplay sample).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
MFAMFA in Film
Ohio University awards the Master of Fine Arts in Film, with verified film production focus. Published length: Three years. Thesis film: Third-year thesis production and defense; culminating experience is a studio or written thesis (minimum 6 credits).
Exact award
Master of Fine Arts in Film
Fields
Film Production (dedicated degree) · Film Directing (broader film degree) · Cinematography (broader film degree) · Screenwriting (broader film degree) · Producing (broader film degree) +1
Formal pathways
None published
Format
On campus
Length
Three years · 90 credit hours minimum
Thesis / capstone
Thesis film — Third-year thesis production and defense; culminating experience is a studio or written thesis (minimum 6 credits).
Portfolio
Creative portfolio (required); Screenplay sample (required); Writing sample (required)
Equipment & facilities
Student-run Equipment Room with over a thousand items (RED Scarlet, Sony EX3, Canon C100 and 16mm packages, dollies, lighting, grip and sound). Post-production wing with editing suites available 24 hours a day; Avid Media Composer training. Peterson Sound Studio for audio post-production, including Foley and ADR.
Tuition
$4,928 per semester (2026-2027)
Production costs
Not published
Funding
Partial funding; 3 named awards
Strengths
Culminating thesis film documented.
Equipment or facility access is documented for students.
Scholarships, assistantships or grants are published (not guaranteed for every student).
Tradeoffs and gaps
No program-specific production or equipment costs published — budget for them separately.
No dated deadline published for the next intake.
A longer commitment: Three years.
May suit
Applicants who want broad hands-on filmmaking across roles; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Thesis film verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Master of Fine Arts in Film: Film Directing — broader film degree.
Funding evidence
Partial funding; 3 named awards.
Published cost
Tuition published (2 verified rates, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified: Three years; 90 credit hours minimum.
Production resources and costs
3 equipment/facility access items documented.
Published admissions materials
3 submission items published (creative portfolio, screenplay sample, writing sample).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
School of Visual Arts
New York, NY
Supporting degrees (2). Each program is assessed on its own facts; resources, costs and requirements of one program are not implied for another.
BFABFA Film
School of Visual Arts awards the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film, with verified film production, cinematography, film directing and editing pathways. Thesis film: Two-semester Film Thesis; the film premieres at SVA Theatre.
Exact award
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film
Fields
Film Production (dedicated degree) · Film Directing (Directing concentration) · Cinematography (Cinematography concentration) · Editing (Editing concentration)
Formal pathways
Cinematography, Directing, Editing
Format
On campus
Length
120 credits
Thesis / capstone
Thesis film — Two-semester Film Thesis; the film premieres at SVA Theatre.
Portfolio
Film or reel (optional); Creative prompt / exercise (optional)
Equipment & facilities
Access to the department's inventory of cameras and equipment. Private editing suites for upperclassmen and thesis projects and a 24/7 Finishing Suite.
Tuition
$27,635 per semester (2026-2027)
Production costs
Film department fee: $1,350 (basis not stated by the school)
Funding
Funding not verified
Strengths
Formal pathways published: Cinematography, Directing, Editing.
Culminating thesis film documented.
Equipment or facility access is documented for students.
Production-related costs are published, so you can budget beyond tuition.
Tradeoffs and gaps
No funding policy verified.
No dated deadline published for the next intake.
May suit
Applicants who want to specialize in directing; aspiring cinematographers; applicants focused on editing and post-production.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Thesis film verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film: Film Directing — named concentration (Directing).
Published cost
Tuition published (1 verified rate, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified; 120 credits.
Production resources and costs
2 equipment/facility access items; 1 production cost item documented.
Published admissions materials
2 submission items published (film reel, creative prompt).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
Master of Professional Studies in Film DirectingMPS Film Directing
School of Visual Arts awards the Master of Professional Studies in Film Directing, with verified film directing focus. Published length: One year (nine months). Thesis film: A professionally produced short thesis film, approved by the thesis committee and chair and screened in a juried festival at SVA Theatre.
Exact award
Master of Professional Studies in Film Directing
Fields
Film Directing (dedicated degree)
Formal pathways
None published
Format
On campus
Length
One year (nine months) · 30 credits
Thesis / capstone
Thesis film — A professionally produced short thesis film, approved by the thesis committee and chair and screened in a juried festival at SVA Theatre.
Portfolio
Writing sample (required); Creative portfolio (required); Creative prompt / exercise (required)
Equipment & facilities
Access terms not published
Tuition
$30,845 per semester (2026-2027)
Production costs
Film Directing department fee: $1,500 per semester
Funding
Partial funding; 1 named award
Strengths
Culminating thesis film documented.
Production-related costs are published, so you can budget beyond tuition.
Scholarships, assistantships or grants are published (not guaranteed for every student).
Tradeoffs and gaps
Equipment access terms are not published.
May suit
Applicants who want to specialize in directing; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Thesis film verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Master of Professional Studies in Film Directing: Film Directing — dedicated degree.
Funding evidence
Partial funding; 1 named award.
Published cost
Tuition published (1 verified rate, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified: One year (nine months); 30 credits.
Production resources and costs
1 production cost item documented.
Published admissions materials
3 submission items published (writing sample, creative portfolio, creative prompt).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY
Supporting degree (1). Each program is assessed on its own facts; resources, costs and requirements of one program are not implied for another.
MFAMFA in Film
Stony Brook University awards the Master of Fine Arts in Film, with verified film production, film directing, screenwriting and producing pathways. Thesis film: Thesis project directed by the student (short film, webisode, pilot, proof of concept or feature), presented to an advisory board.
Exact award
Master of Fine Arts in Film
Fields
Film Production (dedicated degree) · Film Directing (Directing concentration) · Screenwriting (Screenwriting concentration) · Producing (Producing concentration)
Formal pathways
Directing, Screenwriting, Producing, Independent Track
Format
On campus
Length
45-48 credits
Thesis / capstone
Thesis film — Thesis project directed by the student (short film, webisode, pilot, proof of concept or feature), presented to an advisory board.
Portfolio
Creative prompt / exercise (required); Screenplay sample (required); Directing reel / sample (pathway-specific); Writing sample (pathway-specific); Writing sample (pathway-specific)
Equipment & facilities
Camera, light, grip and sound equipment including RED Epic-W, Canon C200, ARRI kits and one-ton grip packages. Edit lab with Adobe Creative Cloud and DaVinci Resolve.
Tuition
$471 per credit (2026-2027)
Production costs
Not published
Funding
Partial funding; 1 named award
Strengths
Formal pathways published: Directing, Screenwriting, Producing, Independent Track.
Culminating thesis film documented.
Equipment or facility access is documented for students.
Scholarships, assistantships or grants are published (not guaranteed for every student).
Tradeoffs and gaps
No program-specific production or equipment costs published — budget for them separately.
May suit
Applicants who want to specialize in directing; future producers; writers developing feature or television scripts; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Thesis film verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Master of Fine Arts in Film: Film Directing — named concentration (Directing).
Funding evidence
Partial funding; 1 named award.
Published cost
Tuition published (2 verified rates, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified; 45-48 credits.
Production resources and costs
2 equipment/facility access items documented.
Published admissions materials
5 submission items published (creative prompt, screenplay sample, directing reel, writing sample).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
Supporting degrees (2). Each program is assessed on its own facts; resources, costs and requirements of one program are not implied for another.
BAFilm, Television & Digital Media (BA)
University of California-Los Angeles awards the Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television, with verified film production, film directing, cinematography, screenwriting and film studies pathways. Published length: Four years (first-year entry); two years (transfer). Culminating requirement: Senior concentration of at least 20 upper-division units plus a professional internship.
Exact award
Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television
Fields
Film Production (dedicated degree) · Film Directing (Production – Narrative Directing concentration) · Cinematography (Production – Cinematography concentration) · Film Studies (Cinema and Media Studies concentration) · Screenwriting (Screenwriting concentration)
Formal pathways
Production – Narrative Directing, Production – Documentary, Production – Cinematography, Screenwriting, Cinema and Media Studies
Format
On campus
Length
Four years (first-year entry); two years (transfer) · Minimum 180 quarter units
Thesis / capstone
Culminating requirement — Senior concentration of at least 20 upper-division units plus a professional internship.
Portfolio
Writing sample (required)
Equipment & facilities
Access terms not published
Tuition
$15,588 per academic year (2026-2027)
Production costs
Not published
Funding
Funding not verified
Strengths
Formal pathways published: Production – Narrative Directing, Production – Documentary, Production – Cinematography, Screenwriting, Cinema and Media Studies.
Culminating culminating requirement documented.
Covers film and television together.
Tradeoffs and gaps
No program-specific production or equipment costs published — budget for them separately.
Equipment access terms are not published.
No funding policy verified.
May suit
Applicants who want to specialize in directing; aspiring cinematographers; writers developing feature or television scripts; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Culminating requirement verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television: Film Directing — named concentration (Production – Narrative Directing).
Published cost
Tuition published (2 verified rates, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified: Four years (first-year entry); two years (transfer); Minimum 180 quarter units.
Published admissions materials
1 submission item published (writing sample).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
MFAMFA in Production (Directing – Narrative, Directing – Documentary, Cinematography)
University of California-Los Angeles awards the Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television — Production, with verified film production, film directing and cinematography pathways. Published length: Three years. Thesis film: Directing students write, plan, shoot and edit a documentary or narrative thesis film in the third year; cinematography students complete a research paper and a short visual project.
Exact award
Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television — Production
Fields
Film Production (dedicated degree) · Film Directing (Production/Directing – Narrative; Production/Directing – Documentary concentration) · Cinematography (Cinematography concentration) · Editing (broader film degree)
Formal pathways
Production/Directing – Narrative, Production/Directing – Documentary, Production/Cinematography
Format
On campus
Length
Three years
Thesis / capstone
Thesis film — Directing students write, plan, shoot and edit a documentary or narrative thesis film in the third year; cinematography students complete a research paper and a short visual project.
Portfolio
Creative prompt / exercise (pathway-specific); Directing reel / sample (pathway-specific); Writing sample (pathway-specific)
Equipment & facilities
Access terms not published
Tuition
$15,066 per academic year (2026-2027)
Production costs
Not published
Funding
Funding not verified
Strengths
Formal pathways published: Production/Directing – Narrative, Production/Directing – Documentary, Production/Cinematography.
Culminating thesis film documented.
Covers film and television together.
Tradeoffs and gaps
No program-specific production or equipment costs published — budget for them separately.
Equipment access terms are not published.
No funding policy verified.
A longer commitment: Three years.
May suit
Applicants who want to specialize in directing; aspiring cinematographers.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Thesis film verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television — Production: Film Directing — named concentration (Production/Directing – Narrative; Production/Directing – Documentary).
Published cost
Tuition published (2 verified rates, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified: Three years.
Published admissions materials
3 submission items published (creative prompt, directing reel, writing sample).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.

At a glance

Published figures only. Tuition bases differ and are not directly comparable; production costs are separate from tuition.

Program	Award	Length	Culminating work	Tuition	Production costs	Funding
American Film Institute ConservatoryMFA in Directing	MFA	Two years	Thesis film	$75,508 per academic year (2026-2027)	1 item published	Partial funding
California Institute of the ArtsMFA Film Directing	MFA	Three years	Thesis film	$62,954 per academic year (2026-2027)	Not published	Partial funding
Chapman UniversityFilm Production (MFA)	MFA	Two years	Thesis film	$26,414 per semester (2026-2027)	1 item published	Partial funding
Columbia College ChicagoFilm and Television Directing (MFA)	MFA	—	Thesis film	$1,495 (basis not stated by the school) (2026-2027)	2 items published	Funding not verified
CUNY Brooklyn CollegeCinema Arts, M.F.A.	MFA	—	Thesis film	$5,545 per semester	4 items published	Funding not verified
DePaul UniversityBFA in Film & Television	BFA	—	Capstone project	$48,180 per academic year (2026-2027)	Not published	Funding not verified
DePaul UniversityMFA in Film & Television Directing	MFA	Three years	Thesis film	$1,003 per credit (2026-2027)	Not published	Partial funding
Florida State UniversityMFA in Motion Picture Arts - Production	MFA	Two years (six consecutive semesters, including summers)	Thesis film	$479.32 per credit (2026-2027)	2 items published	Partial funding
Loyola Marymount UniversityMFA in Film and Television Production	MFA	Three years	Thesis film	$1,814 per credit (2026-2027)	2 items published	Funding not verified
Mount Saint Mary's UniversityMFA in Film, Television and New Media	MFA	2 years	Thesis	$1,247 per unit (2026-2027)	1 item published	Partial funding
Ohio UniversityBFA in Film	BFA	—	Thesis film	$7,401 per semester (2026-2027)	Not published	Funding not verified
Ohio UniversityMFA in Film	MFA	Three years	Thesis film	$4,928 per semester (2026-2027)	Not published	Partial funding
School of Visual ArtsBFA Film	BFA	—	Thesis film	$27,635 per semester (2026-2027)	1 item published	Funding not verified
School of Visual ArtsMPS Film Directing	Master of Professional Studies in Film Directing	One year (nine months)	Thesis film	$30,845 per semester (2026-2027)	1 item published	Partial funding
Stony Brook UniversityMFA in Film	MFA	—	Thesis film	$471 per credit (2026-2027)	Not published	Partial funding
University of California-Los AngelesFilm, Television & Digital Media (BA)	BA	Four years (first-year entry); two years (transfer)	Culminating requirement	$15,588 per academic year (2026-2027)	Not published	Funding not verified
University of California-Los AngelesMFA in Production (Directing – Narrative, Directing – Documentary, Cinematography)	MFA	Three years	Thesis film	$15,066 per academic year (2026-2027)	Not published	Funding not verified

Not selected does not mean not good: a program can be missing because we have not yet verified the evidence, because it is outside our current coverage, or because it publishes less information. Schools can send official sources through Suggest an update.

Top Film Directing Schools

MFAMFA in Directing

MFAMFA Film Directing

MFAFilm Production (MFA)

MFAFilm and Television Directing (MFA)

MFACinema Arts, M.F.A.

BFABFA in Film & Television

MFAMFA in Film & Television Directing

MFAMFA in Motion Picture Arts - Production

MFAMFA in Film and Television Production

MFAMFA in Film, Television and New Media

BFABFA in Film

MFAMFA in Film

BFABFA Film

Master of Professional Studies in Film DirectingMPS Film Directing

MFAMFA in Film

BAFilm, Television & Digital Media (BA)

MFAMFA in Production (Directing – Narrative, Directing – Documentary, Cinematography)

At a glance