The University of Southern California offers Master of Fine Arts programs in film and television production, animation and digital arts, interactive media, film production and screenwriting. Students in the film and television production program are exposed to several different aspects of the filming process such as cinematography, film editing, sound design and script writing. Candidates for graduation in each program are required to produce a professional quality film, screenplay or other audiovisual product. Graduates from USC's film school can access the School of Cinematic Arts job network hosted by the University. Prospective applicants are required to fill out an application online and submit a creative portfolio for consideration.
The School of Theater, Film and Television at UCLA offers Bachelor and Master of Fine Arts degrees in cinematography, directing, production, screenwriting and media studies. Students completing the M.F.A. program in directing take courses in sound production, film editing, cinematography and screenwriting. The faculty of UCLA's film school is composed of industry professionals who have worked on feature films and television programs around the world. Prospective students may also enter UCLA's professional program in screenwriting and producing which awards a non-degree certification of completion after one year of classes. Students interested in applying for UCLA's film school must complete an online application and submit a portfolio of relevant creative materials.
Located in New York City, Columbia University offers Master of Fine Art and Master of Art degrees in creative production, screenwriting, directing and general film studies. The screenwriting and directing programs at Columbia are each three years long, with the first year in each program devoted to identical course sequences. Courses within the directing program include multiple editing workshops in which students are required to edit and discuss their own work as well as projects their peers have completed. Students within the creative production sequence of courses are encouraged to enroll in classes within Columbia's business school to further their knowledge of finance and logistics. The faculty at Columbia University include awarded producers and writers such as Ira Deutchman and Maureen Ryan. Prospective students must complete an online application and submit a creative portfolio.
The American Film Institute in Los Angeles offers Master of Fine Arts degrees in cinematography, editing, production, directing and screenwriting. The American Film Institute places special importance on the teaching of skills and techniques associated with narrative storytelling and filmmaking. Depending on the a student's specific program, required thesis projects may include the production of a film or composition of a feature-length screenplay. Notable alumni from the American Film Institute include Darren Aronofsky and Scott Silver. Students interested in the program must complete an online application and submit a creative portfolio.