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Master of Fine Arts

M.F.A. in Documentary Production & Studies

The goal of the Master of Fine Arts degree in Documentary Production and Studies is the academic, aesthetic, and technical training of production professionals. Our M.F.A. program is one of the few in the nation to emphasize documentary production and studies and it is the only program of its kind in the region.

Students are engaged in rigorous and ambitious production opportunities using professional high definition cameras, rigs, audio gear, and various postproduction platforms. Additionally, students are immersed in documentary history and contemporary theories of the global documentary genre. Students benefit from the diverse and international perspectives of the M.F.A. faculty who produce award-winning documentaries that are screened at festivals across the globe each year.

The M.F.A. degree is a 60 hour degree designed to allow for 3-year completion, with course work beginning in the fall semester. The degree culminates in a final documentary thesis production, accompanied by a substantial written thesis.

For a better understanding of the diverse films our students produce, check out our recent graduates' thesis projects.

Several graduate assistantships, graduate fellowships, and scholarships are awarded each year to new and continuing students.

For more information about admissions or the program contact Eugene Martin, Director of M.F.A. in Documentary Production and Studies at Eugene.Martin@unt.edu.

M.F.A. DEGREE REQUIREMENTS AND COURSES

The M.F.A. degree in Documentary Production and Studies is designed to allow for 3-year completion, with course work beginning in the fall semester.

Students must successfully complete a minimum of 60 semester hours:

  • 36 hours required courses (includes 6 hours of M.F.A. colloquium)
  • 6 hours prescribed electives
  • 12 hours open electives
  • 6 hours of thesis

The degree culminates in a final documentary thesis production, accompanied by a substantial written thesis. The thesis should illustrate the student's ability to successfully execute professional-level production work of high quality. Additionally, the thesis should demonstrate the student's knowledge of production techniques and historical/theoretical perspectives.

Course plan that includes the M.F.A. degree required (r) courses:

First year, Fall semester:

  • (r) History of the Documentary, 3 credits
  • (r) Audio Production, 3 credits
  • (r) Introduction to Graduate Studies, 3 credits
  • (r) M.F.A. Colloquium, 1 credit

First year, Spring semester:

  • (r) First Year Documentary Production, 3 credits
  • (r) Documentary Preproduction, 3 credits
  • (r) Documentary Cinematography, 3 credits
  • (r) M.F.A. Colloquium, 1 credit

Second Year, Fall semester:

  • (r) Cinema and Video Verite, 3 credits
  • (r) Second Year Advanced Documentary Workshop I, 3 credits
  • Elective, 3 credits
  • (r) M.F.A. Colloquium, 1 credit

Second Year, Spring semester:

  • (r) Second Year Advanced Documentary Workshop II, 3 credits
  • Elective, 3 credits
  • Elective, 3 credits
  • (r) M.F.A. Colloquium, 1 credit

Third year, Fall semester:

  • (r) M.F.A. Thesis, 3 credits
  • (r) M.F.A. Internship, 3 credits
  • Elective, 3 credits
  • (r) M.F.A. Colloquium, 1 credit

Third year, Spring semester:

  • (r) M.F.A. Thesis, 3 credits
  • Elective, 3 credits
  • Elective, 3 credits
  • (r) M.F.A. Colloquium, 1 credit

Total degree credits: 60

Sample Elective Courses (see the course catalog for course descriptions and exact availability):

  • Theory and Technique of Visual Editing
  • Contemporary Documentary
  • Digital Distribution
  • Transmedia Storytelling
  • Media Industry Studies
  • Media Law & Regulation
  • Media Ethics
  • Audience Research
  • Global Media
  • Media Genres and Authors
  • Media Management
  • Digital Media Studies
  • Gender, Race, and Technology
  • Teen Media
  • Mobile Media
  • Studies in Film History
  • Directing Narrative Media

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