The University of Georgia’s Master of Fine Arts in Film, Television and Digital Media
produces filmmakers ready to give voice to the stories that matter in today’s competitive global marketplace.
We are proudly ranked a Top 50 Film School, by ‘The Wrap.”
At the end of two years, students graduate prepared to build above-the-line careers as writers, directors and producers.
Tracks include writer/director and writer/producer.
2025 Georgia film industry at a glance
Georgia’s long-running TV shows and streaming series have fueled steady industry growth by offering sometimes year-round and predictable work. In addition to serving as the location for some of the highest-grossing domestic blockbusters, being chosen as the home for so many highly rated and popular shows is a hallmark that sets Georgia apart.
Georgia Film Office Director Lee Thomas said, “Georgia is welcoming productions of every size as the industry evolves and continues to work with television series’ like ‘Will Trent’ and ‘Sweet Magnolias’ season after season.”
The Georgia Film Office, a strategic office within the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), reported that film and television productions spent a combined $2.3 billion in the state during fiscal year 2025 (between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025).
245
Film and TV productions in Georgia
62
Commercial, Music Video, and Interactive Productions
2.3
billion dollar investment in 2025 Georgia film industry
July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025
Source: Georgia Film Office 2025
Ranked TOP 50 Film School
UGA’s MFA in Film, Television and Digital Media was recently named one of the Top 50 Film Schools in the country by The Wrap, a leading digital publication in the entertainment industry. The program ranked No. 43 nationally based on its reputation in both education and production. The Wrap’s recognition targeted competitive qualities of film schools across the country, and describes UGA’s program as “professionally oriented, drawing on the growth of production in the state.”
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Students concentrate on writing, directing, and producing. This unique MFA program combines academic rigor, professional training, and hands-on filmmaking opportunities at our campus and our studio partner Athena Studios in Athens. Read more about our partners here.
World-class Facilities with Multi-College Education
Our students work closely with expert faculty in screenwriting, directing and producing in both the Grady College of Mass Communication & Journalism and the Franklin College of Arts and Science’s Department of Theater and Film Studies. Additionally, students can also collaborate with the Terry College of Business and Hugh Hodgson School of Music.
Learn from leaders in the industry – talented faculty and guest speakers including professional screenwriters, directors, producers and executives participate in special screenings, industry events and collaborative work opportunities.
Build Your Portfolio
The faculty guides students as they build their high-quality portfolio of individual and collaborative projects, including a final thesis project, a calling card to enter the film and television industry. Watch our sizzle reel here.
Program Photos
Program Offerings
At the end of two years, students will graduate prepared to build above-the-line careers in screenwriting, directing, and producing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the costs to participate in the MFA Film program?
Please contact the Financial Aid Office for details about tuition costs.
What is the difference between the MFA in Film, Television and Digital Media program and the low residency MFA Program in Narrative Media?
The MFA in Film, Television and Digital Media program is an intensive six semester, two-year residential program in which students will be trained in the above-the-line roles of screenwriting, directing and producing. They will also have coursework in camera and lighting, postproduction, and production design. Students in this program will produce a number of short films, as well as a graduate thesis film or a Webseries pilot. If you want to learn a comprehensive set of filmmaking skills and can reside in Athens, Georgia, this program may be for you.
The MFA Program in Narrative Media is a 2 ½-year, five semester low-residency program that offers two tracks: Screenwriting and Narrative Nonfiction Writing. Students attend two week-long residencies each year on the Athens campus, one in August and one in January, and then complete the remainder of their work online under the supervision of a faculty writing professor. Screenwriting students in this program will develop at least two full-length screenplays or television pilots. If you are specifically interested in screenwriting, or are unable to relocate for two years, this program may be for you. Please see our MFA in Narrative Media website for more details.
Does tuition cover lodging?
Housing is not covered by tuition and fees. Students are responsible for securing their own housing.
- There are many options for housing in the Athens area, both on and off campus. This link is a good source for more information about Athens housing: Off-campus Living Guide & On-campus housing
Contact Us
Please contact us with inquiries about the admission, academics, and your interest.
Are you a local talent wanting to work on MFA student films? Please reach out!
Heidi Choi
MFA Film Operations Manager
MFA in Film, Television and Digital Media
Email: mfaftvdm@uga.edu
Want to Get Started?
This is the first dual-college graduate program at the University of Georgia. It is offered to students at a tuition rate comparable to other graduate programs at UGA, making it one of the most affordable programs of its caliber in the country.
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Images provided by Elise Nation, Elizabeth Wampler Shandra McDonald, and Chenrui Bai.