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Master of Fine Arts in Film, Television and Digital Media

The University of Georgia’s Master of Fine Arts in Film, Television and Digital Media, ranked in the top 50 film MFAs, produces filmmakers ready to give voice to the stories that matter in today’s competitive global marketplace.

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.

2023 Georgia film industry at a glance

The production industry in Georgia has never been stronger and continues to expand. The state of Georgia currently ranks among the top three film and television production centers in the nation. For the 2023 fiscal year, Georgia was home to 390 projects with a combined in-state expenditure of $4.1 billion, according to the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

Georgia-lensed films continued to shine with fans and at the box office. “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” became the highest-grossing movie with a female superhero as the lead at the U.S. box office, overtaking female-led superhero films like “Captain Marvel” and “Wonder Woman.” Of the top lifetime grossing films of all time, Georgia was home to three of the Top 10: “Avengers: End Game,” “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” and “Avengers: Infinity War.”

390

film projects in Georgia

59,700

film industry jobs in Georgia in 2022

4.1

billion dollar investment in Georgia film industry

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, stellar mentors including professional screenwriters, directors, producers and executives as well as some participate in master classes, special screenings, industry events and collaborative work opportunities.

Build Your Portfolio

Faculty and industry mentors guide 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?

Annual tuition and fees are $16,000 (approximate in-state); $78,000 (approximate out-of-state); $92,000 (approximate international). This amount does not cover any living expenses. Accepted students will also be required to have a laptop and some specialized software. Estimated costs range between $2,000-3,000.

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.

Contact Us

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.

© University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602   |   706-542-3000

Images provided by Elise Nation, Elizabeth Wampler Shandra McDonald, and Chenrui Bai.