Master of Fine Arts in Film, Television and Digital Media
Real World Experiences
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.
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.
6 Semesters of Classes
This MFA spans six semesters out of seven, over two years. First-year students begin in Summer, taking classes in Summer, Fall, and Spring. After the Summer break, Second-year students take three consecutive semesters to finish the program.
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.
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
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 is $16,000 (approximate in state): $41,000 (approximate out of state). 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.
- 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: https://isl.uga.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2020/09/Off-Campus_Living_Guide_2020-min.pdfhttps://sga.uga.edu/uploads/docs/SGA_Student_Housing_Guide.pdf
Contact
For more information contact Heidi Choi.
Heidi Choi
MFA Film Operations Manager
MFA in Film, Television and Digital Media
Email: Heidi.Choi@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.