Master of Arts in Film & Television Production
The Film and Television Masters Programs (MFA and MA) offered by the School of Communication, Media & the Arts at Sacred Heart University are “conservatory style” programs devoted to cinematic storytelling across all platforms.
FTMA’s home is in the heart of Connecticut’s “Creative Corridor” with close ties to nearby New York City. Focusing on story and hands-on production, students learn the craft and techniques that will empower them to stand out in today's media market. Our program is unique in that our students complete their own professional portfolio while going beyond the classroom into professional environments. Through partnerships with media companies and guidance from industry professionals, our students tailor their studies to meet their career needs.
The Master of Arts in Film & Television (FTMA) is an intensive one year 36-credit program. FTMA students acquire the artistic and technical skills necessary to create substantive and professional film and television productions using the latest technology, equipment, and software. Students will develop a theoretical, aesthetic, and historical understanding of film and television as narrative media and as industries. Students will learn all aspects of film and television production, including screenwriting, directing, producing, cinematography, editing, lighting, as well as post-production, marketing, and distribution. The degree has a professional focus that allows students to “learn by doing” in hands-on courses that produce real-world projects and are taught by established industry professionals and film and television scholars. The FTMA program provides the education necessary for students to compete nationally for jobs in film and television, and to join the region’s thriving film and television production industries. Each FTMA student leaves the program with a portfolio of professional work.
Our goal is to inspire and empower students to find their independent artistic and intellectual visions by creating their own content. Coursework is designed to support each student in the production of two major film or television productions of their own, in collaboration of their cohort. This in turn gives students the opportunity to work on their classmates’ productions and try their hand at various production roles. Students immerse themselves in the form and techniques of film, television, and transmedia storytelling. FTMA offers small class sizes centered on workshops, lectures, screenings and hands-on productions. Students also work closely with a mentor or industry professional.
Students tailor their professional skills based on their individualized goals while our faculty guides them toward completing meaningful projects and developing professional partnerships. FTMA students complete the one-year program with real work experience and a finished professional reel ready for the job market.
Goals and Objectives
Specific learning goals and objectives for students in the MA in Film & Television Program include:
- Acquiring the social, artistic, and technical skills necessary to create substantive and professional film and television productions.
- Acquiring the skills necessary to succeed in today’s job market and work environment, including effective communication and time management, teamwork and problem-solving, and planning, organizing, and leading in a professional context.
- Becoming proficient in the use of the industry-standard technologies, equipment, and software used to produce and distribute professional film and television content.
- Developing a theoretical, historical, and practical understanding of the social and ethical dimensions of the film and television as storytelling media and modes of communication.
- Understanding the economics and structure of the film and television industries, from the production process through distribution.
Admission Requirements
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended are required. A personal statement describing career goals and reasons for interest in the program, along with a short sample of visual work, two letters of recommendation, and a professional résumé are also required.
The Graduate Transfer Credit Policy governs the approval of transfer credits.
Transfer Credit Limit: 12
Minimum Grade Required: B
Degree Requirements
There are foundational course in theories and methods, a sequence of advanced production courses, an internship, and a capstone portfolio project completed in close consultation with a faculty mentor or an FTMA-partnered professional mentor from the student’s field of interest.
FTMA Required Courses (36 credits)
| CM 505 | The Art of Storytelling in Film & Television | 3 |
| CM 515 | Directing for Film & Television I | 3 |
| CM 525 | Writing for Film & Television I | 3 |
| CM 535 | Producing for Film & Television I | 3 |
| CM 598 | Film Form and Structure | 3 |
| CM 599 | Special Topics in Communication | 3 |
| CM 615 | Directing for Film & Television II | 3 |
| CM 620 | Special Topics in Producing II | 3 |
| CM 621 | Special Topics in Film Production: Editing | 3 |
| CM 625 | Writing for Film & Television II | 3 |
| CM 635 | Commercial & Promotional Production | 3 |
| CM 698 | Digital Portfolio & Mentorship I | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 36 |