Frequently Asked Questions

Applications for Fall 2025 admission will be open in October and will close in mid January.

No. Students are admitted into the program only once per year, into the fall quarter only.

Two years.

No. Full time enrollment in the program is a requirement. No exceptions are available for this.

We cannot defer admission. An applicant who is unable to accept admission for the year in question can reactivate the application for the following fall term. However, while the applicant has a very good chance of again being offered admission, there is no guarantee this will happen.

Yes. You need to have some production experience in film/video production, photography, or new media/digital media. Experience in radio/audio, museum installation, oral history or creative non-fiction/ethnography may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Yes. You are required to submit a sample of your best documentary work in the genre of your concentration when applying to the program. More information on required application materials can be found on the Graduate Admissions website.

The Social Documentation program is academically rigorous and letters of recommendation are weighed heavily in determining your academic preparation for the program. Therefore, we recommend that at least one and preferably two of your letters of recommendation come from persons who can best speak regarding your academic abilities.

Upon completion of the program, Master of Fine Arts Degree holders will be qualified to enter documentary related professions such as documentary directing, producing or editing. Degree holders may work within industries such as public television, public radio or the documentary film business, as independent producers and artists, or for archival centers or museums. Degree holders may also choose to pursue a PhD in a related field in the Arts, Humanities, or Social Sciences.

Admitted students are guaranteed support as described in their offer of admission. This will include, at minimum, the support described in the university’s 2-year/50% program for MFA students, which provides a minimum level of support equivalent to a 50% teaching assistantship for two years. In total, this program will bring MFA student support – stipend, fees, tuistion, GSHIP, etc. up to a minimum of $43,000 annually. In some cases, support may also surpass this level, as described in the admissions offer letter.

Current information on Resident and Non-Resident Tuition can be found on the Registrar’s website. Upon admission, students will receive a letter of offer that includes support to defray these costs, as described above.

Historically, the department has been able to offer modest/partial summer funding for production projects, but it is not guaranteed. The department also makes every effort to help our students find and apply for appropriate grant funding, both on campus and through external organizations.

Between four to six students have traditionally be admitted into the program each year.

On average, the program receives about forty applications per year.

Prospective students are encouraged to visit the program in mid-November. Please contact the graduate program coordinator for more information.

You are welcome to contact any of our faculty by email. If you would like advice regarding faculty contact, you can email the graduate program coordinator for recommendations.

You can contact the graduate program coordinator with specific questions at any time. Faculty can also be contacted about academic and research questions.