How to Apply

Students holding undergraduate degrees from an accredited four-year institution in the U.S. or abroad may apply. Applicants should have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better on a 4.0 scale.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

You can begin the program with a residency on our Florham Campus held in the summer, our winter residency held in January, or with the fall or spring semester online courses. If you decide to begin with a residency, make sure you’re free to come to campus on these dates:

  • 2025 Winter: January 12-17
  • 2025 Summer: June 13-21

Depending upon when you’d like to begin, apply by these deadlines:

  • Fall semester – August 1
  • Winter residency – November 15
  • Spring semester – December 1
  • Summer residency – May 15

To Apply

  • Choose a start date of fall, winter, spring, or summer.
  • Choose your concentration: screenwriting, producing, directing, cinematography, or editing/post-production.
  • Order your official college transcripts to be sent directly to the FDU admissions office. For our purposes, we only need verification of your undergraduate degree, but any degrees listed on your application will require transcripts as well.

After you submit the application form, the system will prompt you to upload other required documents:

  • A statement of purpose. Please tell us more about yourself and why you wish to pursue an MFA in Film
  • Your portfolio or a link to your portfolio. If your portfolio is too large, email gradfilm@fdu.edu for details. We will direct you to our server.
  • You can submit a film work (.mov or QT file), a screenplay, a stage play, or a creative writing document (Use PDF or MS Word format. Please paginate and put your name on every page). Portfolios may contain live-action film material, screenplays, or other written narrative work. Work from other disciplines can be submitted — be it animation, playwriting, photography, graphic design, or fine arts.
  • Letters of recommendation are welcome, but not required. They can be uploaded to the application or sent to gradfilm@fdu.edu · Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online asap if you are considering financial aid. You don’t have to accept any funds unless you choose to. Many graduate students are eligible for State and/or Federal loans and aid. Our Financial Aid Office (974-443-8704) can assist with this.

The most important part of your application is your creative sample. It can be a screenwriting sample, a completed film project, or a festival submission. Work-related experience, professional recognition, and employer recommendations will also be taken into consideration. You don’t need an undergraduate degree in a film-related field, but creativity demonstrated while an undergraduate, or in professional work environments, will be considered.

Prospective students who live in the area may also arrange a meeting with the program director to discuss program options and tour the film facilities.