Film and Video Production, MFA
This is the first version of the 2026–27 General Catalog. Please check back regularly for changes. The final edition and the historical PDF will be published during the fall semester.
Learning Outcomes
Students will:
- develop an artistic vision that will inform an emerging practice of film and video production, and begin to develop a portfolio;
- learn the advanced technical aspects of production from cinematography and editing to sound design;
- acquire a broad range of knowledge in film and media theories and histories;
- develop skills and experience in academic research and critical writing; and
- develop professionally, including showing work at festivals, applying for grants and residencies, acquiring requisite skills for academic employment, and learning the skills for successful job applications.
The Master of Fine Arts in film and video production requires 59 s.h. of graduate credit, 24 of which must be earned at the University of Iowa after program admission. Students must earn a minimum Graduate College program grade-point average of 3.00. Students must earn a grade of B- or higher in all courses except CINE:7992 Thesis and non-cinema electives.
Graduate credit is typically acquired through advanced production courses, graduate colloquia, and advising-centered thesis courses taken over three years. With a focus on expanded documentary, experimental, hybrid, and narrative media forms, the curriculum combines creative and scholarly coursework with the aim of producing a body of innovative, artistic work in film, digital media, multimedia installation, and/or animation. Degree requirements include advanced coursework in film/media theory or history, annual public presentations and critiques, the development of an artist statement, a thesis paper, and a creative thesis project.
The MFA in film and video production requires the following coursework.
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| Core Courses | 12 |
| Advanced Production Courses | 12 |
| Film Theory and History | 6 |
| Thesis | 12 |
| Upper-Level Cinema Electives | 11 |
| Non-Cinema Electives | 6 |
Core Courses
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Both of these: | ||
| CINE:4890 | Media Production Workshop | 4 |
| CINE:5890 | Colloquium in Film and Video Production (taken twice for 4 s.h. each) | 8 |
Advanced Production Courses
Repeatable courses may not count more than once toward this requirement except for CINE:4821 Film/Video Production: Selected Topics, which may be counted twice.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 12 s.h. from these: | ||
| CINE:4821 | Film/Video Production: Selected Topics | 4 |
| CINE:4841 | Film/Video Production: Sound Design | 4 |
| CINE:4843 | Film/Video Production: Image Design | 4 |
| CINE:4862 | Film/Video Production: Advanced Video | 4 |
| CINE:4864 | Film Production: Advanced 16mm | 4 |
| CINE:4892 | Post Production Workshop | 4 |
Film Theory and History
Each of these courses is repeatable but may only count once toward the film theory and history requirement.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 6 s.h. from two of these: | ||
| CINE:5673 | Advanced Film Theory | 3 |
| CINE:5675 | Advanced Film History | 3 |
| CINE:7615 | Film Studies Seminar | 3 |
Thesis
Students complete a total of 12 s.h. in CINE:7992 Thesis. During the second year of study, students will propose their thesis project and have it approved by their thesis committee. After this clearance is met, students complete 12 s.h. in CINE:7992 Thesis.
Upper -Level Cinema Electives
Students complete at least 11 s.h. in upper-level cinema electives selected from CINE:3865 or cinema courses (prefix CINE) numbered 4000 or above. Repeatable courses may not count more than once toward this requirement except for CINE:5390 Colloquium in Screenwriting, which may count twice.
Non-Cinema Electives
Students take two courses for a minimum total of 6 s.h. from related areas outside of cinematic arts. Students must earn a grade of C- or higher in non-cinema electives. In consultation with an academic advisor, students select from any UI course numbered 3000 or above that is not a cinema course with prefix CINE. A maximum of 3 s.h. of English as a second language coursework (prefix ESL) is permitted.
Graduate education prepares students with advanced knowledge and skills in specialized fields. At the University of Iowa, the Graduate College advocates for student-centered graduate education and supports equitable application of rules and policies across graduate programs.
Academics
University of Iowa graduate credentials are regulated by policies and requirements found in the Graduate College Manual of Rules and Regulations. This includes minimum grade-point average (GPA) requirements for academic standing and degree conferral. The Graduate College sets the minimum requirement. Individual graduate programs may establish higher GPA requirements.
Admissions
Graduate student applicants must meet admission requirements for both the Graduate College and the program to which they have applied. University of Iowa graduate admission requirements are published by the Graduate College and on the Graduate Admissions website.
Financial Support
Graduate students might be eligible for financial support. Several contingencies apply, including degree program and award type, satisfactory progress toward degree, satisfactory completion of all duties related to an appointment, and availability of funding. Graduate students should inquire directly with their program for more information about funding availability. The Graduate Student Employment Standards govern the employment relationship between the University of Iowa and all graduate teaching and research assistants in all matters except wages, which are covered by an existing collective bargaining agreement or the conditions of an applicable federal grant.
A faculty committee chaired by the head of film and video production evaluates applications to the MFA program. Application materials should include undergraduate and/or graduate transcripts, a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, samples of creative work, test scores, and writing samples when relevant. Admission decisions are based on the full range of an applicant's accomplishments and evidence that the applicant will thrive in the department's program. Previous academic experience in moving image production is desirable but not required.
All applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College; see the Manual of Rules and Regulations on the Graduate College website. Information about the application process is available on the Department of Cinematic Arts website and the Graduate Admissions website.
The film and video production program has a remarkable job placement record, with graduates located in faculty positions at major research universities and prestigious liberal arts colleges throughout the world. Graduates have shown their work at major festivals around the world, including Cannes, Slamdance, TIFF, Berlinale, Locarno, and SXSW. Through their creative work and published research, graduates are visible and productive contributors to film and video production and related disciplines.
Within the program, faculty mentor students toward professional careers by supervising their development as both innovative moving-image makers and scholars. Regular one-on-one advising sessions, group critiques, and workshops on topics such as film festival submissions, job interviews, and related topics prepare students for academic and artistic careers. Students are also regularly advised on applying for grants and awards to facilitate their advanced research, whether conducted in Iowa or elsewhere.
The Pomerantz Career Center offers multiple resources to help students find internships and jobs.
Sample Plan of Study
Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor. For additional sample plans, see MyUI.
Film and Video Production, MFA
This sample plan is currently being reviewed and will be added at a later date.