School of Film and TelevisionCinema and Television Directing Master of Fine Arts Degree
- MFA
As a Master of Fine Arts candidate in the Cinema and Television Directing program at Columbia College Chicago, you’ll learn to craft character-driven narratives, lead a crew, and create diverse films grounded in the human experience. Intensive study in screenwriting, cinematography, editing, and sound will prepare you to direct your own scripts and those written by others.
Priority Application Deadline: January 10, 2025
Examples of Film and Television Careers
The Student Experience
You'll have opportunities to work on both stand-alone short films and series productions, culminating in a thesis project where you’ll develop and direct a short film or episodic pilot.
In your first years, you'll unleash your creativity by making several short films, honing your collaboration skills and cinematic storytelling while delving into film and television history through engaging graduate seminars and faculty critiques.
In your final year, you’ll work with peers to create an original series and develop a long-form project, either a feature screenplay or a show bible.
Our faculty, comprised of current industry professionals in film and television, not only stay ahead of the latest trends but also serve as invaluable resources for job placements and references after graduation.
Your thesis project will be an original piece of media—either a short film, a short television pilot, or multiple short webisodes—that synthesizes everything you've learned. Past MFA thesis projects have screened at numerous festivals and won awards.
Watch independent and major studio releases at Film Row Cinema before their theatrical release.
Participate in Chicago’s renowned film festivals, including opportunities to submit your work and volunteer at the Chicago International Film Festival.
Groups like the Editors Guild of Columbia and The Experimental Film Society will help you meet like-minded students and build your network.
Use our audio and post-production facilities, equipment rental centers, professional sound stages, and TV studios equipped with industry-standard software and technology.
Career Readiness
From connecting you to internships to helping you develop door-opening bodies of work to making an important professional connection, Columbia helps students launch their careers.
Our Career Center provides advice and guidance in finding internships that match your interests and professional goals. And with the help the Career Center and faculty, you can develop a resume, web portfolio, reel, website, and strong social media presence.
Columbia College Chicago has produced many successful alumni. These alumni find work in the industry right out of college, and some have won Oscars, Emmys, and Golden Globes.
Alumni Spotlight
Lena Waithe ‘08
Emmy-award winning writer of “Master of None,” Lena Waithe is a producer, actor, and writer.
of 2023 grads are employed, enrolled in continued education, or pursuing their creative practice.