Students may elect to concentrate in Film Production.  The program requires completion of 60 credit hours of study plus a thesis project which must be performed or
exhibited publicly prior to graduation.

The Master of Fine Arts is a terminal degree.  That is, unlike the Master of Arts (MA), it is not considered merely a "stepping stone" to the PhD.  Teaching at the university/college level in most cases requires a terminal degree.

The overriding philosophy of the Film program is to train the entire filmmaker. Students are expected to be, at a minimum, conversant with all aspects of the filmmaking process, from screenwriting and directing to cinematography, sound, and editing. Film theory and history are also considered essential components of the MFA.

The Film Program at the University of New Orleans is part of the Department of Film, Theatre, and Communication Arts. You will become a part of an enthusiastic and energetic group of faculty and student filmmakers who will challenge you to achieve your creative potential. Though you may plan only to direct, edit, or produce in the future, you will be expected to achieve a basic understanding and competency in all aspects of filmmaking. Here students have the opportunity to explore the full range of the communication arts, from high-tech digital post-production to documentary and dramatic film production and live performance. We also share our building with the Department of Music and Jazz Studies, creating an intimate synergistic atmosphere within a broad spectrum of the performing arts.

We have one of the most technologically advanced film programs in the country, with a full line of professional production equipment, including custom grip truck, sound stage, Steadicam, and state-of-the-art digital post-production editing and audio suites.

Practical, hands-on experience in film production extends from numerous opportunities to produce and direct your own films and crew on other student films as well as the departmentally sponsored Spring Film, to participation in the UNO Filmmakers student film club. At our Nims Center Studios, with 30,000 sq.ft. of studio space and a hi-def post-production facility, students also have opportunities to work on professional "big-budget" films like Runaway Jury, Ray, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

Degree Plans:

Our graduate program in Film Production culminates in a 60-credit hour Master of Fine Arts degree.