Graduate Program F.A.Q.

Home Graduate Graduate Program F.A.Q.

What is the deadline for applying to your program?

The application deadline for admission into fall quarter of the following year is January 15th (i.e., January 15th, 2009 for admission to fall quarter 2009). The application period is open from mid-October through January 15th.

How long does it take to go through the program?

Two years.

Can I attend part time?

No. Full time enrollment in the program is a requirement. NO EXCEPTIONS!

Do I need to have experience in documentary production?

Yes. You need to have some production experience in one or more genres of concentration: film/video, photography, audio/radio, new media, museum installation, or creative non-fiction/ethnography.

Will a documentary sample be required when I apply to the program?

Yes. You are required to submit a sample of your best documentary work in the genre of your concentration when applying to the program.

Can my letters of recommendation come from professional rather than academic sources?

Our 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 to your academic abilities.

What kind of job can I get with this degree?

Many of our students plan to work in production in the area of their focus (film/video, photography, audio/radio, new media, museum installation, or creative non-fiction/ethnography). Some plan to go on to PhD or other subsequent graduate work. Still others may teach workshops or courses at a community college level. Note that the MA is not considered a terminal degree and therefore is not an adequate qualification for most teaching jobs at four-year universities.

Do you provide financial support?

The department makes every effort to provide financial support for tuition and fees and a living stipend to students in the program who remain in good standing. For more information about types of support, please read our financial support section.

Do you provide funding for project production?

No. At this time, the department is not able to offer production funding to students. We do, however, make every effort to help our students find and apply for appropriate grant funding.

How many students do you admit to the program each year?

Between ten and fourteen students have traditionally been admitted each year.

How many people apply to the program?

On average, about sixty people have applied to the program each year for the three years we have been in existence.

Can I attend one of your classes?

The department hosts a Social Documentation Program open house each year during the first or second week of November. Students who come to the open house will have a chance to attend a class. Call or email for specific date.

Can I talk to the faculty?

You are welcome to contact any of our faculty by email. Faculty contact information can be found in our online faculty directory. If you would like advice regarding which faculty to contact, you can email the graduate program coordinator for recommendations.

What if my questions weren't answered here?

You can contact the graduate program coordinator with specific questions at any time.