• Up-To 3 Years

To be admitted into the Master of Arts program at NYFA, students must possess a Bachelor’s degree from a post-secondary institution recognized by the United States Department of Education or a college or university outside of the U.S. that is recognized as a degree-granting institution by their respective governments. The ideal applicant must demonstrate a sincere passion and aptitude for visual storytelling and the ability and desire to pursue graduate-level work and scholarly research in his/her chosen discipline.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

Graduate (MFA) applicants must submit the following materials for admission:

• Completed Graduate Program Application
• Application Fee
• Undergraduate Degree Transcript
• Narrative Statement
• Letters of Recommendation
• Creative Portfolio
• Proof of English Proficiency

INTERVIEW

As part of the admissions process, MFA applicants may be interviewed by phone, web, or in-person by a New York Film Academy representative. The purpose of the interview is to identify the applicant’s goals and prior experience. The interview is also an opportunity to review the program curriculum with the applicant and to ensure that s/he fully understands the level of commitment required to successfully complete the degree.

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE TRANSCRIPT

All students pursuing a graduate degree from the New York Film Academy must submit an official, final undergraduate transcript in order to complete their application.

Hard copies of official transcripts must be mailed to New York Film Academy directly from the undergraduate institution in a sealed envelope.

Students wishing to submit transcripts digitally can do so by contacting their NYFA admissions representative for instructions. Digital transcripts may be submitted using a digital submission service (such as Parchment) or your undergraduate institution’s own digital delivery service.

The New York Film Academy generally does not consider prior experiential learning as a substitute for the transcript requirements described above.

Students earning an undergraduate degree in a foreign country, where a language other than English is the official language, and who are able to produce an original transcript, must have it translated into English by an education evaluation service that offers translation services.

NARRATIVE STATEMENT

Applicants must submit a mature and self-reflective essay (max. 5 typed pages) describing the applicant’s reasons for pursuing a graduate degree in their chosen discipline and their intended contribution to the field and the department. The essay should take into account the individual’s history, formative creative experiences, contemporary influences and inspirations, and overall artistic goals.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

MFA applicants must submit a minimum of three (3) letters of recommendation verifying the applicant’s ability to successfully take on graduate study in the relevant field. Letters can be sent digitally or as hard copies and should be submitted directly to the Admissions Department from the individual writing on the applicant’s behalf

CREATIVE PORTFOLIO/SUPPORTING MATERIALS

MFA applicants must submit a portfolio, which may include one or more of the following:

• Visual Sample for Filmmaking, Documentary & Cinematography applicants:
• 1-2 live-action, fiction, or nonfiction film/video submissions on DVD or hyperlink, where the submission can be viewed, regardless of image capture format (10-minute maximum). Collaborative material is accepted if the candidate details the exact nature of their contribution to the piece.
• 6-8 sample storyboards or visual designs with a 1-2 page accompanying description.