Graduate Filmmaking Admissions
The UNCSA School of Filmmaking offers Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) degrees in Creative Producing, Film Music Composition and Screenwriting. An interview with the arts faculty is required for admission. Applicants schedule an interview after a completed application, all required application documents, and a portfolio have been submitted.
Admission to the UNCSA School of Filmmaking is based on the application, required documents, video essay (required by Creative Producing and Screenwriting), personal interview, portfolio, and academic merits.
Application Deadlines and Interview Dates
All required application materials (including letters of recommendation) must be submitted and the application fee must be paid by one of the deadlines.
Applicants who complete an application will be emailed by Admissions with instructions for scheduling an interview.
| Application Deadline | Interview | Interview Dates | Decision Release Dates |
| Wednesday, November 2, 2022 (11:59 p.m. EST) |
Interviews offered by Friday, November 11, 2022 Virtual: Creative Producing, Screenwriting Virtual or In-person: Film Music Composition |
Monday, January 9, 2023 through Friday, January 13, 2023 |
Friday, January 27, 2023 |
| Wednesday, January 18, 2023 (11:59 p.m. EST) |
Interviews offered by Friday, January 27, 2023 Virtual: Creative Producing, Screenwriting Virtual or In-person: Film Music Composition |
Monday, February 6, 2023 through Friday, March 24, 2023 |
Monday, April 3, 2023 |
| Wednesday, March 1, 2023 (11:59 p.m. EST) |
Interviews offered by Monday, March 13, 2023 Virtual: Creative Producing, Screenwriting Virtual or In-person: Film Music Composition |
Monday, January 23, 2023 through Friday, March 24, 2023 |
Monday, April 3, 2023 |
Admissions Criteria
Prerequisites
Applicants to all graduate Filmmaking programs should have completed an undergraduate degree or be scheduled for completion of a degree prior to the upcoming Fall semester.
Creative Producing or Screenwriting
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Preferred primary applicants for the Creative Producing or Screenwriting concentrations should have completed an undergraduate degree and have a minimum of two years work experience.
Film Music Composition
- Preferred applicants should have an undergraduate degree in music or music composition. If asked to interview, applicants with undergraduate degrees in concentrations other than music will be required to take a written and aural proficiency exam in musicianship.
- Physical and cognitive abilities: Applicants must, at a minimum, possess functional use of the somatic senses, have adequate motor capabilities to manage situations in which these senses would be employed, and be able to integrate data acquired via these senses.
GPA
Minimum college GPA of 3.0
Test Scores
GRE Scores (Optional)
The GRE is not required for admission, but scores will be considered. If you choose
to submit scores, please have official scores sent to the Office of Admissions.
International Applicants
International applicants are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores. Minimum
score requirements for international students are:
- TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition: 79
- IELTS Academic: 6.5
- Duolingo English Test: 100
Completed Application, Fees & Required Documents
1. Complete the online application.
2. Pay your Application Fee: $95 for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, $130 for international applicants or non-resident aliens. Application fees are non-refundable.
Payment Options
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Online: Follow payment instructions at the end of the application or on your Admissions Portal.
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Check or Money Order (through a U.S. bank): Make payable to "UNCSA" and include your full legal name. Mail your payment and full legible name of applicant to the Office of Admissions.
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International Applicants: Use Flywire to pay your application fee online through an international bank or pay by check or money order through a U.S. bank as listed above.
3. Upload all Required Application Documents prior to your listed application deadline.
Please note: If you are applying to two different UNCSA art schools (Design & Production, Filmmaking and Music) you will need to complete a second application and pay a second application fee.