About

If you have any questions about the MFA in Cinema, contact us at [email protected].

Binghamton University's Cinema Department's Master of Fine Arts program in Cinema encourages future filmmakers to explore the formal, historical and cultural meanings of cinema and its components, processes and tools, as a means to develop creative strategies for self-expression.

Students have access to a wide range of photochemical and digital resources to create innovative cinematic works, including experimental film, video art, non-fiction, animation, audio-visual performance, and installation. The integration of production and film studies in our MFA program enables our students to articulate their ideas and processes more effectively and understand their practices more deeply.

Through events such as the Visiting Film/Video Artists' and Scholars' Speakers Series, students have opportunities to meet contemporary practitioners and scholars in the cinematic art. Graduate students are also welcome to participate in workshops and other events through Binghamton's Material and Visual Worlds Transdisciplinary Area of Excellence, which supports innovative research, scholarship and creative practice across the disciplines. Additionally, they have the chance to teach an undergraduate course during the summer and winter sessions, and to connect with peers through the Graduate Student Working Group.

Prospective students are encouraged to apply by Feb. 15 to be considered for scholarships, assistantships and fellowships. Please contact the Director of Graduate Program in Cinema for more information.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Provide a complete set of your undergraduate (and, if applicable, graduate) transcripts showing one of the following:
- You have earned a bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
- You are within one academic year of earning a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
- You are eligible to apply as part of a memorandum of understanding between your current institution and Binghamton University
Have earned, at minimum, one of the following:
- A 3.0 GPA over your entire undergraduate career
- A 3.0 GPA during the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits of your undergraduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
- A 3.0 GPA in a graduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
- In consideration of the different grading scales used around the world, each academic department evaluates international transcripts to determine on a case-by-case basis whether they demonstrate one of the above requirements.

English Requirements

PTEMin 53
IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 80

Fee Information

Application Fee 70

How to Apply

Submit the online application and all required application materials.
- You will need a valid email address to create an online application.
  - For best performance, we recommend using Google Chrome to apply.
- Upload all required application materials for your program to the online application.
- Pay the $75 (USD) non-refundable graduate degree program application fee.
  - You can use a Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express credit card. Your credit card bill serves as your receipt.
  - We are happy to be able to grant application fee waivers to CSTEP, EOP, HEOP, LSAMP Program, Project 1000, SEEK Program or TRIO Program (McNair Scholars Program, Student Support Services, Upward Bound, etc.) students. Please provide a certified letter from your program official attesting to your participation. Documents can be uploaded directly on the application or by emailing [email protected].
  - We are happy to be able to grant application fee waivers to GEM Fellowship applicants. Please submit a copy of your GEM interface homepage indicating that your overall application status is complete. Documents can be uploaded directly on the application or by emailing [email protected].
  - United States Armed Forces veterans and active duty service members are also eligible for an application fee waiver. Please submit a copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214) or your Status Report Pursuant to Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (as downloaded from https://scra.dmdc.osd.mil). Documents can be uploaded directly on the application or by emailing them to [email protected].
  - Please note that a request for an application fee waiver may take 2 to 3 business days to process. Please wait for an email stating that your request has been approved before submitting your application. If you have any questions about this process, please contact us at [email protected].
- Submit the online application and all required application materials by your program's application deadline.
Review these reminders before you apply:
- We recommend you begin the application process at least one month before your program's application deadline.
- You may apply to more than one program at a time. If you receive an admission decision for more than one program, you can only confirm your intent to enroll for one program at a time. Any remaining applications will be automatically withdrawn once you have confirmed your intent to enroll by paying your admission deposit. Exceptions will be made for individuals applying to approved dual- and double-degree programs.
- Take care when selecting your program. The Office of Graduate Admissions cannot make any changes to your program once we receive and begin review of your application.
- If you are a former Binghamton University student (undergraduate, graduate or non-degree/non-matriculated) and have changed your name, file an official name change form with the Office of Financial Aid and Student Records before submitting an application.
- If you are an international student, review the additional admission requirements for international students before submitting an application.
- If you are interested in transferring graduate credits from another institution to Binghamton University, review the policies regarding the transfer of graduate credits before submitting an application. The application process is the same for students who are planning to transfer graduate credits as it is for those who are not.

Cinema