M.F.A. Application Process

Step-by-step instructions for submitting an application to a Master of Fine Arts program at the School of Communication.

2560×1707 Kim with Students in XR Lab Fall 2023

Step 1 – Create your Graduate School Application

To create your Graduate School Application click here.

Please note: Your application is not complete and we cannot begin your application review until we receive all required forms. Your $85 non-refundable application fee can be paid when you submit the application.

After you submit your application, you will be directed to your Status Portal. In the Status Portal you can monitor the status of your application and view any outstanding requirements. When your admission decision is released, your decision letter will be posted in your Status Portal.

Step 2 – Upload/Send Official Transcripts

Request one official transcript from each post-secondary institution (college or university) that you have attended. A baccalaureate degree is required from an accredited institution.

If you have attended a college or university outside of the United States, your transcripts and diplomas (if available) will need to be verified. Please click here for further instructions.

All other students are encouraged to send their electronic transcript to socgrad@miami.edu or via mail to:

Graduate Studies Office, University of Miami, School of Communication
5100 Brunson Drive, Suite 4002
Coral Gables, FL 33146

Step 3 – Upload Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation should be submitted online to your Graduate School Application.

Step 4 – Portfolio Submission

Please see the portfolio submission requirements for each program below. Portfolio documents should be submitted online to your Graduate School Application.

Documentary, M.F.A.

Resume (2 pages): The resume should highlight past creative/journalistic experience and employment.
Personal Essay (500-700 words): The essay should address personal objectives for graduate study, subject matters of interest for future projects, and career goals. May be the same as the “statement of purpose” required in the Graduate School Application.
Sample of Writing* (10 pages or less): This may be an original screenplay, short story, news media, magazine article, writing sample, etc. The sample is not to exceed 10 pages. Scripts should be written in the standard screenplay format, set in 12-point courier font. The submission must be the applicant’s sole authored writing.
Sample of Visual Expression* (choose one):
a.) Video: no more than 10 minutes of visual work.
b.) Photographs (stills): no more than 15 stills on any subject, black and white or color. The photographs may also be a representation of work in other media, such as fine arts, theater, set/costume design, or other related disciplines.
*Items 3 and 4 of the portfolio submission for the Documentary MFA program are currently optional.

Interactive Media, M.F.A.

As an applicant to the University of Miami M.F.A. in Interactive Media, you are required to submit a portfolio or official GRE scores. We look for individuals who are highly motivated and who demonstrate the ability to succeed in a highly competitive creative program.

The portfolio you present will vary based on your own experiences, interests, education, and training. You may submit a broad-based portfolio containing examples of work from a variety of media or a more focused portfolio. Applicants should submit 5-15 examples of your work. For work that you developed as a team, please indicate the role you played in the project. The portfolio should include work samples that showcase your creativity, as well as the skills and media you have learned. It should also highlight your ability to communicate ideas.

Students may choose to submit their GRE score if they don’t have a digital portfolio. Submitting a GRE instead of a digital portfolio will not affect their chances of acceptance. Students may also submit both their GRE and digital portfolio. Our institution code for the GRE is #5815, and the department code is #4599.

Motion Pictures, M.F.A.

Resume (2 pages): The resume should highlight past creative experience and employment.
Personal Essay (500-700 words): The essay should address personal objectives for graduate study, subject matters of interest for future projects, and career goals. May be the same as the “statement of purpose” required in the Graduate School Application.
Sample of Writing* (10 pages or less): This may be an original screenplay, short story, news media, magazine article, writing sample, etc. The sample is not to exceed 10 pages. Scripts should be written in the standard screenplay format, set in 12-point courier font. The submission must be the applicant’s sole authored writing.
Sample of Visual Expression* (choose one):
a.) Video: no more than 10 minutes of visual work.

b.) Photographs (stills): no more than 15 stills on any subject, black and white or color. The photographs may also be a representation of work in other media, such as fine arts, theater, set/costume design, or other related disciplines.

Step 5 – International Students Only

International students are required to submit the following items:

Official/original transcripts with a professional certified English translation
A copy of your diploma with English translation for degrees earned outside of the United States
A copy of passport

*For the purpose of initial application review process, the Office of Graduate Studies accepts unofficial transcripts; however, official transcripts must be submitted upon admission. Other visa requirements will be due if accepted into the program. Please see all requirements for International Students here.

Please click here to learn more about the International Applicant Process.

M.F.A. Programs at the School of Communication