Fully funded fieldwork. Partner with nonprofits and changemakers to create films addressing social and environmental challenges.
Build skills in photography, cinematography, sound, writing, and editing while taking projects from concept through final cut.
Apply for scholarships and financial aid, plus receive guaranteed thesis production funding with no separate application required.
Make Documentaries to Move the World
The Documentary, M.F.A. program offers a unique curriculum with a combined focus on cinematic arts and journalism, providing students with immersive learning opportunities in international documentary production.
Explore some of the interdisciplinary courses:
Photo by Robin Canfield
Who is this program for?
The Documentary, M.F.A.welcomes storytellers from every background, not just filmmakers. You might be a journalist ready to bring long-form visual storytelling into your work, a scientist looking to communicate research to wider audiences, a photographer ready to work in motion, or someone drawn to the environment, social issues, or the humanities. No prior filmmaking experience is required, only a genuine curiosity about the world around you and the discipline to follow a story through to completion. Unlike programs built around fiction and narrative craft, this is a home for people committed to nonfiction: observing, researching, and shaping stories drawn from real life. Whether you’re a recent graduate or bring years of professional experience, you’ll join a small, close-knit cohort and work directly with faculty who have built documentary work for ARTE, Discovery, CNN, PBS, and NPR. If you’re ready to turn curiosity into craft, we’d love to see your portfolio.
Top Film School
Recognized by The Wrap as a Top 15 Film School in the country in 2025.
Multicultural
Miami serves as a multicultural, dynamic, and diverse base for this program.
Alumni Success
Work at companies like CNN Films, PBS, NPR, and independent media companies around the world.
Get Involved
International Production Outreach Program
Anchoring the first year of studies in the International Production Outreach Program, a one-week, service-learning experience abroad involving student travel and production in the spring semester. The program culminates with the creation of a thesis project that casts light on under-represented issues or topics of social relevance in ways that are visceral and impactful.
Canes Film Festival
Each May, the Canes Film Festival showcases over 100 student films from the Department of Cinematic Arts at the state-of-the-art Cosford Cinema. During the three-day event, Best of Festival awards are given for directing, screenplay, editing, cinematography, sound design, and more. Winners are invited to Los Angeles for exclusive tours, industry meetings, film screenings, and networking with alumni
State-of-the-Art Facilities and Equipment
Our campus boasts cutting-edge facilities that mirror the professional environments our students will encounter in their future careers. The School of Communication equipment room is fully stocked with mics, lights, tripods, VR headsets, and top-of-the-line of cameras including R3D, Blackmagic and Arri Alexa. With a 40’ x 40’ film studio, foley rooms, post-production and editing suites to media labs, you’ll have access to the tools and resources you need to bring your vision to life.
Hands-on Mentorship
Our faculty includes award-winning filmmakers, screenwriters, and scholars who are passionate about nurturing the next generation of cinematic talent. They are not just instructors; they’re mentors and collaborators.
Admission FAQs
Central America Outreach Program
The Central America Outreach Program offers an unforgettable experience for aspiring filmmakers. Students will work alongside local NGOs on critical issues, document their stories, and create films that inspire action. This program will develop students’ filmmaking skills while immersing them in a vibrant culture and fostering a commitment to social impact.
