Admission to the Master of Fine Arts program in Film and Media Arts at Temple is a highly competitive process in which approximately one out of ten applicants is accepted into the program. Most accepted candidates are in the high honors range with extremely impressive creative portfolio materials.

Application Deadlines:

Complete applications are due on the following dates in any given year for admission the following fall semester:

For international applicants: November 1
For U.S. applicants: December 1

New applicants are admitted only for the fall semester of any year. The MFA program is a full-time program.

Application Process:

To apply for Temple University’s MFA program in Film and Media Arts, submit the following:

1. Complete application form
2. A 2- to 3-page narrative statement of personal interests and professional goals
3. Creative exhibit or portfolio (see description below)
4. Résumé
5. Three letters of recommendation
6. Official college transcripts
7. Graduate Records Exam (GRE) scores
8. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam scores for international students whose native language is a language other than English
9. Application fee: $60 for online application and $75 for paper application (check or money order payable to Temple University)

Creative Exhibit or Portfolio

The creative exhibit or portfolio is an important part of your application to the MFA program. Usually this consists of a completed film or videotape; however, creative writing or work in fine arts, music, computer arts or research scholarship might be appropriate. The admissions committee evaluates the exhibits in light of the applicant’s potential for meaningful and original contributions to the field, not simply on the basis of technical competence. Film and video work should be submitted on VHS or DVD (NTSC preferred); computer-based materials may be submitted on a cross-platform CD-ROM. Portfolio materials will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed envelope with adequate postage for return. Do not send original materials in your portfolio.

Applicants must meet general requirements for admission to the Graduate School of Temple University and the School of Communications and Theater, including the following:

Minimum grade point average of 3.0
Minimum combined GRE score of 1000 (verbal + quantitative)
Minimum TOEFL score of 575 (if required)

Applications should be sent to the Temple University Graduate School. While it is best to apply online, it is also possible to apply with a paper application. For information on how to apply and to access the Temple Graduate School Online Application, visit the Graduate School web site.

For additional correspondence, catalogues, application, and financial aid forms, please contact:

Nicole McKenna

Office of Research and Graduate Studies
School of Communications and Theater
Temple University
Annenberg Hall, Room 344
2020 N. 13th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19122-6080

Phone: 215-204-1497
Fax: 215-204-0310
nmckenna@temple.edu