Columbia University was founded in 1754 as King’s College by royal charter of King George II of England. It is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of New York and the fifth oldest in the United States. In 1897, the University moved from 49th Street and Madison Avenue, where it had stood for fifty years, to its present location on Morningside Heights at 116th Street and Broadway.
The Film Division at Columbia University offers a three year Master’s degree. The curriculum is centered around film as a storytelling medium. The course of instruction combines directing, writing, and producing with technical training and history/theory.
During the first two years students shoot all work on digital video. Columbia University provides cameras, tripods, sound kits, lighting kits etc. A digital lab is available for students to edit 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
DEPARTMENTS AND PROGRAMS
Course of Study:
First Year
Students take a mandatory core curriculum of workshops in Screenwriting, Directing, Producing the Short Form, and Directing the Actor along with a Technical Workshop and lecture courses in Fundamentals of Directing, Elements of Cinematic Narrative, and the Role of the Producer. Students must complete one long and three short scripts in Screenwriting. For a final project, each student must direct and produce an 8-12 minute short film written by classmates. As with all other first year work, the final project is shot on video; students are not allowed to shoot film in the first year. In addition, students must begin their 6 required credits ub History-Theory-Culture.
By the end of the first year, students declare a concentration in Screenwriting, Directing or Producing.
Second Year
Students focus on their concentration(s) while continuing to take courses that further their understanding of dramatic narrative and film production. At the end of the year, students will have written a feature-length screenplay or begun work on directing or producion of a short film, will have completed all required course work, and will be ready for advanced study related to the thesis project.
Third Year and Thesis
A student concentrating in Directing must direct a non-thesis film or video prior to commencing the thesis project. A student concentrating in Screenwriting or Producing may direct a non-thesis project but is not required to do so.
Thesis Project
The Thesis Project may be a feature-length screenplay, a directed short film or video, the producing of a directing student’s thesis film, or a critical essay.
Language Requirement
All students are required to fulfill the language requirement before graduation.
TUITION AND FEES
The School of the Arts’ flat fee tuition allows for registration between 12 and 18 units each semester. Students must be in full-time residence (enrolled in at last 12 units each semester) for the first two years.
The first year estimated cost including tuition and living expenses is $45,000. During thesis years, cost of tuition is approximately $3,000 per semester, plus living expenses. Students must also raise funds individually for any films they direct.
Materials fee is $45 a term. Some courses require the payment of an additional fee to help defray costs of film rentals, equipment maintenance, instructional supplies, and photocopying.
Thesis Fee: Students who have completed the required 60 credits and are using the school’s resources of funding, facilities, equipment, or personnel in preparation for or production of their thesis projects will have to pay a thesis production fee of $1,500 per semester.
ADMISSION AND THE APPLICATION PROCESS
The Film Division welcomes applications from artists who seek the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree. Applicants should note that the Film Division offers only a full-time course of study and applications for part-time study cannot be accepted.
Applicants to the Film Division must have completed the bachelor’s degree or its equivalent prior to matriculation.
Applicants must submit:
*undergraduate transcripts
*three letters of recommendation
*application fee
*autobiographical statement
*two film treatments
*writing sample
A film or video submission is not required, and should only be submitted is the applicant feels the work is strong. In some cases an interview will be required, but many students will be admitted without one.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/arts/film/index.html