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ADMISSIONS

Apply now for Fall 2023

Priority deadline for fall 2023 applications is January 15 for all programs.
Applications submitted after January 15 will be accepted on a rolling basis until all spaces are filled.
For more information, contact Graduate Admissions at 718.951.4536 or via e-mail.
View upcoming in-person info session and tour dates.
Check out our Digital Animation and VFX Program.
Apply
now
For
Fall 2023
Requirements

Requirements for Application

International Students

International Students

Tuition, Fees & Scholarships

Tuition, Fees & Scholarships

MA in screen studiesMFA in cinema arts, sonic arts, and media scoring

MA

in screen
studies

A two-year full- or part-time program that offers a comprehensive education in cinema history, theory, criticism and aesthetics; and encourages the scholarly exploration of cinema as a form of art and a social communication.

Requirements for Application for M.A. in Screen Studies

Introduction

The M.A. in Screen Studies Program provides a comprehensive education in cinema history, theory, criticism and aesthetics, and encourages the scholarly exploration of cinema as a form of art and a means of social communication. Students are required to complete a total of 36 credits, which may be pursued on either a full-time basis in two years or on a part-time basis. Because the degree program will be housed in the same facility as the M.F.A. in Cinema Arts Program (the Steiner Studios at the Brooklyn Navy Yard), students are able to deepen their knowledge within the context of a larger community of filmmakers and cinema scholars. The program’s interrelationship with the M.F.A. program and its connection to the film and media industries make it truly unique.

The Office of Graduate Admissions manages applications to the M.A. in Screen Studies. Only complete applications are forwarded to the Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema.

Application Form

Apply online. Supporting documents, such as official transcripts and essays, must be mailed to the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Application Fee

$75

Transcripts

Submit transcripts from all universities and colleges attended.

International Transcript Credential Evaluation

Transcripts from institutions in another country must be evaluated by a professional agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. Evaluations must include a course-by-course analysis indicating the type of degree received, the U.S. equivalency of the degree, the graduation date and a cumulative grade point average.

Letters of Recommendation

Two letters of recommendation are required from individuals who can assess your potential for graduate study. Register your recommenders in the online application system so that they can submit their letters electronically.

Statement of Purpose

Write a three- to four-page (double-spaced, 12-point font) statement explaining your purpose in undertaking a graduate program in screen studies. This is your opportunity to define your goals, interests and career plans as they relate to your proposed course of study. We are trying to gain a sense of who you are and the distinctive experiences and interests that have motivated you to pursue this degree.

Résumé/CV

Submit a copy of your résumé or CV including your education to date, employment and other relevant information.

GRE

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required.

Writing Sample

Write a 12- to 15-page (double-spaced, 12-point font) sample essay that best exemplifies your research interests, your skills at conducting scholarly analysis (including the use of primary and secondary materials), and your ability to write critically about cinema, television or other media; or submit a published article that fulfills these requirements. In the absence of either, an essay that critically examines a topic in the arts or humanities may be submitted provided that it meets the criteria listed above.

Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

A TOEFL score report is required from applicants whose first language is not English and who did not receive the equivalent of a four-year U.S. undergraduate education from an institution where English is the official language of instruction. We only accept TOEFL scores sent to us directly from Educational Testing Services (ETS). Our ETS Institution code is 2046. The minimum IBT score required for consideration is 100. We also accept the IELTS exam with score of 7.0 or higher.

Deadlines

Applications accepted on a rolling basis until all places are filled.

Contact

Office of Graduate Admissions
Brooklyn College
2900 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11210
P: 718.951.4536
F: 718.951.5076
E: feirstein@brooklyn.cuny.edu

MFA

in cinema
arts, media
scoring, and
sonic arts

A three-year full-time program that offers a highly specialized education in a hands-on learning environment in six specializations:

  • Cinematography
  • Directing
  • Post-production
  • Producing
  • Screenwriting
  • Digital Animation & Visual Effects
Requirements for Application for M.F.A. in Cinema Arts and Media Scoring

Applications to the M.F.A. in Cinema Arts and Media Scoring programs will be considered based on demonstrated evidence of the following:

  • A commitment to the art of cinema and visual, or aural storytelling
  • An interest in pursuing a career in the moving image arts
  • A commitment to undertake rigorous graduate study
  • M.F.A. Cinema Arts students are admitted on a full-time basis only and are required to complete a total of 66 credits over three years.
  • Students in the M.F.A. Cinema Arts Producing specialization are required to complete a total of 52 credits over two years.
  • Students in the Media Scoring and Sonic Arts programs are required to complete 60 credits and may pursue their degree on a full-,or part-time basis.
Requirements for Application for M.F.A in Sonic Arts

Applications to the M.F.A. in Sonic Arts program will be considered based on demonstrated evidence of the following:

  • An commitment to developing one’s creative voice and skills in music/sound
  • An interest in pursuing a career in creative music and/or sound fields
  • A commitment to undertake rigorous graduate study

The Office of Graduate Admissions manages applications to the M.F.A. Cinema Arts, Media Scoring and Sonic Arts programs. Only complete applications are forwarded to the Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema.

To be considered for scholarships and financial aid, an accurate and completed FAFSA must be submitted.

Application Form

Apply online. Supporting documents, including the Personal Statement and resume, or CV can be uploaded in the application system. Official transcripts can be transmitted electronically to graddocs@cuny.edu, or sent via regular mail to the Office of Graduate Admissions:

222 West Quad Center
2900 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11210

Application Fee

$75

Transcripts

Applicants must submit transcripts from all universities and colleges attended.

International Transcript Credential Evaluation

International transcripts must be evaluated by a professional agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. Evaluations must include a course-by-course analysis indicating the type of degree received, the U.S. equivalency of the degree, the graduation date and a cumulative grade point average.

Letters of Recommendation

Two letters of recommendation are required from individuals who can assess your potential for graduate study. Register your recommenders in the online application system so that they can submit their letters electronically.

Statement of Purpose

Write a three-to-four-page (double-spaced, 12-point font) statement explaining your purpose in undertaking graduate study in cinema arts, media scoring, or sonic arts and your motivations for becoming a visual, or aural storyteller, or sonic creator. This is your opportunity to articulate your goals, interests and career plans as they relate to pursuing an M.F.A. in Cinema Arts, media scoring, or sonic arts. We are trying to gain a sense of who you are and the distinctive experiences and interests that have motivated you to pursue this degree.

Résumé/CV

Submit a copy of your résumé or CV, including your education to date, employment and other relevant information.

GRE

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required.

Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

A TOEFL score report is required from applicants whose first language is not English and who did not receive the equivalent of a four-year U.S. undergraduate education from an institution where English is the official language of instruction. We only accept TOEFL scores sent to us directly from Educational Testing Services (ETS). Our ETS Institution code is 2046. The minimum IBT score required for consideration is 100. We also accept the IELTS exam with score of 7.0 or higher.

Creative Portfolio

Prepare and submit a portfolio of creative work via the online application system, Slideroom. Please note that, upon submitting your creative portfolio, Slideroom will charge a small fee for applicants to use this service. (You may pay this fee with a credit or debit card.) Portfolio submission materials will not be returned to applicants. We recommend submitting copies only.

M.F.A. in Cinema Arts

All applicants for the M.F.A. in Cinema Arts cinematography, digital animation & visual effects, directing, post-production, producing and screenwriting specializations should submit one of the following:

  • A short film that you have personally directed, or for which you were a principal creative contributor and credited as such (i.e. as writer, producer, cinematographer, editor, vfx designer/supervisor), not to exceed 15 minutes, or
  • An original treatment for a feature film, in 10 pages or less (double-spaced, 12-point font), which can include photographs or visuals not to exceed one third of total treatment, plus one additional written page explaining why you want to make this project and create this specific story, or
  • A short script (correctly formatted) that you have individually written, not to exceed 12 pages in length.

Additional/Optional items: You are welcome to submit up to 5 additional items on Slideroom (either visual pieces—such as videos, photos, visual documentation of creative work—or written pieces—provided you played a key role on those works). Clearly describe exactly your role on each item that you submit on Slideroom.

While you are required to submit a portfolio of your creative work on Slideroom, you are permitted to supplement your portfolio by listing a URL to an online portfolio of your creative work on your resume, or CV.

M.F.A. in Media Scoring

All applicants for the MFA in Media Scoring should submit the following:

  • Submit a creative portfolio of 2-3 completed works containing scores, sound recordings, video files with soundtracks, documentation of works and performances, and artist's notes on each work. The portfolio must be uploaded through Slideroom.
M.F.A. in Sonic Arts

All applicants for the MFA in Sonic Arts should submit the following:

  • Submit a creative portfolio of 2-3 completed works containing sound recordings, scores, documentation of works and performances, and artist's notes on each work. The portfolio must be uploaded through Slideroom.
Instructions for Uploading Portfolio to Slideroom

Register and set up an account.

Once you have registered to start a portfolio via Slideroom, you may step away and come back at any time, until the final deadline. Please ensure that you save your progress after each visit, and do not click to submit until you are certain that you have uploaded the required components. Once you click submit, you may no longer edit your portfolio. Once you submit your portfolio, Slideroom will send you an e-mail to confirm receipt of your materials.

The submission of video can contain one or more selections, as long as the total running time does not exceed 30 minutes. You may upload up to 10 minutes of video onto the media page within Slideroom. If the total running time of your video sample exceeds 10 minutes, a link to your work must be provided on the media page. Please test your video prior to submission. If you are submitting a link, be sure that no downloads or passwords are required. For technical assistance, please e-mail Slideroom.

Deadlines

The fall priority deadline for M.F.A. in Cinema Arts applications is January 15. Applications submitted after January 15 will be accepted on a rolling basis until all places are filled.

All applications for the M.F.A. in Media Scoring are accepted on a rolling basis until all places are filled.

The fall application deadline for the M.F.A. in Sonic Arts program is February 1. Applications accepted on a rolling basis until all places are filled. Deadline for priority consideration and scholarships: February 1.

The spring application deadline for the M.F.A. in Sonic Arts program is December 15. Applications accepted on a rolling basis until all places are filled. Deadline for priority consideration and scholarships: December 15.

Contact

Office of Graduate Admissions
Brooklyn College
2900 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11210
P: 718.951.4536
F: 718.951.5076
E: feirstein@brooklyn.cuny.edu

International
students
International Students

The Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema encourages international students to apply for admission to the M.A. or M.F.A. degree programs. The application process (including portfolio) is the same for all students, with the following additional requirements for international student applicants:

International Transcript Credential Evaluation

International transcripts must be evaluated by a professional agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. Evaluations must include a course-by-course analysis indicating the type of degree received, the U.S. equivalency of the degree, the graduation date and a cumulative grade point average.

Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

A TOEFL score report is required from applicants whose first language is not English and who did not receive the equivalent of a four-year U.S. undergraduate education from an institution where English is the official language of instruction. We only accept TOEFL scores sent to us directly from Educational Testing Services (ETS). Our ETS Institution code is 2046. The minimum IBT score required for consideration is 100. We also accept the IELTS exam with score of 7.0 or higher.

Tuition, Fees and
Scholarships
Tuition for Degree Programs 2021-22 Academic Year

Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice pursuant to City University Board of Trustee resolution.

Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) — Cinema Arts, Sonic Arts or Media Scoring (Full-time/12 credits)
  • New York State Residents Tuition and Fees per semester: $10,567
    • Tuition: $5,545
    • Academic Excellence Fee: $5,022
  • Nonresidents and International Students Tuition and Fees per semester: $15,282
    • Tuition: $10,260 ($855 per credit)
    • Academic Excellence Fee: $5,022

Note: M.F.A. students should expect to incur production and related costs over and above facilities and equipment that are reasonably provided by the school.

Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A) — Cinema Arts, Sonic Arts or Media Scoring (Part-time)
  • New York State Residents Tuition and Fees: $470 per credit
    • Academic Excellence Fee (9-11 credits) $3,767
    • Academic Excellence Fee (Less than 9 credits) $2,511
  • Nonresidents and International Students: $855 per credit
    • Academic Excellence Fee (9-11 credits) $3,767
    • Academic Excellence Fee (Less than 9 credits) $2,511

Note: Master of Music students enrolled in MFA in Sonic Arts or MFA in Media Scoring courses will be assessed an Academic Excellence Fee of $1,175 per course enrolled.

Note: Summer MFA in Cinema Arts, Media Scoring, and/or Sonic Arts courses will be assessed an Academic Excellence Fee of $1,175 per course enrolled. 

Note: M.F.A. students should expect to incur production and related costs over and above facilities and equipment that are reasonably provided by the school.

Note: MFA Cinema Arts Cinematography, Digital Animation & Visual Effects, Directing, Post-Production and Screenwriting must take 12 credits per semester for years one and two

Note: MFA Cinema Arts Producing students must take 12 credits during their first, second and fourth semesters

Master of Arts (M.A.) — Full-time (12 Credits)
  • New York State Residents Tuition and Fees per semester: $5,545
    • Tuition: $5,545
    • Academic Excellence Fee: N/A
  • Nonresidents and International Students Tuition and Fees per semester: $10,260
    • Tuition: $10,260 ($830 per credit)
    • Academic Excellence Fee: N/A
Master of Arts (M.A.) — Part Time (up to 11 credits)
  • New York State Residents Tuition per Credit: $470
  • Nonresidents and International Students Tuition per Credit: $855
Additional Student Fees

Students pay fees for each term in which they enroll.

  • Student Activity Fee: $74.25. This includes fees for:
    • Student Center: $32.50
    • Early Childhood Center: $5
    • Student Government: $10
    • Other Central Depository: $6.75
    • Health Clinic: $20
  • University Student Senate Fee (USS): $1.45
  • CUNY Consolidated Services Fee: $15
  • Technology Fee
    • Part-time students: $62.50
    • Full-time students: $125
Other Applicable Tuition Rates and Fees
  • Excess Contact Hours
    • New York State Residents: $65
    • Nonresident and International Students: $85
  • Late Registration: $25
  • Change of Program (only where permissible): $18
  • Maintenance of Matriculation
    • New York State Residents (only where permissible): $225
    • Nonresident and International Students (only where permissible): $370
Liability Charge

Students who drop or withdraw from classes during the semester are liable for all or part of the original tuition charge, plus the Student Activity, CUNY Consolidated Services and Technology fees. Please refer to the semester's tuition liability schedule for the liability amount.

Materials Fees

Some courses entail a fee to cover the costs of special materials, film rental charges, transportation, field trip expenses or other non-instructional costs. Material fees are subject to change and are nonrefundable.

Excess Contact Hours

Graduate courses that have more contact hours than credit hours may incur an excess contact hour(s) charge. Excess contact hours can be course hours, conference hours, supervised fieldwork, and/or laboratory hours (etc.), in excess of the total credit hours for a particular course. For example, if a three credit class meets five hours a week, a graduate New York State resident student pays $65 per excess contact hour ($130 for the two additional hours).

Graduate Students Taking Undergraduate Courses

Graduate students enrolling in undergraduate courses as part of their graduate program and are receiving graduate credit pay the applicable graduate rate. Students taking undergraduate courses and receiving undergraduate credit pay the applicable undergraduate rate.

Non-Instructional Fees
  • Application Fee
    • Graduate Matriculated and Nonmatriculated Student: $125
    • Visiting Student (non-CUNY students only): $65
  • Readmission: $20 (Due upon registration)
  • Duplicate Diploma: $30
  • Replacement ID Card: $10
  • Bad Check: $20 (For a check returned by bank as uncollectible)
  • Absentee Exam: $25 (Plus $5 for each additional examination)
  • Transcript: $7 (Per copy - waived for transcripts sent to the admissions office of other units of the City University)
  • Library Fines: Students should consult the library for the policy on fines
  • Recreation and Athletics: $18.60
  • Speech and Hearing**
    • For speech language diagnostic evaluation: $200
    • For audio logical evaluations: $175
    • For 14 45-minute individual speech therapy sessions one time per week: $770
    • For 14 individual speech therapy sessions two times per week: $1,400
    • Per semester for aphasia group: $150

**Brooklyn College students, staff and faculty with valid college ID receive a 40 percent discount.

Scholarships

Even with our extraordinarily accessible tuition rates, we recognize that scholarship support can make all the difference for some students. That’s why at the Barry R. Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema at Steiner Studios, we are pleased to announce the Robert De Niro Award, the Barry R. Feirstein Cinematic Arts Graduate Scholarship, the Paul and Betsy Mazursky Scholarship, the Joel and Candice Zwick Scholarship in Directing and the New York City Mayor’s Office for Media and Entertainment Scholarship.

  • Creative Fund (pdf)

Scholarships will be awarded on a competitive basis. For more information on how to apply, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at 718.951.4536 or via e-mail.

Definitions and Classifications

New York State Residency Requirements

For further information on establishing New York State residency, please visit the Residency Information and Procedures page.

Full-time Students

Matriculated students who are enrolled for 12 or more credits or the equivalent a term are classified as full-time students.

Part-time Students

Students who are enrolled for fewer than 12 credits or the equivalent a term are classified as part-time students.

All courses taken by part-time students are billed on a per-credit basis except compensatory, developmental, and remedial courses, which are billed on a contact-hour basis. The Schedule of Classes published each term lists these courses.

The tuition charged part-time students on a per-credit basis in any one term may not exceed the term rate for full-time students.

Location
Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema

Office of Graduate Admissions
2900 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11210

718.951.4536
718.951.5076

feirstein@brooklyn.cuny.edu

Brooklyn College Graduate Admissions

Brooklyn College
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