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Film/TV Production: FAQs

▾ Who is the M.F.A. in Film/TV Production for?

The M.F.A. in Film/TV Production is for those seeking to either work in the film and television industry or teach film and television. At Asbury, you'll be uniquely equipped to become a master storyteller through the pairing of narrative and new technology, hands-on opportunities, and challenging coursework with top-notch faculty.

▾ What is the M.F.A.’s guiding philosophy?

Storytelling continues to be a critical means by which our society asks questions and seeks answers. Students will review and analyze media messages in light of a Biblical worldview. They will also refine their own storytelling and presentation skills by analyzing and critiquing the work of other creators of media content, and by developing their own unique story-telling content or critique. The M.F.A. degrees are designed to prepare graduates to use multiple channels of media to tell and interpret stories of significance. These master's degrees will prepare students who can engage and transform culture, and serve as terminal degrees for college / university faculty teaching or desiring to teach in these disciplines.

▾ Is the M.F.A. a terminal degree?

Yes, the M.F.A. in Film/TV Production is a terminal degree.

▾ Can you send me information about either or both of the M.F.A. programs?

Email our program representative for more information about the M.F.A. program of your choice.

▾ What are the admissions criteria for the M.F.A.?

The program is designed for traditional and nontraditional students. This includes full-time students, working adults and transfer students.

  1. Must have graduated from a four-year, regionally accredited college or university.
  2. Must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0/4.0 (or 3.0 last 60 hours of undergraduate degree).
  3. Must submit a current resume (include awards, leadership positions, and industry experience).
  4. Write a 500-700 word essay in which you present yourself as a unique individual with characteristics, values and experiences that influence who you are as a screenwriter or visual storyteller. Clearly state your personal vision (goals and life purpose) for pursuing the M.F.A. What contributions do you expect to make to the field? How will the M.F.A. program help you achieve these goals?
  5. Applicants must submit an official transcript showing a conferred Bachelor’s degree. In addition, all official transcripts of Master’s coursework must be submitted. Send an official transcript directly to the School of Communication Arts or have it sent by official electronic transfer (gradadmissions@asbury.edu). Hand carried or emailed transcripts are not acceptable.
  6. Must submit a portfolio, including 6-30 minutes of film/video production or demo reel with supporting documentation (your significant role(s) identified in the production(s) submitted).
  7. Complete and submit the online application form.
  8. Two satisfactory references must be submitted—one professional reference and one character (non-family) reference.

▾ How much is tuition?

▾ Are assistantships available?

Assistantships are available and competitive. The criteria for being awarded an assistantship are:

  • Must have graduated from a four-year, regionally-accredited institution.
  • Must have a minimum of two academic semesters left to complete his/her Master’s degree from the time the assistantship is awarded.
  • Must have a minimum of 3.0 GPA.
  • Must submit a current resume (include awards, leadership positions, and industry experience).
  • Must complete the graduate assistantship application.

▾ What is the application fee?

There is no application fee for the MFA program.

▾ How do I apply for admission into the program?

▾ How do I arrange a campus visit?

If you would like to visit the Communications Graduate Office, call (859) 858‑5318 or email gradadmissions@asbury.edu.

▾ Can credits from another college or university be transferred into the M.F.A. program?

Up to 12 graduate credits from other accredited academic institutions can be transferred into the M.F.A. program. With the submission of official transcripts, select courses can be considered at that time. Any graduate level course older than ten years at the time of program admission is ineligible for transfer and use towards any degree above the Bachelor’s level.

▾ Is a media portfolio required?

Yes, a portfolio is required as part of the application process for the M.F.A. For the M.F.A. in Film/TV Production, this consists of 6-30 minutes of film/video production or demo reel with supporting documentation (your significant role(s) identified in the production(s) submitted).

▾ Can I complete this program entirely online?

It is possible to complete the entire degree online except for the summer two-week Los Angeles Media Workshop. Our program can be taken from anywhere in the world and can fit into any schedule!

However, if you live near our Wilmore, KY campus or would just prefer to have a few in-person courses mixed in, some of our courses can be taken on campus as well.  Once you are accepted into the program you will work with our Center for Academic Advising to determine your planned course schedule.

▾ Do I have to come to campus during my degree?

Depending on your background, you may be able to complete the entire program online aside from the Los Angeles Media Workshop. However, some students may need to come to campus to complete courses during the year or take intensive two-week sections of the class during the summer. Please consult with your advisor or the Coordinator of Graduate Studies.

▾ Do I have to attend a semester-long class on-campus?

No. If you must attend an on-campus class, we will provide two-to-four week intensive sections of specific classes during the summer. However, there will be some semester-long classes available to students who would like to come to campus to utilize our state-of-the-art equipment and multi-million-dollar facility.

▾ If I would like, am I allowed to attend some of the classes on-campus during the Fall or Spring semester?

Yes, you are welcome to attend on-campus classes, based on their availability. Please consult with your advisor or the Coordinator of Graduate Studies.

▾ Can I use Asbury’s media equipment and facilities to complete my media projects for online classes?

Yes, although there will be some limitations. If you are near our campus, you may schedule the use of some of the equipment and facilities, however, a special usage fee may be charged. You will need to consult with your course faculty to see if this can be arranged when you need it.

▾ Am I allowed to visit a faculty member on-campus even if I am taking an online class?

Yes, you may schedule an appointment with your faculty and visit them on campus. You can also schedule a virtual appointment.

▾ If I am taking an online class, how will I be able to communicate with my faculty?

You can use email, schedule a phone call or virtual appointment, talk during online chat sessions, and/or visit them on campus.

▾ How long do you think it will take to complete the entire M.F.A. degree?

We expect the program to take between 2 1/2–3 years. It is possible for a full-time (9 hours) student to complete the program in five semesters. However, we expect it to take most students going part-time, a minimum of two-and-a-half years.

▾ Can I complete this degree while working at a full-time job?

Yes. The program was designed specifically with the working professional in mind. Most classes run 8 weeks in length, which allows students to take 2 classes per semester without any overlap.

▾ If I am currently working on projects as a full-time media professional, can some of my projects be used to fulfill course projects?

This will usually work but will need to be confirmed by the faculty member teaching the specific class.

▾ Where can I find an application form?

Go to the online application.

▾ Is it possible for undergraduate classes to count toward this graduate degree?

Undergraduate classes can count toward the prerequisite classes (MC 121, MC 261, and MC 302). Undergraduate transcripts must be provided, and the course description must be similar to that of our prerequisite courses. Contact the Coordinator of Graduate Studies for more information.

▾ Can students in Asbury's undergraduate Media Communication program take graduate level courses, and have it count toward their master’s degree?

Yes. Students may take up to 3 graduate level classes during their senior year through the +Grad program. These classes cannot count toward the 124 credits needed to complete their undergraduate degree, and permission must be granted by the Dean of the School of Communication Arts. Full details and requirements for admission to the program are available on the +Grad Program page.

▾ Is it possible to obtain credit for extensive professional media experience?

Yes, up to 3 credits can be obtained for CPL (credit for prior learning) as long as it meets the following criteria:

  • You must be able to show portfolio work that is similar to the quality that would result from taking the course.
  • Students must pay a fee in order to process the request for CPL credit.
  • Please consult with the Coordinator of Graduate Studies for the specific guidelines and process for receiving CPL credit.