| 2022-2023 Course Catalog
Master of Fine Arts in Film and Digital Technology
The MFA program is focused on advanced project work in a range of media production areas, principally film/video, DVD, and the Web. It is designed to extend and develop students’ experiences and knowledge in the field of media production and their understanding of creative and critical practice within the media industries. Students in the MFA in Film and Digital Technology program are encouraged to explore the ways boundaries between previously separate forms of media production are blurring. Students will focus on developing their understanding of how emerging concepts such as interactivity, connectivity, and convergence of emerging technologies such as DVD and interactive video are creating new creative possibilities, production processes, and delivery systems for more traditional forms of media production, such as film and video.
The program is mainly project-based, with students working in small groups on a range of media productions. Students have the ability to customize their activities according to their interests and specializations. The program includes research components, where students are asked to place their production works in broader social, historical, cultural, and theoretical contexts. Particular emphasis is placed on industry, and students who complete the MFA will have a high level of industry readiness, with a realistic and well-informed sense of the career possibilities in this rapidly changing area.
Admission Requirements
Recommended Application Deadline for Fall entry July 1st
Recommended Application Deadline for Spring entry: November 1st
*Note: applications will continue to be accepted and considered for admission if seats remain in the class.
- Have a completed baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, with an overall undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale.
If a Student has below a 3.0 GPA, please feel free to apply if you show extreme promise through other achievements. Additional Admissions documents may be requested. - Completed application for admission, including:
- Online application
- In approximately 500 words, please explain why you are interested in pursuing this degree. How will the degree impact your future personal and career goals?
- Curriculum vita or resume, please feel free to include volunteer activities
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Portfolio or other examples of work in film and/or digital media
Admissions Materials may be submitted to:
Chatham University
Office of Graduate Admission
Woodland Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Fax: (412) 365-1609
Email: graduate@chatham.edu
For specific questions about the Program, please reach out to Rachel Fiscus at 412-365-1141 or at r.fiscus@chatham.edu.
Integrated Degree Program
Chatham University undergraduates applying through the Integrated Degree Program (IDP) must complete all requirements outlined on their respective admission or track tab on the IDP Portal Site. All IDP applicants should work closely with their academic advisor to ensure they are meeting all requirements according to their IDP course of study.
Learning Outcomes
1.Media Literacy, Analysis and Context
a. Students must have a historical understanding of the media they are using and the ideas they are pursuing in their creative work.
b. Students must be aware of major theories influencing the photography, graphic design, film, video and new media field.
c. Students must develop original and well-informed responses to theoretical and critical analysis.
d. Students must look for interdisciplinary relationships between media arts and other fields of research.
2. Creative Processes
a. Students must develop and transform original concepts into well-conceptualized projects - demonstrating a competency in project design development.
b. Students must choose appropriate media for the development of their project and/or idea.
c. Students must communicate their processes through various stages of development.
3. Technical Fundamentals
a. Students must have knowledge of the technology they are utilizing for their projects (saving/storing files, various software packages and techniques, hardware, scanning, photo and digital video equipment).
b. Students must create original projects that draw on their knowledge of the technological form in order to thoroughly investigate relationships between concept development and media used.
c. Students must properly troubleshoot and solve technical-related problems.
4. Professional Practice
a. Students must develop projects with an understanding of a diversified audience.
b. Students must properly document their projects, choosing appropriate forms of media.
c. Students must have an understanding of relevant journals, festivals, firms, etc. for later distribution or field contribution.
d. Students must develop field-appropriate professional portfolios and be able to communicate their projects clearly.
e. Students must develop attitudes of professional responsibility and accountability.
f. Students must develop professional discipline (time-management, organizational skills).
