MFA Social Documentary Film

In your first year in SVA's MFA Social Documentary Film program, you will explore the past, present and future of the art of documentary film, while mastering the tools and techniques needed to tell compelling stories. Experiential learning begins immediately; you will complete five to seven documentary shorts in this first year alone.

In the summer between your first and second academic year, you will begin filming your thesis project, which you’ll edit and refine in your second year, informed by rigorous coursework and faculty guidance. You will also serve as a key production crew member on at least one other student's thesis project, allowing you to experience several essential roles that contribute to a successful film. A final screening for the department chair and thesis committee culminates the program leading to your degree. Following graduation, all students screen their films in a public Thesis Showcase, introducing their work to the larger film industry.

All students receive mentorship on their thesis films from a faculty advisor, a SocDoc alumni advisor, and engage in a post-graduation career consultation with an industry expert.
SocDoc also offers an Extended Three-Year MFA. The curriculum is the same as our traditional two-year graduate degree, but spread across three years, allowing more flexibility for working professionals in documentary and other fields to participate.