MFA Application Information & Requirements

Online MFA Application and Supporting Documentation

All applications for the MFA in Film Production or the MFA in Writing must be submitted online. Applications will be accepted from August 3 - December 1, 2011 for consideration of admission for Fall 2012. Below is detailed information on specific application requirements. It is recommended that you print this page for your reference, when completing the online application.
Click here when you are ready to apply: Florida State University Graduate Application

MFA in Film Production

Select Major Name: Motion Picture Arts - Production
Degree Level: Masters

Applications for the MFA in Film Production must upload the following to the on-line application:

• Transcript(s): A scanned copy of your most recent transcript(s) indicating all college-level work.
• Resumé: The resume should be 1-3 pages long and list degrees, employment and/or previous creative endeavors.
• Statement of Purpose: The applicant’s statement of purpose is considered carefully in the admissions decision. It should describe the applicant’s artistic experiences, creative influences, personal objectives and future career goals, as well as any other personal information the applicant believes relevant to consideration for the program. The Statement of Purpose should be 1-3 pages long. 
• 3 Letters of Recommendation: Letters are submitted online through the Florida State University Graduate Application.
• OPTIONAL: A sample of your best written work. The creative writing sample must be original work of no greater than 20 pages. The sample can be any one of the following: a short play or screenplay; the first 20 pages of a full-length play or feature-length screenplay; a short story; or a work of narrative creative non-fiction. Only one writing sample will be accepted.
• OPTIONAL: A sample of your best visual work. The visual sample must be original work and can be any one of the following: a short film of up to 30 minutes or the first 30 minutes of a feature-length film on DVD or VHS; photographs (no more than 8 photos, unmounted, no larger than 8 x 10); or scanned and printed images of other original artwork (no more than 8, no larger than 8 x 10). The visual sample must be clearly labeled with the applicant’s name and address. Only one visual sample will be accepted.
  • Visual samples must be mailed directly to the Film School and received no later than the application deadline of December 1.
  • Please send visual samples to:
    College of Motion Picture Arts
    Graduate Film Conservatory
    3100-A University Center
    Tallahassee, FL 32306-2350

• OPTIONAL: Departmental Application for
  • Please upload.
• No GRE required

MFA in Writing

Select Major Name: Motion Picture Arts - Writing
Degree Level: Masters

Applications for the MFA in Writing must upload the following to the on-line application:

• Transcript(s): A scanned copy of your most recent transcript(s) indicating all college-level work.
• Resumé: The resume should be 1-3 pages long and list degrees, employment and/or previous creative endeavors.
• Statement of Purpose: The applicant’s statement of purpose is considered carefully in the admissions decision. It should describe the applicant’s artistic experiences, creative influences, personal objectives and future career goals, as well as any other personal information the applicant believes relevant to consideration for the program. The Statement of Purpose should be 1-3 pages long. 
• 3 Letters of Recommendation: Letters are submitted online through the Florida State University Graduate Application.
• Writing Sample 1:. A two-page non-dialogue scene about a person trying to kill a spider in their home. The scene should be considered the opening for a screenplay or theatrical work. Writing samples should be typed in 12-point Courier in standard play or screenplay format. The length indicated is the maximum allowed. Include a cover page with your name and the writing sample number.
• Writing Sample 2: A three-page dialogue scene about a person trying to return an item to a store. The scene should be considered the opening for a screenplay or theatrical work. Writing samples should be typed in 12-point Courier in standard play or screenplay format. The length indicated is the maximum allowed. Include a cover page with your name and the writing sample number.
• Writing Sample 3: A sample of original creative work, such as a short story, short play or screenplay. The first five pages only. Writing samples should be typed in 12-point Courier and, when applicable, in standard play or screenplay format. The length indicated is the maximum allowed. Include a cover page with your name and the writing sample number.

• Official GRE scores: Scores should be reported directly to Florida State University from the Educational Testing Service. A minimum score of 1000 total on the GRE general test is a university requirement.

Additional items required of all applicants:

• Nonrefundable application fee of $30.00: (Office of Admissions will send an email request for this fee after applicaton submission).

• One official transcript from all schools attended. Send directly to:
  • Florida State University
    Office of Graduate Admissions
    PO Box 3062400
    Tallahassee, FL 32306-2400

• Residency: (Please complete University Residency form here).

• English Proficiency Requirements: (Please click here for more information).

• International Applicants: A completed Certification of Financial Responsibility, indicating that the applicant is able to fund his or her educational and living expenses while attending Florida State University.