MFA in Film-Television – Directing
Equip Yourself. Direct. Succeed.
The Master of Fine Arts in Film-Television – Directing is the first degree of its kind taught from a faith-based perspective. Through this on-campus MFA degree, you will be trained to direct film, television and converged media with your unique perspective. You will also enjoy valuable mentorship by a faculty of industry leaders focused on preparing you for your career.
Enhance Your Expertise
Master all aspects of directing including production design, cinematography, and postproduction.
Sharpen Your Skill Set
Gain hands-on experience directing projects and using professional equipment, from HD cameras to a Fisher Dolly.
Work With Actors
Understand how to direct actors for camera.
Establish Your Reputation
Enhance your reputation as a trusted professional with this MFA degree.
On completing the MFA in Film-Television – Directing degree, you will be able to:
- Direct projects and use professional equipment such as film and HD cameras, a steadicam, a jib, a Fisher Dolly and a grip truck.
- Execute all aspects of directing, including storytelling, pre-visualization, production design, casting and performance, cinematography, sound and lighting, and postproduction.
- Demonstrate your professional competence and creativity through a directing portfolio.
- Apply your knowledge of religious films and the religious dimensions of secular films.
Career Opportunities
- Film or television director
- Director of photography
- Music video director
- Editor
- Documentary filmmaker
- University professor
2020-2021 Semester Check-In Deadlines:
All new students are expected to check-in for the semester 2 weeks prior to the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.
| Session | Semester Check-In | Session Start Date |
| Session A | Friday, August 14 | Monday, August 24 |
| Session M | Friday, September 11 | Monday, September 21 |
| Session B | Friday, October 16 | Monday, October 26 |
| Session C | Tuesday, January 5 | Monday, January 11 |
| Session T | Friday, January 29 | Monday, February 8 |
| Session D | Friday, March 5 | Monday, March 15 |
| Session E | Friday, April 30 | Monday, May 10 |
| Session F | Friday, June 11 | Monday, June 21 |
Admissions Process:
Step 1: Application
Submit your application using our Regent University Online Application.
Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.
Step 2: Application Fee
Pay the $50 nonrefundable application fee by check or money order mailed to Regent University, Enrollment Support Services, 1000 Regent University Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23464.
Step 3: Submit your Unofficial College Transcripts*
We are able to examine and view your unofficial transcript from a U.S.-based school, which indicates successful completion of a bachelor’s degree program, in order to review you for an admissions decision. Please submit your unofficial transcript to our Admissions Office by email to apply@regent.edu using the subject line: SCA Master’s Application Pieces.
Non-U.S. transcripts must be evaluated by an NACES-approved company. For further details, please review the International Admissions Checklist on the International Students Admissions page.
International Applicants: Please visit the International Students Admissions page for a more detailed explanation of the Regent University application information and to determine whether or not you qualify as an international student.
*Upon conditional acceptance to the program by review of unofficial transcripts, Regent University’s Admissions Office will attempt to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution, which indicate successful completion of a bachelor’s degree program. We will notify you if your previous institution will not release transcripts directly to us.
Step 4. Complete Your Academic Background Questionnaire
In lieu of the previously required personal goal statement, please complete a brief admissions questionnaire based on your professional goals and interests. This should only take a few minutes to complete but please answer the questions completely and thoughtfully. This gives us a better opportunity to get to know you and align your objective with our programs. The admissions questionnaire can be found here. Once completed, it will be sent directly to an admissions counselor who will be in touch with you right away to help complete the rest of your application.
Step 5: Government-Issued ID
To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please email a scanned copy or photograph of it to apply@regent.edu with the subject line: Government ID.
Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.
2019-20 Tuition Rates
| Degree Level / Program | Cost Per Credit Hour |
|---|---|
MFA in Film-Television | $650 per credit (In-state & Out-of-state) |
Student Fees Per Semester
| Course Infrastructure Fee | $200/course |
| University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) | $700 |
| Library Course | $50 one-time fee (All students must register for this course to graduate.) |
| Late Payment Fee | $100 |
2020-21 Tuition Rates
| Degree Level / Program | Cost Per Credit Hour |
|---|---|
MFA in Film-Television | $650 per credit (In-state & Out-of-state) |
Student Fees Per Semester
| Course Infrastructure Fee | $200/course |
| University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) | $750 |
| Library Course | $50 one-time fee (All students must register for this course to graduate.) |
| Late Payment Fee | $100 |
*Rates are subject to change at any time.
Technology Recommendations for MFA and M.A. Film-Television (FTV) Majors
In the School of Communication & the Arts, technical tools are important for effectively accomplishing class projects. While we don’t endorse any platform in particular, we offer the following guidelines:
1. Am I required to buy a camera or other equipment?
No. Some students buy their own, but Regent University’s FTV Equipment Office stocks cameras and other equipment needed for FTV class assignments.
2. Am I required to buy a computer or software for editing?
Regent strongly recommends that FTV students purchase their own system for editing class projects. FTV courses require students to shoot and edit their own class projects.
3. Does Regent provide computers or software for editing?
Regent recommends that you purchase your own system for editing class projects. For general coursework, there are several computer labs on campus, but there are no general editing labs.
4. Can I use the computer I already own?
An older computer might run new editing software, but performance will be slow and possibly unstable. If your system is more than three years old, or does not meet minimum software requirements, you should consider a new computer system.
5. Can I use the editing software I already own?
Your system must be able to input, edit and output HD video in various formats. It must also be able to create titles and layer several tracks of audio (dialogue, sound effects and music). Depending on your needs, this can be as basic as the free software that often comes bundled with computers, or as elaborate as the professional systems on the market.
6. Is there an advantage to buying a new system?
Buying a new system gets you a warranty from the manufacturer. Manufacturer warranties are usually one year, and for an additional cost, can be up to three years. A newer system is faster and more stable, which can make you more productive with less waiting and frustration.
7. What are the recommended desktop and laptop configurations?
Because requirements are so complex and varied, we strongly advise that you follow your software’s recommended — not the minimum — configuration for whichever system you choose.
8. PC (Windows XP) or Mac (OS X)?
Both platforms are viable for post-production work — assuming proper configurations in both cases. However, Apple editing software only works on Macs. Avid and Adobe software work on both Macs and PCs.
9. Laptop or desktop computer?
While laptops offer portability, properly configured systems are costly and offer limited upgrade capability. In general, properly configured desktops are less costly than laptops and easier to upgrade.
10. What editing software do I need?
Depending on your editing needs, there are several good choices. Refer to #5 above.
11. Do I need a DVD burner for my computer?
Regent recommends that you have a DVD burner for completing assignments and for data backups, but it’s not required. External, name-brand USB DVD burners can be purchased for under $30.
12. Do I need an external hard drive?
YES! The faster and higher the capacity the better. USB 3 for PCs and Thunderbolt or USB 3 for Macs.
13. Does Regent University provide support for my computer and/or software?
No. Computer or editing software problems should be handled by the manufacturer or dealer. Regent recommends that you buy an extended service agreement with help-desk support if you’re not comfortable troubleshooting on your own.