Program Overview

The NYU MBA/MFA is truly a unique experience, a dual degree graduate program at two highly regarded schools within a top flight university. Students have the opportunity to use New York City, one of the premier film capitals of the world, as their laboratory and canvas. Working alongside industry professionals and dedicated classmates, students are exposed to all facets of the film and television business. Students also have access to an array of resources at both the Stern School of Business and the Kanbar Institute of Film and Television within the Tisch School of the Arts.

In the first year of the program, students take most of their courses at Stern to build their business foundation. One of the highlights of the first year experience is a course that also involves a trip to the Cannes Film Festival (additional fee required). Students are able to see firsthand the inner-workings of an international film festival. At Stern, there are also many opportunities for student involvement. One of the most popular student clubs is the Media, Entertainment, and Sports Association (MESA). In addition, students can exercise their creative talent by participating in the ProMotion Pictures competition. Teams of Stern and Tisch students create short films that focus on branded entertainment. In the past, students have created films for clients, such as Volvo, Verizon FIOS, Heineken, Johnnie Walker, and I LOVE NY.

In the summer of their first year, students take two intensive courses at Tisch; Sight and Sound, and Script Analysis. This prepares them for the second year curriculum at Tisch. In the second year, students become fully immersed in film production. They take courses in all aspects of filmmaking including: producing, directing, writing, cinematography, editing, sound recording, aesthetics, and directing the actor. Dual Degree students begin producing short films directed by their MFA classmates. Dual Degree students have the option to direct their own short film, as well.

In the third year, students round out their schedules with electives at both Stern and Tisch. At Tisch, they can take advanced courses in Producing such as Producing the Independent Feature, Structure and Management of an Independent Film Company, Entertainment Business Law, Film from an International Perspective, and Feature Film Packaging Workshop. Dual Degree students may also take all advanced courses available to the traditional MFA students, such as Feature Writing, Advanced Cinematography, and Master Class with Professor Spike Lee. Students also continue to amass a body of work as a Producer on their classmates’ films that will serve as their Thesis requirement. Several recent MFA students have directed feature films for their thesis, so it is quite likely that a Dual Degree student will produce at least one feature film as part of the program. Dual Degree students may choose to direct a Thesis Project, as well.

The program helps develop the business knowledge necessary to be successful in the rapidly changing entertainment industry as well as the creative skills to produce award winning films. Learning takes place in the classroom, on the set and through interaction with other talented students. Typically, students have also found time for internships during their program. Past internships have included Focus Features, Goldcrest Films International, Starz/Liberty, and HBO.

See a sample three year schedule.