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    University of California-Los Angeles

    Master of Fine Arts in Cinematography (M.F.A.)

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Los Angeles, USMFAIn-person3 years
    $151,317.00
    Tuition
    over 36mo
    19%
    Acceptance
    of applicants
    108
    Credits

    Master of Fine Arts in Cinematography (M.F.A.) at University of California-Los Angeles is a 108-credit, 3-year, in-person MFA program based in Los Angeles, US. Tuition is $151,317.

    About the program

    Three-year program providing comprehensive professional training in cinematography, including craft in digital and analog technologies, lighting, color, movement, and collaboration on student projects from short documentaries and fictions to thesis films. Culminates in a research paper and short visual project on a cinematography topic.

    Focus: both
    Times Higher Education Arts and Humanities 2026: 13th

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    Admissions

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    GPA thresholds, GRE/TOEFL/IELTS minimums, essay counts, recommendation letters, prerequisites, admissions contacts, and country-specific requirements like APS certification, portfolio submissions, or GATE scores.

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    Deadlines

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    Exact application deadlines for each term (Fall, Spring, Summer, Rolling), with priority and final dates where the program distinguishes them.

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    Standardized tests

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    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT (US)

    $22,500.00
    Annual living cost

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    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Master of Fine Arts in Cinematography (M.F.A.) at University of California-Los Angeles cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master of Fine Arts in Cinematography (M.F.A.) at University of California-Los Angeles is $151,317 across 108 required credits.
    Is Master of Fine Arts in Cinematography (M.F.A.) at University of California-Los Angeles online or in-person?
    Master of Fine Arts in Cinematography (M.F.A.) at University of California-Los Angeles is offered in-person.
    How long does Master of Fine Arts in Cinematography (M.F.A.) at University of California-Los Angeles take to complete?
    Master of Fine Arts in Cinematography (M.F.A.) at University of California-Los Angeles is structured around 3 years and 108 credits.
    What GPA is required for Master of Fine Arts in Cinematography (M.F.A.) at University of California-Los Angeles?
    Per the program's published guidance: 3.0 GPA
    How competitive is Master of Fine Arts in Cinematography (M.F.A.) at University of California-Los Angeles?
    Master of Fine Arts in Cinematography (M.F.A.) at University of California-Los Angeles reports an acceptance rate of approximately 19%.