BFA - Film & Video Production

Filming in the desertThe Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program offers students an intensive experience in the production of film and video, coupled with a strong foundational understanding of media industries, aesthetics and criticism. The goal of the degree is to help students develop their own personal voices in the production of narrative and documentary film projects.

The BFA program prepares students for careers as professional film and video makers who are grounded in creative and collaborative concepts and processes. We offer students the opportunity to move past the commercial pressure of mainstream narrative production, and explore the creative possibilities of experimental, documentary and independent narrative projects. The BFA curriculum is based on students developing an understanding of the interdependence between storytelling and aesthetics.

The curriculum provides training in numerous skills and processes, including directing, cinematography and videography, writing, sound design, and editing. Students are not tracked into a particular area, but rather are expected to acquire basic skills in all areas. Students are encouraged to develop stronger and deeper skills in particular areas of interest as they advance through the program.

The department is committed to encouraging the expression of underrepresented voices, particularly those of minority and rural communities within the state of Arizona. Film and video makers leave the BFA program with a set of skills and creative experiences that will allow them to secure positions in the entertainment industry and independent production communities.

Admission to the Bachelor of Fine Arts program is based upon portfolio review, which typically takes place during the fall semester of the student's sophomore year, after successful entrance into the Media Arts major and completion of the Media Arts foundations courses. Students are notified of their entrance into the program shortly thereafter and enter the course rotation for the BFA in the spring of their sophomore year. Only students who have completed the criteria for advanced standing in Media Arts will be considered for acceptance into the BFA program.

Details on specific course and unit requirements for this degree may be found at the following links:

Fall 2009 Applications

To apply for the BFA in Fall 2009, you must meet the following requirements:

  1. You must be a current Media Arts major at the U of A. (Non-UA students and non-Media Arts majors cannot be admitted directly into the BFA degree and must first apply to the Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts following the instructions at our Admissions website.)

  2. You must complete all of the following courses by the end of Fall 2009: MAR 100A, 100B, 200, 210.

  3. You must attend one of the following BFA informational workshops.
    (Please be on time; prior registration is not required to attend.)
        
         Friday March 27, 2009, 4:30-5:30pm, Marshall 221
         Friday April 17, 2009, 9:00-10:00am, Marshall 211
         Friday August 28, 2009, 4:00-5:00pm, Marshall 211
         Friday September 4, 2009, 9:00-10:00am, Marshall 211

  4. You must submit the BFA application and portfolio by the posted deadline. Additional information including the application form is available for download here:
    2009 BFA Application (PDF)
  5. To enter the BFA, you must have a 2.5 GPA or higher by the beginning of the Spring 2010 semester.

NOTE: The BFA is a 5-semester program, beginning the Spring semester following acceptance into the program. It cannot be completed early.

Students not accepted into the BFA program may reapply, but are not encouraged to do so.
Because the application process is only available once a year, a second application, if successful, would delay graduation a full year. There are no guarantees about the success of a second application.

For questions, contact Professor Mulcahy at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  or 621-1155.

Film & Video Production Faculty and Staff