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Students on a set at Regent, a university that offers an MFA in Film & Television Production.

MFA in Film & Television Production

Tell the Story with Passion

Are you ready to show the world what you can do in media? Regent University’s Master of Fine Arts in Film & Television Production program provides a challenging foundation in the narrative and technical aspects of production. Through this terminal degree, you can learn essential and classical elements of developing a story. You can also develop advanced producing and directing techniques and create live-streaming and internet broadcasts using our state-of-the-art high-definition television studio.

On Campus
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January 13, 2025
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Refine Your Creative Abilities

Be equipped for a professional career in the expanding television landscape.

Increase Your Earning Potential

Advance in media leadership roles with higher salary opportunities.

Display your Skill

Enjoy immersive workshops and a thesis project that can help build your portfolio. 

Align Yourself With Excellence

Regent is ranked among top national universities by U.S. News & World Report, 2023. Presented from a Christian worldview, the in-demand film and television production degree is supported by award-winning faculty in Virginia Beach. Enhance your professional credentials with an MFA degree, gained online or on campus.

Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.

On completing the MFA in Film & Television Production, you can: 

  • Move seamlessly between single- and multiple-camera formats. 
  • Develop, direct, and produce fiction and nonfiction narratives, comedy and drama pilots, documentaries, and webisodes. 
  • Enter the global media market as a content creator. 
  • Capitalize on the new and wide-reaching technologies to create stories with international reach and impact. 

Career Opportunities

  • Film/Television Producer 
  • Marketing Media Director 
  • Camera Operator 
  • Television Director 
  • Technical TV/Media Production Specialist 
$85Thousand
Approximate Annual Median Salary of Producers & Directors, 2022 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Featured Courses
CTV 502Television & Digital Production Workshop3
Required for those who plan to check out equipment for media projects. Covers in an intensive time frame: video camera, grip/electric, audio, set safety and protocol.
CTV 522The Story Development Process3
Provides students with an introduction to the process of developing a script from concept to page. Emphasis is placed on creating a sellable product in the entertainment marketplace.
CTV 523Production & Post Management3
The pre-production phase of a project, including script breakdown, scheduling and budgeting, as well as theories and practical application of management skills.
CTV 524Role of the Independent Producer3
Responsibilities and duties of the producer in various media formats including film, television, web media, live events and emerging technologies. Students examine theories of leadership and practical application to various media projects.
CTV 530Directing Single Camera for Film-Television3
A hands-on course in directing narrative feature film and television, using single-camera style shooting. Master the aesthetics, theory and practice of camera placement, shot execution, and directing the actor. Students create and develop their directing style.
CTV 557Aesthetics & Techniques of Editing3
Development and practice of editing theory and style, including the practical impact on filmmaking. Analysis of the evolution of editing aesthetics in planning and visualization.
CTV 606Christian Artist: Mission & Vision3
The beautiful as applied to cinema. An ethics and theology of entertainment. The spiritual challenges of the visual storyteller’s vocation. Understanding the challenges of creating narratives intentionally from a Christian worldview.
CTV 610History of Television3
Historical study of scripted television programming from its infancy to the present day with a specific emphasis on dramatic and situational comedy programs. Outlines the ways story structure has adapted to technology and cultural norms and shaped culture.
CTV 612Entertainment Law2
Legal issues that entertainment producers encounter, including ownership, copyright, contracts, clearance and releases.
CTV 616Ethics of Film & Television3
Study of various ethical perspectives specific to the disciplines of film and television. Students deepen their understanding of the practical application of Biblical principles and faith-based ethical standards within a complex industry. Cross-listed with CTVU 316.
CTV 628Producing the Unscripted/Non-Fiction Original Series3
Historical study of traditional and new forms of documentary and non-fiction television and film in both the topical news events and entertainment spheres. Students additionally work through all stages of production from conception through post-production to accomplish a short documentary. Cross-listed with CTVU 440.
CTV 636Marketing, Distribution, & Exhibition3
Forms of media production as they relate to raising, financing and creating a marketing plan for a project. Examination of traditional theatrical distribution as well as new distribution avenues, including web and mobile technologies.
CTV 638Advanced Producing & Directing Practicum1-3
Students work on the crew of any Cinema-Television MA, MFA or Regent-endowed project, gaining hands-on production experience. Repeatable for credit. Qualification for crew positions based on experience and level of completed coursework. Cross-listed with CTVU 382.
CTV 645Financing in a Global Market3
Detailed overview of the different financing structures employed in the mass media market. Topics covered include bank financing, studio financing, network financing, IPOs, limited partnerships, debt swap financing, negative pickup deals, foreign sales and presales.
CTV 727Writing as an Executive Producer3
Students develop a concept and characters for a one-hour drama or half-hour comedy, create a series bible, write a pilot episode, and learn what it means to break the story of subsequent episodes.
CTV 796Thesis I3
Students develop and present a series of concepts and characters, then collaborate with directors, cinematographers, and other key creative and crew personnel to put into pre-production a single camera, scripted or unscripted series.
CTV 797Thesis II3
Students write a comprehensive, research paper and produce their single-camera, scripted or unscripted series. Prerequisites: CTV 796.
SSW 513Elements of Visual Storytelling3
A breakdown of Aristotle’s Poetics as applied to cinema. Includes a history of narrative from the fable through post-modern storytelling, and an exhaustive analysis of all the elements that go into a satisfying and socially redemptive story. Geared toward the production of complete, worthy, and commercial feature film projects.
SSW 641Writing for Digital Media3
Understanding the specific requirements of visual storytelling meant to go directly to the small screen. Students will produce scripts and concepts for Web stand-alones and series, as well as Internet-based features.

2024-25 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before 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.

SessionSemester Check-InSession Start Date
Session AFriday, August 9Monday, August 19
Session CWednesday, January 8Monday, January 13
Session EFriday, May 2Monday, May 12

Admissions Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts

Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES, AACRAO or NAFSA approved agency.

Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.


Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.

Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

PART-TIME STUDENTS

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$6706$4,020
Master of Fine Arts in Film & Television Production (MFA)$6706$4,020
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting (MFA)$6706$4,020
Master of Fine Arts in Acting (MFA)$9206$5,520
Doctor of Philosophy in Communication (PhD)$9503$2,850
Doctor of Strategic Communication (DSC)$9503$2,850

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$6709$6,030
Master of Fine Arts in Film & Television Production (MFA)$6709$6,030
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting (MFA)$6709$6,030
Master of Fine Arts in Acting (MFA)$9209$8,280
Doctor of Philosophy in Communication (PhD)$9506$5,700
Doctor of Strategic Communication (DSC)$9506$5,700

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

Part-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$6706$4,020
Master of Fine Arts in Film & Television Production (MFA)$6706$4,020
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting (MFA)$6706$4,020
Master of Fine Arts in Acting (MFA)$9206$5,520
Doctor of Philosophy in Communication (PhD)$9503$2,850
Doctor of Strategic Communication (DSC)$9503$2,850

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$6709$6,030
Master of Fine Arts in Film & Television Production (MFA)$6709$6,030
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting (MFA)$6709$6,030
Master of Fine Arts in Acting (MFA)$9209$8,280
Doctor of Philosophy in Communication (PhD)$9506$5,700
Doctor of Strategic Communication (DSC)$9506$5,700

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*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.

“Regent University has a reputation of developing Christian leaders. I am so grateful to be growing toward that end. ”

Caleb Kinchlow, M.A. in Communication - Digital Media, 2012 Senior Videographer/Editor/Digital Content Producer, CBN; TV host; Author

“When it comes to higher education, it’s about giving students every opportunity to succeed and making sure they have the tools to walk out God’s calling. I've been given so much opportunity and a fantastic education at Regent; if that doesn't set me up to help someone else, what will? ”

Stephanie Iaquinto, Ph. D., 1996 Communications

“Regent trained me to be a skilled decision-maker.”

Sharon Weston Broome, M.A. in Communication, 1984 Mayor-President of Baton Rouge-East Baton Rouge Parish

“When I came to Regent, life had kind of clipped my wings. In hindsight, I see that Regent wasn’t so much a restoration project, but rather a new-construction project. ”

Bruce Long, M.A. in Cinema/ TV Acting & Directing, 2001 Executive Director, CITA Producer, The Repertoire Fund

“I took a trip to the campus and was blown away by the beauty of the school. What actually won me over to finally pursue an advanced degree was the professional resources offered by the School of Communication & the Arts, as well as the curriculum.”

Jonathan Santiago, M.A., 2012 Digital Media