Learn How to Become a Cinematographer at NYFA
In NYFA’s Master’s of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree in Cinematography program, students develop a range of skills that can help them to pursue creative goals in cinematography. This accelerated graduate program immerses students in a unique, collaborative environment that emphasizes practical, hands-on instruction in cinematography and the related aspects of filmmaking. Through intensive workshop courses, individual projects, and rigorous critiques, students learn the fundamentals of visual storytelling and cinematographic technique.
Students develop their proficiency with different state-of-the-art camera systems, both film and digital, and learn to supervise the creation of sophisticated lighting schemes. As they shoot a series of challenging projects, culminating in a final Thesis Film, students create material for a compelling cinematography reel that showcases their skill and versatility as a cinematographer. Most importantly, the student cinematographers will be able to effectively harness the visual tools of cinema to tell meaningful stories.
MFA Cinematography students may participate in a series of advanced workshop courses, including Master’s Lighting, Advanced Grip Workshop, Underwater Cinematography, and Advanced Camera Movement, where students have the opportunity to work with a large, telescoping crane. With an intense schedule and challenging curriculum, this program is designed for students focused on ambitious goals in cinematography.
Faculty Highlights
Curriculum
The MFA degree in Cinematography is currently available at our NYFA Los Angeles campus. The course curriculum and program includes:
- Advanced courses and practical workshops that teach essential film and digital cinema cameras, lighting, camera movement, and storytelling techniques
- Production time to develop technical expertise in lighting, grip work, camera operating, camera assisting, and other key areas of film production
- Personal instruction and ongoing critique from award-winning faculty, with many that belong to prestigious cinematic societies all over the world
- The opportunity to shoot a range of projects on the latest film and digital cameras, providing material to build each student’s cinematography reel
- Access to industry-standard equipment such as cameras, dollies, lighting and grip, as well as production workshops with advanced equipment, such as a crane
- The ability to attend exclusive guest speaker events with industry experts such as cinematographers, directors, producers, and more
To learn more about NYFA’s MFA program and courses, see NYFA’s Los Angeles Course Catalog or request more information.
The MFA degree in Cinematography is an accelerated graduate program that takes place over two years and five full-time semesters. The accelerated two-year schedule is possible through an extended academic schedule, which allows students to complete three full-length semesters in the first year.
During their studies, MFA students complete compelling projects such as classic Mise-En- Scène, Documentary, and Continuity projects, as well as their MFA Thesis film. In the spirit of fostering collaboration, there may be screenings hosted to showcase the cinematographers’ work to NYFA Filmmaking students. Students will also work as crew on colleagues’ films in positions including gaffer, key grip, camera assistant, and camera operator. At the conclusion of their program, MFA students will have a showcase of work for their professional reel. To learn more about the projects included in the MFA program, visit the Cinematography projects page.
In addition to classes focused on Cinematography, MFA students will also engage in History and Theory coursework that supports the curriculum. MFA students can learn more about these requirements on NYFA’s History and Theory Courses page.
NYFA’s Cinematography MFA program is conducted at our NYFA Los Angeles campus. At NYFA Los Angeles, students will be working in the heart of the entertainment industry, with convenient access to world class equipment, facilities, and crew.
NYFA Los Angeles
3300 W Riverside Drive
Burbank, CA 91505
3300 W Riverside Drive
Burbank, CA 91505
Master’s of Fine Arts Degree in Cinematography
| Location | Program Start Date and End Date | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | August, 2026 – April, 2028 | Spring 2026 Semester The program semesters tuition and duration is listed below. In addition to tuition please review the programs associated feesTuition:$22,076 Per Semester |
*Additional Fees:
Spring 2026
| Equipment & Technology Fee: | $2,238 Per Semester |
| Wellness Services & Programming Fee: | $145 Per Semester |
| Activity Fee: | $125 per semester |
| Orientation Fee: (Spring 2026: January 5th – January 9th) |
Domestic Students: $150 International Students: $200 |
| Graduation Fee: | $100 |
| International Student Fee: | $200 for the first semester, $120 each subsequent semester |
Please note: Equipment, curriculum, and projects are subject to change and may vary depending on location. Students should consult the most recently published campus catalog for the most up-to-date curriculum.