Sacred Heart University

What you'll study

The program emphasizes collaborative, hands‑on filmmaking and practical production experience under faculty who work in the industry. As undergraduates in the dual track, students participate in School of Communication, Media & the Arts activities, workshops, and industry events that prepare them for graduate‑level work. The graduate portion is Connecticut’s only graduate program in film at Sacred Heart and focuses on artistic vision, production craft, and portfolio development.

Entry requirements

Students must apply to the dual degree as incoming first‑year applicants. To progress into the FTMA/FTMFA graduate programs, dual degree students must:

• Successfully complete the bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Earn a grade of B or better in any graduate courses taken while an undergraduate.
• Submit a two‑page personal statement addressing why they are applying to the FTMA program at Sacred Heart, their artistic goals, and the issues or subjects that inform their art‑making practice.
• Submit a Five Works Essay with brief comments on five works (films, books, plays, TV shows, etc.) that have influenced their thinking as a filmmaker/video artist.
• Provide a visual work sample (video, photography/stills, or script/screenplay).

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of film and television roles; the program notes common pathways such as producing, directing, cinematography, editing and sound production. National data cited by the program indicate projected growth for producers and directors and median wage information for related occupations, reflecting demand and competitive compensation in many production careers.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The dual degree can reduce overall graduate tuition costs by reserving a graduate place and avoiding a separate full‑price application cycle; students also benefit from combined advising and extracurricular opportunities that support internship placement. Prospective and current students are directed to undergraduate and graduate admissions contacts for specific financial aid and scholarship information.