Graduate Certificate in Documentary Media Studies

Immerse yourself in documentary filmmakingproduction and theoryin New York City, the world's documentary capital. The Graduate Certificate in Documentary Media Studies is an intensive professional education program for prospective documentarians. In the course of one year, you develop, shoot, direct, and edit an original short documentary film on a New York Cityrelated subject. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and submit a portfolio, previous study of filmmaking is not required.
Central to the intensive one-year curriculum is Doc Talks, a monthly screening series. Doc Talks invites guest artists and professionals in the field of documentary cinema to share insights into their work and the media industry with Documentary Studies students. Additionally, every spring, as part of the Dorothy H. Hirshon Residency, a distinguished filmmaker leads master classes to which certificate students are invited.

Graduate degree applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited American college or university or the equivalent degree from a foreign college or university. Applicants who will have completed their bachelor's degree by the enrollment may be considered for admission.
The Advanced Certificate Program in Documentary Media Studies welcomes applicants whose education and experience demonstrates motivation and creativity, including recent college graduates, people working in related fields, and career changers. GRE or GMAT test scores are not required.
Complete a Statement of Purpose
Advanced Certificate in Documentary Media Studies
Discuss in detail how this advanced certificate program will help you attain your academic, creative, and/or professional goals. How have your work, academic experiences, and/or personal background shaped your motivation to apply to this program? In what ways do you hope to contribute to the field of nonfiction filmmaking? (7501,000-word limit)
Submit Your R'sum or CV
Submit a one to two-page r'sum/curriculum vitae summarizing your academic qualifications, relevant work experience, published writing, volunteer/community work, professional networking, public speaking, and/or any other relevant experiences that may relate to your field of study, including dates and positions held. Please also note any special language or computer skills that you have.
Submit Two Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation from professional and/or academic references are required. Recommendations must be submitted by recommenders directly via the online application portal. Instructions are included in the online application.
Submit College Transcripts
Applicants must upload an unofficial transcript, mark sheet, or academic record for each institution (even if you didnt receive a degree) in the Academic History section of the online application.

All uploaded transcripts must be accompanied by a key, a legend, or the back copy of the transcript. Non-English transcripts must be accompanied by an English translation. Records from non-U.S. institutions must have grades or marks and contain a copy of diploma if the degree has been conferred. Make sure your name appears on the transcript/record. Scanned documents must be clear and legible.
Minimum required scores are:

TOEFL iBT- 92
IELTS - 7.0