Master of Fine Arts
in Documentary Studies and Production

Professional Opportunities

The knowledge and skills students develop in our program translate well to the public and private sectors of American culture. Documentarians are often independent artists, driven to tell a story to more than just a few. Some are social activists seeking change; others are cultural critics or analysts; some are educators - but all share a common goal: to engage an audience in the wonder of actuality, creatively interpreted.

Whether already working or just beginning their careers, program graduates will find numerous opportunities to apply their learning in both traditional and emerging media. Students are prepared, as well, to become independent documentary makers, receiving training in documentary studies, research methods, proposal and program development, and fund raising.

Program graduates interested in applying newly acquired skills to their current careers will also have opportunities to do so. K-12 teachers may wish to use documentary in their journalism programs or to teach values clarification; social service agencies across the country often create documentaries to communicate with their constituencies; and corporations use documentaries as an integral part of their education, training and public relations initiatives. Our graduates will be uniquely positioned to take advantage of the rapidly increasing career opportunities in the field as well as to explore their own passions and creativity.

Hofstra is located a short distance from New York City, considered the largest media capital in the world. The metropolitan area's many television and radio stations, network headquarters, production houses, museums, and arts festivals are an invaluable resource for documentary graduate students, providing opportunities to expand their knowledge in research and production and to meet and work with documentary professionals.