Documentary
The Documentary Master of Science program at Columbia University is an intensive 9-month graduate degree designed for aspiring filmmakers who seek to tell compelling, truth-based stories through visual media. Merging cinematic craft with journalistic integrity, the program equips students with the technical skills and narrative strategies necessary to produce impactful documentaries across formats and platforms. Students are trained to develop strong visual storytelling instincts while exploring the ethical, political, and cultural dimensions of nonfiction filmmaking.
Offered through Columbia’s Graduate School of Journalism, the program fosters a hands-on, immersive learning environment that emphasizes both fieldwork and post-production mastery. Students collaborate in small teams, guided by experienced documentarians and editors, while working with professional-grade equipment and industry-standard editing tools. Situated in New York City, the program provides access to diverse communities, story subjects, and media networks. Whether focused on investigative, personal, or observational storytelling, students graduate with a completed film and the confidence to pursue careers in independent film, streaming platforms, newsrooms, or advocacy organizations.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Documentary
- Degree Type: Master of Science
- Duration: 9 months
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 15 December 2025
- Location: Columbia University, United States
- Field of Study: Visual Arts
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations in Documentary Production
- Introduction to Documentary Storytelling
- Cinematography and Lighting Techniques
- Audio Capture and Sound Design
- Ethics in Nonfiction Filmmaking
Semester 2 – Advanced Production and Post
- Editing and Visual Narrative
- Pitching and Fundraising for Documentaries
- Field Production and Story Development
- Capstone Project: Final Documentary Film
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program pursue careers as documentary filmmakers, producers, video journalists, and media storytellers in roles across film production companies, news organizations, streaming services, and nonprofit media outlets. Many go on to produce work for PBS, Netflix, The New York Times, and independent film festivals, focusing on topics ranging from human rights to environmental justice. Others work in editing, cinematography, or impact strategy, helping organizations communicate social issues through storytelling. The program’s focus on ethical filmmaking, combined with technical excellence and story development, positions graduates to lead creative projects that resonate with audiences and contribute to public discourse.
Why Choose This Program
This program is ideal for those who want to combine journalistic purpose with cinematic expression to tell stories that matter. Columbia University’s Documentary MS offers a focused, project-based experience led by professionals working at the forefront of nonfiction media. Students benefit from intensive mentorship, collaborative production labs, and access to real-world reporting opportunities in one of the world’s most media-rich cities. The curriculum balances creative freedom with critical responsibility, enabling students to create work that is visually powerful, emotionally resonant, and socially impactful. For aspiring documentarians ready to turn vision into reality, this program delivers the training, network, and platform to launch a purposeful career.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 212 854 1754
Email: admissions@columbia.edu
Address: University of Columbia, Admissions Office, New York, NY, United States
