The MFA In Creative Producing is offered exclusively in Los Angeles, and is the terminal degree for producing in film and television. The program prepares graduates for a successful career in producing ,and also a number of entertainment careers as the skillset covers a wide spectrum of occupations such as studio executives, television showrunners, talent agents and managers.
| Program Requirements | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|
| Hours required | 72 |
| Total hours required | 72 |
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a mastery of producing skills in the areas of development, pre-production, production, post-production, and marketing.
- Perform the key steps involved in putting a film or television project together in the areas of rights acquisitions, talent packaging, finance, and distribution.
- Master essential producing skills such as scheduling, budgeting, contracts, and clearance.
- Develop a film or television slate and create a professional pitch deck for their projects.
Degree Requirements
Course Requirements
No Introductory Course may be substituted for any other course at any level.
First Year
| Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Quarter | ||
| CP 412 | FEATURE FILM DEVELOPMENT | 4 |
| FILM 401 | FUNDAMENTALS OF CINEMA PRODUCTION | 4 |
| CP 410 | CREATIVE PRODUCING | 4 |
| Winter Quarter | ||
| CP 440 | PRE-PRODUCTION FOR PRODUCERS | 4 |
| SCWR 442 | STUDIO DEVELOPMENT | 4 |
| CP 442 | THE AGENCY | 2 |
| CP 444 | THE TALENT MANAGER | 2 |
| Spring Quarter | ||
| CP 420 | SCHEDULING & BUDGETING | 4 |
| SCWR 441 | INDUSTRY AND PITCHING SEMINAR | 4 |
| CP 498 | PRE-PRODUCTION INTERNSHIP | 4 |
Second Year
| Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Quarter | ||
| CP 511 | CREATIVE PRODUCING THESIS I | 4 |
| CP 414 | TELEVISION DEVELOPMENT | 4 |
| CP 484 | POST PRODUCTION FOR PRODUCERS | 4 |
| Winter Quarter | ||
| CP 482 | DISTRIBUTION AND EXHIBITION | 4 |
| CP 460 | PRODUCING TELEVISION | 4 |
| CP 512 | CREATIVE PRODUCING THESIS II | 4 |
| Spring Quarter | ||
| CP 480 | ENTERTAINMENT LAW FOR PRODUCERS | 4 |
| CP 450 | PRODUCING REALITY TELEVISION | 2 |
| CP 452 | PRODUCING COMMERCIALS & MUSIC VIDEOS | 2 |
| CP 499 | POST-PRODUCTION INTERNSHIP (FORMERLY DC 499) | 4 |
MFA Thesis
Students in the MFA for Creative Producing will be required to complete a final thesis project that involves creating a professional creative report for a feature-length film or television series. The thesis project will entail optioning and developing source material such as an original screenplay or teleplay and creating a comprehensive report detailing the potential talent attachments, financing plan, and distribution strategies, as well as a detailed development path to production. In addition, all MFA candidates will craft a professional story pitch for their individual thesis projects. The purpose for the thesis is for the students to have a viable project they can work to set up at a production company or produce on their own independently after graduation.
Student’s MFA Advisor Committee
All MFA candidates will be assigned two thesis committee members plus their thesis instructor. These three faculty members will be the MFA Advisor Committee. The MFA Advisor Committee will offer suggestions and feedback on the student's thesis report and help guide the student during the final phase of the program. They will ultimately judge the final thesis project as pass or fail.
Thesis Timeline
In the fall quarter of the second year, students will enroll in CP 511 Creative Producing Thesis I, in which they will select, option and begin to develop their thesis project. Students will enroll in CP 512 during the winter quarter, in which they will be expected to create their professional reports for their selected thesis script. The candidate will not be able to enroll in CP 512 unless they have optioned their thesis script or teleplay by the beginning of the winter quarter.
The first draft of the thesis project must be submitted to the Advisor Committee by the first day of the spring quarter. Producers will get notes from their committee during week 2 or week 3 of the spring quarter. The final draft of the thesis report must be sent to the committee by the last day of mid-term exams for the spring quarter. The committees will meet during the following weeks of the spring quarter to evaluate thesis projects. In addition to the written thesis report, the candidate is also required to present their project via a story pitch session with their thesis committee members, which will serve as their defense of their project. Thesis chairs will then notify each student as to whether they received a "pass," or a "fail" decision based on a points system outlined in the thesis rubric. If a student passes, they must then complete their coursework in order to graduate. If a student does not pass, the candidate must resubmit their thesis by an assigned due date determined by the thesis advisor. The re-defense will take place no later than Friday of week 10 of the spring quarter. If the student passes, they can move on to graduation assuming all courses are complete.
If the student has a second non-pass, they must enroll in CP 701 Thesis Continuation (a zero-credit hour and zero cost class) to remain enrolled for the summer session after completion of the year two coursework. The reworked professional report is due by the last day of final exams for Summer I Session. The defense will take place before the end of the Summer II Session. If the student passes, they may apply for the next round of graduation. If the student does not pass, they may elect to speak with the advising office about applying their course credit hours to an M.S. in Cinema Production degree.
Degree Requirements
Students in the MFA Creative Producing degree must meet the following requirements:
- Complete a minimum of 72 graduate credit hours in the designated degree program.
- Complete all graduate courses and requirements listed in the designated degree program.
- Earn a grade of C- or better in all graduate courses of the designated degree program.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- Satisfactorily complete the MFA thesis as determined by the student's MFA Advisor Committee.
- Students cannot count credit earned towards a previously awarded master's or MFA degree toward the completion of this MFA program.
For DePaul's policy on repeat graduate courses and a complete list of academic policies, see the DePaul Graduate Handbook in the Course Catalog.
California State Disclosures
Catalog Coverage Period
This catalog covers the period beginning on September 4, 2024 and ending on August 22, 2025.
University Mission Statement
As an innovative Catholic, Vincentian university anchored in the global city of Chicago, DePaul supports the integral human development of its students. The university does so through its commitment to outstanding teaching, academic excellence, real world experience, community engagement, and systemic change. DePaul prepares graduates to be successful in their chosen fields and agents of transformation throughout their lives.
Guided by an ethic of Vincentian personalism and professionalism, DePaul compassionately upholds the dignity of all members of its diverse, multi-faith, and inclusive community. Through education and research, the university addresses the great questions of our day, promoting peaceful, just, and equitable solutions to social and environmental challenges. Since its founding in 1898, DePaul University has remained dedicated to making education accessible to all, with special attention to including underserved and underrepresented communities.
Language of Instruction
All instruction will occur in English.
Placement Services
No placement services are provided for this program. Students may contact DePaul's Career Center for job search assistance and related services.
Housing Information
A) DePaul University does not have dormitories under its control at its location in California.
B) Housing is available near the program's facility. The rent range for studio apartments in the area is: $2100 - $2800 per month.
C) DePaul University has no responsibility to find or assist a student in finding housing.
Prior Learning Credit
DePaul does not award nor accept prior learning credit for this program.
Distance Learning
This program does not offer a distance learning option.
California Office of Student Assistance and Relief
The California Office of Student Assistance and Relief is available to support prospective students, current students, or past students of private postsecondary educational institutions in making informed decisions, understanding their rights, and navigating available services and relief options. The office may be reached by calling (888-370-7589) or by visiting (www.bppe.ca.gov).
Loan Repayment and Federal Financial Aid
If a student obtains a loan to pay for an educational program, the student will have the responsibility to repay the full amount of the loan plus interest, less the amount of any refund. If the student has received federal student financial aid funds, the student is entitled to a refund of the money’s not paid from federal student financial aid program funds.
Cancellation, Withdrawal, and Tuition Refunds
A notice of cancellation shall be in writing. A withdrawal may be effectuated by the student’s written notice or by the student’s conduct, including, but not necessarily limited to, lack of attendance. DePaul shall provide students in California residency-based programs a pro rata refund of nonfederal student financial aid program moneys paid for institutional charges to students who have completed 60 percent or less of the period of attendance. DePaul shall refund students in California residency-based programs 100 percent of the amount paid for institutional charges if notice of cancellation is made through attendance at the first class session, or the seventh day after enrollment, whichever is later.
DePaul shall provide Student a pro rata refund of nonfederal student financial aid program moneys paid for institutional charges if Student has completed 60 percent or less of the period of attendance. DePaul shall refund Student 100 percent of the amount paid for institutional charges if notice of cancellation is made through attendance at the first class session, or the seventh day after enrollment, whichever is later.
- If Student cancels up to the seventh day after enrollment, or the first day of the course, whichever is later, they will receive a 100% refund.
- If Student cancels after attending 10% of the course, they will receive a 90% refund.
- If Student cancels after attending 20% of the course, they will receive an 80% refund.
- If Student cancels after attending 30% of the course, they will receive a 70% refund.
- If Student cancels after attending 40% of the course, they will receive a 60% refund.
- If Student cancels after attending 50% of the course, they will receive a 50% refund.
- If Student cancels after attending 60% of the course, they will receive a 40% refund.
- If student cancels after attending more than 60% of the course, they will receive no refund.
For example, if Student cancels after the first 2 weeks of a 10-week course and paid $1,000.00 in tuition, Student would receive a refund of $800.00.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition:
- $955 per credit hour
- The full program is 72 credit hours
- Total tuition cost for the full program is $68,760*
- *On average, tuition cost increases 3% each year
Fees:
- Annual Program Fee = $645 (new for 2024-2025)
- Student Tuition Recovery Fund = Academic institutions are no longer required to collect this fee.
Additional Information:
DePaul University is a private institution operating under the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education in California for this degree. The university does not have a pending petition in bankruptcy, is not operating as a debtor in possession, has not filed a petition within the preceding five years, or has not had a petition in bankruptcy filed against it within the preceding five years that resulted in reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (11 U.S.C. Sec. 1101 et seq.). This program is offered in Los Angeles at the Sunset Las Palmas Studio Lot, 1040 N Las Palmas Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90038. Our classes are held at 6660 Santa Monica Boulevard. Classrooms are Zoom-enabled with a projection system. The program phone number is (312) 362-8714.
This program is intended to prepare graduates for jobs classified by the US Department of Labor as: 27-2012, Producers and Directors. Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes272012.htm
As a prospective student, you are encouraged to review this catalog prior to signing an enrollment agreement. You are also encouraged to review the School Performance Fact Sheet, which will be provided to you prior to signing an enrollment agreement.
The transferability of credits you earn at DePaul University is at the complete discretion of an institution to which you may seek to transfer. Acceptance of the degree (MFA) you earn in Creative Producing or course credit earned is also at the complete discretion of the institution to which you seek to transfer. If the course credits or the MFA Creative Producing that you earn at this institution are not accepted at the institution to which you seek to transfer, you may be required to repeat some or all of your coursework at that institution. For this reason you should make certain that your attendance at this institution will meet your educational goals. This may include contacting an institution to which you may seek to transfer after attending DePaul University to determine if your course credits or MFA Creative Producing will transfer.
The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition. You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.
It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 North Market Blvd., Suite 225, Sacramento, California, 95834, (916) 574-8900 or (888) 370-7589.
To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or are enrolled in a residency program, prepaidtuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:
1. The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved by the Bureau or did not complete a chosen teach-out plan approved by the Bureau.
2. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution within the 120 day period before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, or were enrolled in an educational program within the 120 day period before the program was discontinued.
3. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution more than 120 days before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, in an educational program offered by the institution as to which the Bureau determined there was a significant decline in the quality or value of the program more than 120 days before closure.
4. The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.
5. The institution has failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federal student loan program as required by law, or has failed to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the institution in excess of tuition and other costs.
6. You have been awarded restitution, a refund, or other monetary award by an arbitrator or court, based on a violation of this chapter by an institution or representative of an institution, but have been unable to collect the award from the institution.
7. You sought legal counsel that resulted in the cancellation of one or more of your student loans and have an invoice for services rendered and evidence of the cancellation of the student loan or loans.
To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date
of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.
A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.
However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.
Any questions a student may have regarding this catalog that have not been satisfactorily answered by the institution may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (https://www.bppe.ca.gov/) at 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225 Sacramento CA 95834. The mailing address is P.O. Box 980818, West Sacramento, CA 95798-0818. Telephone and Fax #s are: (888) 370-7589 or by fax (916)263-1897; (916) 574-8900 or by fax (916-1897).
A student or any member of the public may file a complaint about this institution with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education by calling (888) 370-7589 or by completing a complaint form, which can be obtained on the bureau's internet Web site https://www.bppe.ca.gov/.