The mission of the M.F.A. program is to develop filmmakers who may obtain professional status in the independent media, industrial media, entertainment industry, or academic communities. The program also encourages work that is aesthetically challenging and seeks to develop filmmakers who will express a personal voice through their work. Specialized areas of filmmaking such as cinematography, screenwriting, production design and audio may be chosen in consultation with the graduate film program advisor, who will recommend specific courses.