• What is the MBA/MFA Dual Degree?
• How long will it take to complete this program?
• What is the course breakdown between the two programs?
• How are the summer modules split between the two programs?
• Do I have to complete a thesis? What is required?
• Will I have advisors who can help me with both programs?
• Will I have access to the career resources at both schools?
• Does either school accept transfer credits?
• How will I register for classes at each school?
• What if I am admitted to one program, but not the other?
• Will Kanbar & Stern share my transcripts and other biographical information?
• Will I be eligible for graduate assistantships and teaching fellowships?
• What on-campus housing resources are available?
• What is the total cost for the combined programs?
• What clubs can I join?
• How do I apply?
• What scholarships are available?

MBA/MFA Producing Dual Degree FAQ

What is the MBA/MFA Dual Degree?

Bridging the gap between the “creatives” and the “suits”, New York University has announced a new dual-degree graduate program that will give aspiring film producers and studio executives the knowledge to navigate the fast-changing landscape of financing and filmmaking today.  The joint MBA/MFA degree is a partnership between NYU’s Stern School of Business and Kanbar Institute of Film & Television at the Tisch School of the Arts, both highly regarded in their fields.

The MBA/MFA degree is a three-year program that will enable students to pursue both degrees simultaneously.  It is expected to attract the very best producing candidates by focusing on both the creative and business sides of film.  Designed to be the most comprehensive of its kind, using the top faculty and resources of each School, the dual-degree program will produce highly employable individuals sought by the major film studios, independent production companies, and the major television studios and networks.

How long will it take to complete this program?

The program will take three years to complete, including two summers.  Students will spend the first year at Stern, the second year at Kanbar, and the third year will be split between the two schools.  The first summer will be spent at Kanbar taking two prerequisite courses that will prepare the student to join the production classes in the fall. It is anticipated that students will spend the second summer producing Thesis level films in order to satisfy their own Thesis requirement.

What is the course breakdown between the two programs?

¹It is strongly recommended that dual degree students select EMT as one of their specializations at Stern and take B70.2116 The Business of Producing as part of it.
²Students are required to produce either three thesis films, or two thesis films and two second-year films as part of their Kanbar degree.

How are the summer modules split between the two programs?

The student will take courses in Script Analysis and in Basic Film Production at Kanbar during the first summer for a total of 10 credits. The student will likely spend the second summer producing Thesis level films in order to satisfy their own Thesis requirement.

It should be noted that since students will be busy completing their course and Thesis requirements during the summers, a summer internship will not be necessary.

Do I have to complete a thesis? What is required?

Yes, there is a thesis requirement as part of your Kanbar MFA degree.  Students must produce three Thesis films or two 2nd year films and 2 Thesis films. Thesis films are generally 15 – 30 minutes in length, 2nd year films are 10 – 15 minutes in length. Students must also select a feature length screenplay and prepare a package for submission for financing.

Will I have advisors who can help me with both programs?

You will have access to the Academic Advising office at NYU Stern and to faculty advisors at Kanbar Graduate Film.

Will I have access to the career resources at both schools?

Students pursuing careers in the entertainment sector take responsibility for a primarily self-directed career search.  However, students can participate in a series of initiatives at both schools to augment their search. Access to all Stern alumni and Stern-specific job posting will become available within the first a few months of school.  It should be noted that since both summers will be spent completing academic requirements at Kanbar, a summer internship will not be necessary.

Does either school accept transfer credits?

Transfer credits are not accepted by either program.

How will I register for classes at each school?

Kanbar registration is handled through the NYU University Registrar, while the NYU Stern Office of Records & Registration handles registration for Stern students. Students will always register through the school at which they are taking the majority of their courses.

What if I am admitted to one program, but not the other?

Students must be admitted to both programs separately in order to qualify for the dual MBA/MFA degree.  If a student is admitted to only one program, they are welcome to pursue that degree alone.

Will Kanbar & Stern share my transcripts and other biographical information?

Each program has its own admissions process and timing.  We require that applicants submit complete applications, including transcripts, to both programs.

Will I be eligible for graduate assistantships and teaching fellowships?

MBA/MFA students may obtain a Teaching Fellowship (TF) or Graduate Assistantship (GA) position at NYU Stern. Eligibility requirements for these positions are completion of 30 credits at Stern and maintenance of a 3.2 GPA. Payment for these positions is in the form of tuition remission at Stern.  Graduate assistantships at Kanbar are awarded by the faculty for 3rd year students only and include tuition remission and a stipend.  Students selected for these positions assist the faculty and serve as mentors for the newer students. They are not responsible for teaching courses.

What on-campus housing resources are available?

You will have access to on-campus housing through NYU Stern in any year that you are enrolled in classes at NYU Stern. Some Graduate Housing is available to Tisch students, but housing is not necessarily guaranteed while enrolled at Tisch.

Graduate students who are registered for summer classes are eligible for summer school housing for the duration of their courses.  More information can be found by contacting the Summer Housing Office (212 998-4621) or at www.nyu.edu/summer/housing.

What is the total cost for the combined programs?

Students will pay the flat semester tuition rate of the program in which they are currently enrolled. In the third year, students will pay the flat semester tuition rate of the program through which they registered for classes. The current cost of tuition and fees for one semester at NYU Stern is $19,793.  The current cost of tuitions and fees for one semester at Kanbar is $17,397.  The current total tuition cost is estimated at approximately $134,000.  These rates are subject to annual increase.

What clubs can I join?

MBA/MFA students are encouraged to become active in student clubs at both programs.  At Stern, students can choose to join the Media Entertainment & Sports Association.  In addition, the NYU Stern ProMotion Pictures Film Competition seeks to provide NYU Stern and Tisch Kanbar students with the opportunity to collaborate on a series of innovative multimedia projects for a sponsoring brand. Previous sponsors of the competition include Verizon, Volvo, and Heineken.

How do I apply?

To apply for the dual MBA/MFA degree, candidates must complete a separate application for each program.  No additional admissions standards are applied to dual degree applications at either school.  The student qualifies for the dual MBA/MFA degree program upon admission to both schools.  Since the first year of the dual degree program starts at Stern, students in their first year of the MBA program will be eligible to apply.  The deadline for Kanbar is December 1st.  Students applying for the dual degree program may meet either of the first two Stern deadlines - November 15th and January 15th.

What scholarships are available?

All applicants admitted to NYU Stern are considered for merit-based scholarships.  Scholarships to the Kanbar Institute are awarded on a competitive basis and may reflect academic merit as well as demonstrated financial need. For more information on Kanbar scholarships and how to apply for them, consult the “Tisch Scholarship Guide,” which you may view online or download at http://students.tisch.nyu.edu/page/finaid.html.  For more information on Stern scholarships, please visit http://w4.stern.nyu.edu/finaid/.  An anonymous donor, who is in the midst of an unusual career spanning both traditional asset management, and film financing and production, has endowed a scholarship fund of nearly $1 million for the MBA/MFA dual-degree program.