California Institute of the Arts

Master in Producing (MFA)

Valencia, United States Taught in English Open to international students

Introduction

California Institute of the Arts, located near Valencia in Southern California, is a leading institution for creative education founded with a legacy of innovation in the arts. CalArts encourages experimental practice across disciplines including art, film, music, theater, dance, and animation, and offers a compact, studio-focused learning environment where students develop original work under the mentorship of practicing artists and industry professionals.

The institute promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on learning, supporting individual artistic development with cutting-edge studios, performance spaces, and digital labs. Small class sizes and intensive critique-based courses help students refine their voices and build professional portfolios, while visiting artists, festivals, and partnerships provide exposure to the wider creative industry. Academic advising, portfolio coaching, and career development services support transitions to festivals, galleries, studios, and commercial roles.

International students find a welcoming community and opportunities to participate in collaborative projects, residencies, and public exhibitions that elevate their practice. CalArts fosters a culture of experimentation, critical inquiry, and professional networking, making it a strong choice for creative learners who seek rigorous mentorship, cross-disciplinary exploration, and direct engagement with the contemporary arts scene in the United States.

About the Program

The Master in Producing (MFA) at California Institute of the Arts is a master's degree for students who want to learn about producing. It takes a few years to complete and helps students develop practical skills like budgeting and marketing.

The curriculum covers various approaches to art-making and the creative process. Students learn budgeting, marketing, and grant writing, and develop creative thinking and problem-solving skills. They also learn leadership skills and how to use resources effectively.

Graduates can work as producers, production managers, or artistic directors in theaters, film production companies, or festivals. They can also work as grant writers or marketing managers for arts organizations. Other potential job titles include executive producer, production coordinator, or festival curator.

Tuition in Context

This program's tuition is 100% above the typical master's in the United States.

Median tuition for that cohort is 28,087 USD, across 10,215 programs in our catalog.

Compare United States master's programs

English Test Requirement

This program asks for IELTS 5.5-6.0. Here's what that's worth on the other tests universities accept, based on the official concordance tables:

TOEFL iBT
46–59
PTE Academic
42–49
Duolingo
85–95
CEFR level
B1/B2
Convert your own score

Equivalences are approximate — confirm the exact test and score the program accepts.

Similar Programs You Can Apply To

Direct application via Global Admissions is not available for this program. Browse similar partner programs below or visit the university's site to apply directly.

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