Application to enter the Master of Arts program is made directly to the University (see: Applying to SJSU and How to Apply for Graduate Studies). Applications are filed through the Graduate Studies and Research Office which also establishes deadlines.

Applicants are expected to have at least a 3.0 GPA in their undergraduate majors. Students who do not have a 3.0 GPA must apply for an exemption request directly from the Graduate Coordinator to be sent to Graduate Studies. We do not require the GRE. Foreign students whose native language is not English must pass the TOEFL with a paper test score of 570, or CBT score of 230, or IBT score of 88. Here is the link to find the TOEFL/CBT/IBT equivalencies.

Applicants must also provide a Portfolio directly to the TRFT Graduate Coordinator:

Dr. David Kahn, Graduate Coordinator
Department of Television, Radio, Film, Theatre
San Jose State University
San Jose, CA 95192-0098

The Portfolio includes:

• A statement of purpose which explains what you want from the graduate program, what we can expect from you, where you want to go with your education, and how you expect to change as a result of your education.

• Three letters of recommendation speaking to your academic qualifications for our program.

• A sample of your research-oriented writing which displays command of academic English (5 pages mininimum).

• Any additional material you feel is relevant in explaining you or your relation to performance media, such as videos, photos, designs, publications, awards, letters.

After the department portfolio and university applications are complete, a personal interview with the Graduate Coordinator may be required.

Students must be admitted by the university before being admitted to the specific graduate program.

TRFT entering students are always Conditionally Admitted, "pending first year review," and "acceptance of Thesis Proposal by Department Graduate Committee."

It's a good idea to keep copies of all communication to and from Grad Studies.

costs & financial aid