The emphasis in production prepares students for professions in television, film and new media. The emphasis also serves those in occupations where extensive knowledge is required of message design for these media and their various distribution systems. This program focuses on skills required for careers as producers, directors, art directors, cinematographers, editors, production assistants, and writers, as well as emerging careers in new media production.
Review the Undergraduate Degree Learning Outcomes
Cal State Apply Window: October 1 - November 30
To apply for undergraduate admission to SDSU, you need to apply online at CalState Apply.
At the time of the application, select your Pre-Major as “Television, Film, and New Media (Production Emphasis 667304).”
For deadlines for the upcoming term(s), please refer to the university’s Office of Admissions website and How and When to Apply page.
The emphasis in production is designated as an impacted program. The School of Theatre, Television, and Film limits enrollment in order to maintain the recognized quality of our programs and to ensure reasonable affordability in terms of student finances and time spent from admission to graduation. Entrance into the major is competitive. Only students with outstanding academic records and demonstrated creativity in related fields are encouraged to petition.
Upon initial admission to the TFM Program, students are designated as “pre-majors”.
To move from pre-major to major status, and be admitted into the Television, Film, and New Media Major, with emphasis in Production, students must meet the following criteria:
PREPARATION for the major: Lower Division courses (15 units):
SUBMISSION of the TFM Petition Portfolio to be evaluated by the TFM screening committee.
Students are allowed to submit the Petition Portfolio when they have met the following minimum criteria:
** Grades of “Credit” or “Pass” are accepted for preparation courses (and all transferable college equivalents) completed during semesters impacted by the coronavirus pandemic (Spring, Summer or Fall 2020 terms and in Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall 2021 terms).
Petition Portfolios are evaluated during two submission periods:
The period/deadline and procedures for submission of the Petition Portfolio depend upon your admission status at SDSU.
For Freshman Applicants: You do not submit a Petition Portfolio as part of the application process for admission to SDSU. Follow the steps “For Sophomores, Juniors, and second-semester Freshmen”.
For Transfer Applicants: Transfer students admitted to the pre-major in Television, Film, and New Media with an emphasis in Production are required to submit a petition portfolio the second Monday in April (due by 3:30pm, San Diego Time). Follow the ”Steps for Admission: Transfer Applicants”.
You may not submit a portfolio if you have been denied admission to SDSU.
You may petition once more after your transfer if your first portfolio is denied.
For Sophomores, Juniors and second-semester Freshmen: If you have completed all minimum criteria (TFM 160, THEA 100, with grade requirements on file, minimum cumulative GPA, and completion of 15 college semester units), you may submit petition portfolios in either submission period (Spring or Fall).
To stay on track with a four-year graduation plan, it is advised you submit your portfolio during your Sophomore year.
The earliest you can submit your portfolio is during your second semester as a Freshman (after the completion of the minimum criteria).
See “TFM Petition Portfolio Requirements” for the list and descriptions of the required portfolio elements.
SDSU students are permitted to petition for the TFM major TWICE. If your petition has been denied, please see your TFM Major adviser, Stuart Voytilla (svoytilla@sdsu.edu). Together you will go over the committee’s feedback to address ways to strengthen your petition for a second submission.
Incomplete petition portfolios will not be reviewed nor will they count as a petitioning attempt.
For Transfer Applicants: Follow the “Steps for Admission: Transfer Applicants” below.
For Sophomores, Juniors, second-semester Freshmen: If you meet the minimum criteria for the petition portfolio and you’re preparing to submit your portfolio, you need to first submit a REQUEST TO APPLY form.
The TTF School Coordinator will process your REQUEST TO APPLY form within three (3) business days and email you an invitation to access your individual application/petition folder on our Google Drive.
You will place all of your application materials in your individual petition folder. It is important to note that once the deadline for submitting your materials has passed, you will no longer have access to your folder.
Visit the TFM Petition Portfolio Guidelines FAQ, for the latest information and resources including step-by-step guidance on submitting your petition portfolio.
Admission into the TFM major with emphasis in Production as a Transfer Applicant is a two-step process:
Submit the REQUEST TO APPLY form.
Submit the REQUEST TO APPLY form.
The TTF School Coordinator will process your REQUEST TO APPLY form within three (3) business days and email you an invitation to access your individual application/petition folder on our Google Drive.
You will place all of your application materials in your individual petition folder. It is important to note that once the deadline for submitting your materials has passed, you will no longer have access to your folder.
The deadline for submitting your TFM petition portfolio is the second Monday of April (3:30 pm, San Diego Time).
This portfolio is not supplemental material for the university; it is only for the School of Theatre, Television, and Film.
To submit the petition portfolio, Transfer Applicants must show completion (with minimum B grades) of two of the preparation for the major courses (or their articulated equivalents at a community college):
These two classes (or their equivalents) need to be completed with grades recorded before you can submit your petition portfolio. To verify whether your California community college courses are articulated equivalents, please visit the following resources:
The other preparation courses could also be taken at a local community college before you apply:
And 3 units (one course) chosen from:
If you haven’t completed the other preparation courses before your admission to SDSU, you would need to complete the courses during your fall semester at SDSU.
Visit the TFM Petition Portfolio Guidelines FAQ, for the latest information and resources including step-by-step guidance on submitting your petition portfolio.
Questions?
For additional assistance, contact the TFM Academic Advisor:
Chad Reyes
619-594-4670
cnreyes@sdsu.edu
DA 204B
The following material is required for the successful submission of the TFM Petition Portfolio:
Digital submission is required.
After all petitioning materials have been reviewed you will receive a letter of acceptance or denial via email and direct mail.
Visit the TFM Petition Portfolio Guidelines FAQ, for the latest information and resources including step-by-step guidance on submitting your petition portfolio.
Questions?
For additional assistance, contact the TFM Academic Advisor.
Lower Division courses: (15 units)
And 3 units (one course) chosen from:
The Major: 42 Upper division units in the following four-semester sequence:
SEMESTER A
SEMESTER B
SEMESTER C
SEMESTER D
LIST A Electives: Production (6 units required)
LIST B Electives: Critical Studies (6 units required)
Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement: Pass the Writing Proficiency Assessment (WPA) with a score of 10 or above, or complete RWS 305W with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
This advising checklist does not include your General Education Requirements.
A minor is not required for this major.
For additional curriculum details, please consult the following:
Undergraduate Catalog
For more information, contact the Academic Advisor:
Chad Reyes
619-594-4670
cnreyes@sdsu.edu
DA 204B