Certificate in Documentary Media Studies students take six courses (five required, one elective) in documentary history and theory and video production and postproduction. Over the course of the year, each student produces, directs, and edits an original short documentary video on a subject of the student’s choice based in or near New York City.

Students attend classes and program-related activities a minimum of three weekdays per week. Significant time outside of class is devoted to the documentary project, in addition to assigned readings and papers. (In the fall, production shooting typically includes weekend days. The program does not recommend working outside the program for more than ten hours weekly.) Students work in crews of three and contribute to their crew-mates’ documentary projects as directors of photography, sound recordists, or production assistants. Students have access to state-of-the-art DV cameras, lighting kits, sound kits, and Final Cut Pro stations. All necessary technical skills are taught as part of the core production course (Foundations of Documentary Practice) with the exception of technical editing instruction, given during an optional one-week Final Cut Pro Intensive in January.

In October, students submit documentary project proposals, initiated in the summer, to the faculty and begin production shortly thereafter. The production period concludes in December.

Students are required to attend bi-weekly Doc Talk events.