How to Apply
There are two ways you can apply to Television and Film Arts (TFA):
Early Action
November 15, 2025—EARLY ACTION DEADLINE
This process allows students to receive their decision earlier than regular admission. Students applying as early action candidates must submit all TFA documents, including the Common or SUNY application, by November 15, 2025, with a decision being made by December 15, 2025. *
Regular Admission
February 1, 2026—REGULAR ADMISSION DEADLINE
Students applying to TFA under regular admission will have until February 1, 2026, to submit all TFA documents, including the Common or SUNY application, with a decision being made by March 1, 2026. *
*Students accepted to the Television and Film Arts program have until May 1, 2026, to commit to Buffalo State.
Applying to Television and Film Arts requires you to complete TWO applications, one for admission to the university, and the other for admission to Television and Film Arts.
Applying to Buffalo State
Apply Through Undergraduate Admissions
Prospective undergraduate students interested in entering the Television and Film Arts program at Buffalo State must apply through the Undergraduate Admissions Office.
On the SUNY website: select Buffalo State
In the curriculum menu: select "Television and Film Arts"
Contact Us
Admission to the Television and Film Arts program is competitive and limited to approximately 20 students each year.
Questions? Contact TFA Director, Jeffrey Hirschberg, hirschjn@buffalostate.edu
Applying to the TFA Program
Complete the Personal Statement Form
Download and complete the Personal Statement form and email it to TFA@buffalostate.edu.
Complete the Creative Sample Form
After downloading the Creative Sample form, you must submit one of the following:
- Full-length feature / TV script (Submit the first 7 pages)
- Short film script (Submit the first 7 pages)
- Short story (Submit the first 7 pages)
- Play (Submit the first 7 pages)
Email Creative Samples to TFA@buffalostate.edu.
Your Recommendation
Download and forward the Recommendation to the TFA Major form to your recommender, who will complete the recommendation form and email it to TFA@buffalostate.edu.