University of Texas at Austin Radio-Television-Film

Overview

The Department of Radio-Television-Film (RTF) at the University of Texas at Austin is one of the largest and most established media production programs at a public university in the United States. The department sits within the Moody College of Communication and offers undergraduate and graduate programs that span narrative filmmaking, documentary, screenwriting, media studies, and emerging media.

Austin's independent film culture is a defining asset for UT's RTF program. The city hosts South by Southwest (SXSW), one of the most important film and media festivals in the world, and supports a thriving community of independent filmmakers, production companies, and post-production facilities. Austin Film Society, founded by Richard Linklater, provides additional resources and community for filmmakers in the region.

Texas has substantial film production incentives, and the state's production industry has grown significantly, with major productions shooting in and around Austin. UT RTF students benefit from this production activity through internships, crew opportunities, and professional networking.

Programs Offered

• BS in Radio-Television-Film -- the primary undergraduate program covering production, screenwriting, and media studies
• MFA in Film and Media Production -- graduate production with concentrations in directing, cinematography, editing, and producing
• MFA in Screenwriting -- graduate screenplay development for film and television
• MA in Media Studies -- a scholarly program in media theory, history, and criticism
• PhD in Radio-Television-Film -- doctoral research in media and cultural studies

What Students Should Know

UT Austin is a public flagship university, which means in-state tuition is a fraction of what private film schools charge. In-state undergraduate tuition is approximately $11,000 per year, and even out-of-state tuition at roughly $40,000 is competitive with private alternatives. This makes UT one of the most financially accessible top-tier film programs in the country.

The MFA in Film and Media Production is small and selective, admitting roughly 10 to 15 students per year. Graduate students receive strong faculty mentorship and access to the department's equipment and facilities. Thesis films from the program regularly screen at festivals including SXSW, Sundance, and Tribeca.

Austin's film community provides a built-in support system. Students connect with local filmmakers, attend SXSW events, and participate in Austin Film Society programs. The city's culture of independent, DIY filmmaking aligns well with the department's emphasis on personal storytelling and creative risk-taking.

The department's media studies programs are also nationally recognized, making UT a strong choice for students interested in the scholarly side of film and media alongside production work.

Notable Alumni

UT RTF alumni include Robert Rodriguez (El Mariachi, Sin City), Matthew McConaughey (actor, also a professor of practice at UT), Renee Zellweger (actress), Owen Wilson (actor/screenwriter), and Wes Anderson (The Royal Tenenbaums, The Grand Budapest Hotel), who studied philosophy at UT but was deeply embedded in the Austin film community during his time there.

See Also

For understanding the role of film festivals in career development, see Film Festival Strategy. To plan your independent film budget, use the Production Budget Calculator.