Salt Graduate Certificate in Documentary Studies

Program Overview

The Salt Institute for Documentary Studies at Maine College of Art & Design offers a graduate certificate in documentary studies for emerging and mid-career storytellers. The semester-long, in-person program includes three tracks—Radio & Podcasting, Short Film, and Nonfiction Writing—and trains students in ethical storytelling, fieldwork, and professional portfolio development. Nearly 90% of graduates work in media within the field.

Format & Duration

• In-person, full-time
• One semester (~16 weeks)
• Graduate Certificate (16 credits)

Tracks

• Radio & Podcasting: Create sound-rich audio narratives, pitch work, and build a professional portfolio.
• Short Film: Learn research, shooting, interviewing, editing, and post-production to create documentary films.
• Nonfiction Writing: Develop long-form narrative nonfiction skills including reporting, structure, critique, and placement.

Cost & Start Dates

• Tuition: $754/credit (~$12,064 total tuition)
• Start Dates: January (Spring) and August (Fall)

Key Dates for Fall 2026

• Early Application Deadline: Sunday, March 8, 2026
• Application Deadline: Rolling
• Projected Program Start Date: Monday, August 31, 2026

How to Apply

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as space permits after the application deadline. Salt Spring starts mid-January and ends early-May; Salt Fall starts late-August and ends mid-December. For additional help, contact Graduate Admissions.

Program Outcomes

Successful Salt students demonstrate the ability to create documentary work in their respective media of study; apply research, analysis, and creativity to storytelling; focus on civic engagement; demonstrate professional practices; define a vision and determine effective strategies; and think independently while synthesizing information.

Alumni Success

Since 2017, nearly 90% of Salt graduates work in media at leading news and storytelling organizations, including NPR, Spotify, Apple, Vox, Pushkin Industries, and many others, holding positions such as podcast producer, video journalist, associate producer, and more.