Salt Graduate Certificate in Documentary Studies

We are currently accepting applications for the fall 2021 and spring 2022 terms.

Fall 2021: Radio and Podcasting or Short Film
Diversity fellowship deadline: May 1
Priority application deadline: August 13

Spring 2022: Radio and Podcasting or Short Film
Diversity fellowship deadline: November 5
Priority application deadline: December 3

Craft stories surrounded by other brilliant and curious radio and film makers at the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies at Maine College of Art in Portland, Maine. Learn the fundamentals of storytelling, develop the technical skills to make podcasts or short film documentaries, explore the ethics of documentary work, and practice the art of live storytelling. 

Since 1973, the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies has taught students from all over the United States and around the world to become skilled documentarians and storytellers. Motivated individuals from all walks of life come to Salt to focus on this discipline, develop new skills, and build expertise. Our faculty members are working documentarians and teaching professionals who help provide a strong foundation for students to make their best work.

The Salt experience is immersive and focused. We are looking for students who arrive ready to work and who understand the importance of and possibilities inherent in this rigorous, 15-week program. We want students to bring their passion for documentary work to Salt to gain better storytelling skills, learn more about the field of documentary work, and be open to the new possibilities that the Salt program will present.

Classes for the fall term begin August 30, 2021. Classes for the spring term begin January 18, 2022.

Salt Diversity Fellowship
As part of Salt at Maine College of Art’s commitment to training the next generation of storytellers, we are pleased to offer the Salt Diversity Fellowship. We are committed to training documentarians to tell stories in ways that are equitable and inclusive. We also recognize that documentary has often reinforced the inequality present in our societies, rather than challenged it. As part of our mission as storytellers and citizens, we are committed to transforming this field so that it reflects and amplifies a diversity of experiences, identities, and voices. Ideal applicants produce work that embodies and reinforces these core values. More information about the fellowship can be found here.

Salt graduates
Hundreds of documentarians have gotten their start at Salt. Graduates include radio luminaries such as Sam Greenspan (99% Invisible), Zoe Chace (This American Life), Phoebe Judge (Criminal), Kalila Holt (Heavyweight), and Chloe Prasinos (Marvel’s Wolverine). 

Current/recent faculty + visiting documentarians include:
Isaac Kestenbaum, Katie Shepherd, Erin Murphy, Robert Smith, Colin Cheney, Ashley Cleek, Peter Lang-Stanton, Annie Aviles, Yoon Byun, Thi Bui, Jaed Coffin, Leila Day, Galen Koch, Andrea de Leon, RaMell Ross, and Sharon Shattuck.

Salt Story Archive
For almost 50 years, the students of the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies have captured the spirit of the culture, people, and landscapes of the world around us. This collection of completed stories and publications is now available online at saltstoryarchive.com.

After Salt: Continuing Salt Studies
After finishing the Salt program, stay current in your practice and learn new skills and techniques with our Continuing Salt Studies courses. Ranging from deep dives into sound design to place-based storytelling to how to write a cookbook, Salt alum and community members alike enjoy a variety of continuing education opportunities. Visit cs.meca.edu/salt-intensives

For more information about the program, watch the recording of our online info session here. 

Admissions contact: T 207 699 5023 / admissions [​at​] meca.edu