An independent directory of verified film degrees in the United States
Northwestern University · Radio/Television/Film
A two-year MFA in dramatic writing for film, television and theater, with screenwriting, playwriting and television writing workshops and a final portfolio of at least three scripts. All new students receive full tuition and a living stipend, teach undergraduate workshops in the second year, and have access to a $5,000 production grant.
| Field | Classification | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Screenwriting | Dedicated degreeThe degree itself is in this field. | Source: write.northwestern.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
MFA combining screenwriting and playwriting with screenwriting and television writing workshops in both years.
Source: write.northwestern.edu · verified October 12, 2026We list verified film degrees only — no certificates, workshops or generic degrees with a few film electives. Eligibility rules
PortfolioFinal portfolio of at least three substantial scripts, reviewed and defended before a two-member faculty committee.
Source: write.northwestern.edu · verified October 12, 2026As listed on the program's official page on October 12, 2026. Listing does not mean a faculty member is teaching or supervising new students in a given year.
Source: write.northwestern.edu · verified October 12, 2026Thesis and project spending
We never estimate a total cost when key expenses are unpublished. Compare production costs
| Material | Status | Instructions as published |
|---|---|---|
| Screenplay sample | Required | A full-length original play, screenplay or television script (feature 75-120 pages; play 60-120 pages; 60-page TV drama); no prose; no co-authored work.Length: 60–120 pagesSource: write.northwestern.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
| Other material | Required | One-page, single-spaced synopsis of a writing project to pursue in the program.Length: up to 1 pagesSource: write.northwestern.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
We do not publish acceptance rates or estimate competitiveness. Build an application checklist
Application deadline
December 7, 2026 · for Fall 2027
Source: write.northwestern.edu · verified October 12, 2026| Category | Amount | Basis and year |
|---|---|---|
| All students — The Graduate School full-time master's tuition (covered for all new students per program page)From the school's rate table for this level | $23,662 | per quarter · 2026-2027Source: northwestern.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
These are the published rates. The program also states tuition coverage for funded students — see Funding below for what is covered.
Fully funded (all admitted)
Production grant production grant
$5,000
Eligibility: MFA students, second year
Source: write.northwestern.edu · verified October 12, 2026Something out of date? Suggest an update · Represent this school? Claim the profile
Same degree level and field. Listed for discovery, not ranked.
FilmSchools.app is independent and not affiliated with Northwestern University. Information is collected from official pages and can change; confirm requirements, costs and deadlines with the school.