Editorial selection

Top Screenwriting Schools

Schools whose screenwriting degrees or officially named screenwriting pathways are documented on their own pages: the exact award, structure, writing-sample requirements and culminating script work. An editorial selection, alphabetical and unnumbered.

22 schools, 28 supporting programs · methodology v1.0 · criteria and evidence rules · reviewed October 12, 2026

Inclusion requires a dedicated screenwriting degree (for example an MFA in Screenwriting or Writing for Screen and Television) or an officially named screenwriting concentration inside a film or writing degree. A creative writing or film degree with a single screenwriting elective does not qualify, and a broad film production degree is not presented as screenwriting training.

What differs between programs. Some screenwriting degrees sit inside a film school, alongside production courses and collaboration with directors; others are writing programs focused almost entirely on scripts. Some cover film and television together. Look at the number of scripts you write, the workshop format, whether the thesis is a feature, a pilot or a portfolio, and the writing sample each program asks for — page limits and formats vary. Each entry lists the supporting degrees and their verified details.

Programs that teach online are compared separately in Best Online MFA Screenwriting Programs.

Listed alphabetically, not in order of quality. Required for this list: Eligible degree or formal pathway · Published structure · Culminating work · Published admissions materials · Source quality and freshness. Sponsored placements are never part of this list.

American Film Institute Conservatory
Los Angeles, CA
Supporting degree (1). Each program is assessed on its own facts; resources, costs and requirements of one program are not implied for another.
MFAMFA in Screenwriting
American Film Institute Conservatory awards the Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting, with verified screenwriting focus. Published length: Two years. Thesis screenplay: Thesis portfolio of two full-length written works.
Exact award
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting
Fields
Screenwriting (dedicated degree)
Formal pathways
None published
Format
On campus
Length
Two years
Thesis / capstone
Thesis screenplay — Thesis portfolio of two full-length written works.
Portfolio
Other material (required); Screenplay sample (required); Creative prompt / exercise (required)
Equipment & facilities
Access terms not published
Tuition
$75,508 per academic year (2026-2027)
Production costs
Supplies allowance (cost-of-attendance estimate): $3,000 per academic year
Funding
Partial funding; 1 named award
Strengths
Culminating thesis screenplay documented.
Production-related costs are published, so you can budget beyond tuition.
Scholarships, assistantships or grants are published (not guaranteed for every student).
Covers film and television together.
Tradeoffs and gaps
Equipment access terms are not published.
May suit
Writers developing feature or television scripts; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Thesis screenplay verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting: Screenwriting — dedicated degree.
Funding evidence
Partial funding; 1 named award.
Published cost
Tuition published (2 verified rates, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified: Two years.
Production resources and costs
1 production cost item documented.
Published admissions materials
3 submission items published (other, screenplay sample, creative prompt).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
Boston University
Boston, MA
Supporting degree (1). Each program is assessed on its own facts; resources, costs and requirements of one program are not implied for another.
MFAMFA in Screenwriting
Boston University awards the Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting, with verified screenwriting focus. Published length: Two years (four terms). Portfolio: Graduates complete at least seven scripts: two features, two shorts, two TV specs and an original pilot with a series bible.
Exact award
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting
Fields
Screenwriting (dedicated degree)
Formal pathways
None published
Format
On campus
Length
Two years (four terms) · 60 units (plus 4 optional units)
Thesis / capstone
Portfolio — Graduates complete at least seven scripts: two features, two shorts, two TV specs and an original pilot with a series bible.
Portfolio
Screenplay sample (required)
Equipment & facilities
Access terms not published
Tuition
$2,282 per unit (2026-2027)
Production costs
Los Angeles semester costs
Funding
Partial funding; 1 named award
Strengths
Culminating portfolio documented.
Production-related costs are published, so you can budget beyond tuition.
Scholarships, assistantships or grants are published (not guaranteed for every student).
Covers film and television together.
Tradeoffs and gaps
Equipment access terms are not published.
No dated deadline published for the next intake.
May suit
Writers developing feature or television scripts; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Portfolio verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting: Screenwriting — dedicated degree.
Funding evidence
Partial funding; 1 named award.
Published cost
Tuition published (1 verified rate, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified: Two years (four terms); 60 units (plus 4 optional units).
Production resources and costs
1 production cost item documented.
Published admissions materials
1 submission item published (screenplay sample).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
California State University-Northridge
Northridge, CA
Supporting degrees (2). Each program is assessed on its own facts; resources, costs and requirements of one program are not implied for another.
BABA in Cinema and Television Arts
California State University-Northridge awards the Bachelor of Arts in Cinema and Television Arts, with verified film production, screenwriting and film studies pathways. Thesis film: Film Production option: Senior Film Project I and II, with films exhibited at the Senior Thesis Film Showcase.
Exact award
Bachelor of Arts in Cinema and Television Arts
Fields
Film Production (Film Production Option concentration) · Film Studies (Media Theory and Criticism Option concentration) · Screenwriting (Screenwriting Option concentration)
Formal pathways
Film Production, Screenwriting, Media Theory and Criticism
Format
On campus
Length
120 units (46 in the major/Film Production option)
Thesis / capstone
Thesis film — Film Production option: Senior Film Project I and II, with films exhibited at the Senior Thesis Film Showcase.
Portfolio
Creative portfolio (pathway-specific)
Equipment & facilities
ARRI Resource Center lends camera equipment to students enrolled in production courses; registration required and reservations 2-3 weeks in advance; 300- and 400-level projects need safety and insurance clearance first. 16mm cameras, grip and portable lighting are available for checkout to film students; selected seniors may use an Arricam 35mm or ARRI Alexa through a program with ARRI. Avid editing stations in bullpen and private suites; seniors edit in the Hollywood Foreign Press Association Senior Film Edit Suite.
Tuition
$3,419 per semester (2026-2027)
Production costs
Production insurance (department)
Funding
Funding not verified; 1 named award
Strengths
Formal pathways published: Film Production, Screenwriting, Media Theory and Criticism.
Culminating thesis film documented.
Equipment or facility access is documented for students.
Production-related costs are published, so you can budget beyond tuition.
Scholarships, assistantships or grants are published (not guaranteed for every student).
Covers film and television together.
Tradeoffs and gaps
None identified from published facts.
May suit
Writers developing feature or television scripts.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Thesis film verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Bachelor of Arts in Cinema and Television Arts: Screenwriting — named concentration (Screenwriting Option).
Funding evidence
Funding not verified; 1 named award.
Published cost
Tuition published (2 verified rates, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified; 120 units (46 in the major/Film Production option).
Production resources and costs
4 equipment/facility access items; 1 production cost item documented.
Published admissions materials
1 submission item published (creative portfolio).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
MFAMFA in Screenwriting
California State University-Northridge awards the Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting, with verified screenwriting focus. Published length: Two years. Thesis screenplay: Feature-film screenplay as the MFA thesis (CTVA 698C Thesis or Graduate Project).
Exact award
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting
Fields
Screenwriting (dedicated degree)
Formal pathways
None published
Format
On campus
Length
Two years · 42 units
Thesis / capstone
Thesis screenplay — Feature-film screenplay as the MFA thesis (CTVA 698C Thesis or Graduate Project).
Portfolio
Screenplay sample (required)
Equipment & facilities
Access terms not published
Tuition
$4,274 per semester (2026-2027)
Production costs
Not published
Funding
Funding not verified
Strengths
Culminating thesis screenplay documented.
Covers film and television together.
Tradeoffs and gaps
No program-specific production or equipment costs published — budget for them separately.
Equipment access terms are not published.
No funding policy verified.
May suit
Writers developing feature or television scripts; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Thesis screenplay verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting: Screenwriting — dedicated degree.
Published cost
Tuition published (2 verified rates, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified: Two years; 42 units.
Published admissions materials
1 submission item published (screenplay sample).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
Chapman University
Orange, CA
Supporting degree (1). Each program is assessed on its own facts; resources, costs and requirements of one program are not implied for another.
MFAScreenwriting (MFA)
Chapman University awards the MFA in Screenwriting, with verified screenwriting focus. Published length: Two years. Thesis screenplay: Thesis screenplay, prepared through SW 698 Thesis in Screenwriting in the second year.
Exact award
MFA in Screenwriting
Fields
Screenwriting (dedicated degree)
Formal pathways
None published
Format
On campus
Length
Two years · 48 credits at the 500 or 600 level
Thesis / capstone
Thesis screenplay — Thesis screenplay, prepared through SW 698 Thesis in Screenwriting in the second year.
Portfolio
Creative portfolio (required); Creative prompt / exercise (required); Writing sample (required); Screenplay sample (required)
Equipment & facilities
Access terms not published
Tuition
$28,018 per semester (2026-2027)
Production costs
Film Conservatory fee: $375 per semester
Funding
Partial funding
Strengths
Culminating thesis screenplay documented.
Production-related costs are published, so you can budget beyond tuition.
Scholarships, assistantships or grants are published (not guaranteed for every student).
Covers film and television together.
Tradeoffs and gaps
Equipment access terms are not published.
May suit
Writers developing feature or television scripts; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Thesis screenplay verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
MFA in Screenwriting: Screenwriting — dedicated degree.
Funding evidence
Partial funding.
Published cost
Tuition published (1 verified rate, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified: Two years; 48 credits at the 500 or 600 level.
Production resources and costs
1 production cost item documented.
Published admissions materials
4 submission items published (creative portfolio, creative prompt, writing sample, screenplay sample).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
CUNY Brooklyn College
Brooklyn, NY
Supporting degree (1). Each program is assessed on its own facts; resources, costs and requirements of one program are not implied for another.
MFACinema Arts, M.F.A.
CUNY Brooklyn College awards the Master of Fine Arts in Cinema Arts, with verified film production, film directing, cinematography, screenwriting, editing and producing pathways. Thesis film: Third-year thesis in one of several disciplines: director, cinematographer, screenwriter, editor, producer or VFX artist.
Exact award
Master of Fine Arts in Cinema Arts
Fields
Film Production (dedicated degree) · Film Directing (Thesis as director concentration) · Cinematography (Thesis as cinematographer concentration) · Screenwriting (Thesis as screenwriter concentration) · Producing (Thesis as producer concentration) +1
Formal pathways
Live Action Filmmaking
Format
On campus
Length
66 credits
Thesis / capstone
Thesis film — Third-year thesis in one of several disciplines: director, cinematographer, screenwriter, editor, producer or VFX artist.
Portfolio
Film or reel (optional); Writing sample (optional); Screenplay sample (optional); Creative portfolio (required)
Equipment & facilities
Students shoot on Alexa LF, XT, RED Weapon and Panaflex Millennium XL camera platforms with LED, HMI and tungsten lighting. Post-production in Avid, Resolve and Premiere Pro. Studios and stages in the Feirstein facility.
Tuition
$5,545 per semester
Production costs
Academic Excellence Fee (full-time MFA): $5,022 per semester; Academic Excellence Fee, summer/winter courses: $1,175 per course; Production costs beyond school-provided resources
Funding
Funding not verified
Strengths
Formal pathways published: Live Action Filmmaking.
Culminating thesis film documented.
Equipment or facility access is documented for students.
Production-related costs are published, so you can budget beyond tuition.
Tradeoffs and gaps
No funding policy verified.
No dated deadline published for the next intake.
May suit
Applicants who want to specialize in directing; aspiring cinematographers; future producers; applicants focused on editing and post-production; writers developing feature or television scripts; people who need to keep working or study away from campus; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Thesis film verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Master of Fine Arts in Cinema Arts: Screenwriting — named concentration (Thesis as screenwriter).
Published cost
Tuition published (2 verified rates).
Published structure
Format and length verified; 66 credits.
Production resources and costs
3 equipment/facility access items; 4 production cost items documented.
Published admissions materials
4 submission items published (film reel, writing sample, screenplay sample, creative portfolio).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
DePaul University
Chicago, IL
Supporting degrees (2). Each program is assessed on its own facts; resources, costs and requirements of one program are not implied for another.
BFABFA in Film & Television
DePaul University awards the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Television, with verified film production, cinematography, film directing, editing, screenwriting and producing pathways. Capstone project: Senior-year capstone in the major (liberal studies requirement).
Exact award
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Television
Fields
Film Production (dedicated degree) · Film Directing (Directing concentration) · Cinematography (Cinematography concentration) · Screenwriting (Screenwriting concentration) · Producing (Creative Producing concentration) +1
Formal pathways
Cinematography, Comedy Filmmaking, Creative Producing, Directing, Documentary, Editing, Production, Production Design, Screenwriting, Showrunner, Sound Design, Visual Effects
Format
On campus
Length
192 quarter hours
Thesis / capstone
Capstone project — Senior-year capstone in the major (liberal studies requirement).
Portfolio
Creative portfolio (optional)
Equipment & facilities
Film and Television students take classes and work on projects at DePaul's production facility at Cinespace.
Tuition
$48,180 per academic year (2026-2027)
Production costs
Not published
Funding
Funding not verified
Strengths
Formal pathways published: Cinematography, Comedy Filmmaking, Creative Producing, Directing, Documentary, Editing….
Culminating capstone project documented.
Equipment or facility access is documented for students.
Covers film and television together.
Tradeoffs and gaps
No program-specific production or equipment costs published — budget for them separately.
No funding policy verified.
No dated deadline published for the next intake.
May suit
Applicants who want to specialize in directing; aspiring cinematographers; future producers; applicants focused on editing and post-production; writers developing feature or television scripts.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Capstone project verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Television: Screenwriting — named concentration (Screenwriting).
Published cost
Tuition published (1 verified rate, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified; 192 quarter hours.
Production resources and costs
1 equipment/facility access item documented.
Published admissions materials
1 submission item published (creative portfolio).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
MFAMFA in Screenwriting
DePaul University awards the Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting, with verified screenwriting focus. Thesis screenplay: Feature-length screenplay or original television pilot with pitch deck and series bible, judged by a thesis committee.
Exact award
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting
Fields
Screenwriting (dedicated degree)
Formal pathways
Standard, Comedy
Format
On campus
Length
68 quarter hours
Thesis / capstone
Thesis screenplay — Feature-length screenplay or original television pilot with pitch deck and series bible, judged by a thesis committee.
Portfolio
Writing sample (required); Creative prompt / exercise (required)
Equipment & facilities
Access terms not published
Tuition
$1,003 per credit (2026-2027)
Production costs
Not published
Funding
Partial funding; 1 named award
Strengths
Formal pathways published: Standard, Comedy.
Culminating thesis screenplay documented.
Scholarships, assistantships or grants are published (not guaranteed for every student).
Covers film and television together.
Tradeoffs and gaps
No program-specific production or equipment costs published — budget for them separately.
Equipment access terms are not published.
No dated deadline published for the next intake.
May suit
Writers developing feature or television scripts; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Thesis screenplay verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting: Screenwriting — dedicated degree.
Funding evidence
Partial funding; 1 named award.
Published cost
Tuition published (1 verified rate, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified; 68 quarter hours.
Published admissions materials
2 submission items published (writing sample, creative prompt).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
Emerson College
Boston, MA
Supporting degree (1). Each program is assessed on its own facts; resources, costs and requirements of one program are not implied for another.
MFAWriting for Film and Television MFA
Emerson College awards the Master of Fine Arts in Writing for Film and Television, with verified screenwriting focus. Published length: Two years. Portfolio: Professional portfolio: short screenplays, a feature screenplay, a TV spec script, an original pilot, an additional script and critical essays.
Exact award
Master of Fine Arts in Writing for Film and Television
Fields
Screenwriting (dedicated degree)
Formal pathways
None published
Format
Hybrid · Low-residency
Length
Two years · 40 credits
Thesis / capstone
Portfolio — Professional portfolio: short screenplays, a feature screenplay, a TV spec script, an original pilot, an additional script and critical essays.
Portfolio
Writing sample (required)
Equipment & facilities
Access terms not published
Tuition
$1,551 per credit (2026-2027)
Production costs
Residency travel
Funding
Partial funding
Strengths
Culminating portfolio documented.
Production-related costs are published, so you can budget beyond tuition.
Scholarships, assistantships or grants are published (not guaranteed for every student).
Covers film and television together.
Tradeoffs and gaps
Equipment access terms are not published.
Requires travel to residencies; not fully online.
May suit
Writers developing feature or television scripts; people who need to keep working or study away from campus; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Portfolio verified.
Verified online model
Low-residency; documented: campus residency, coursework delivery, synchronous.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Master of Fine Arts in Writing for Film and Television: Screenwriting — dedicated degree.
Funding evidence
Partial funding.
Published cost
Tuition published (1 verified rate, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified: Two years; 40 credits.
Production resources and costs
1 production cost item documented.
Published admissions materials
1 submission item published (writing sample).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
Hollins University
Roanoke, VA
Supporting degree (1). Each program is assessed on its own facts; resources, costs and requirements of one program are not implied for another.
MFAScreenwriting M.F.A.
Hollins University awards the M.F.A. in Screenwriting, with verified screenwriting focus. Published length: Two years (six terms). Thesis screenplay: Second-year thesis course with a one-on-one advisor; the completed thesis is the thesis-course feature or TV pilot plus one additional original feature or pilot written in a Hollins course.
Exact award
M.F.A. in Screenwriting
Fields
Screenwriting (dedicated degree)
Formal pathways
None published
Format
Online · Limited visits
Length
Two years (six terms) · 48 credits
Thesis / capstone
Thesis screenplay — Second-year thesis course with a one-on-one advisor; the completed thesis is the thesis-course feature or TV pilot plus one additional original feature or pilot written in a Hollins course.
Portfolio
Screenplay sample (required)
Equipment & facilities
Access terms not published
Tuition
$915 per credit
Production costs
Summer Writers Intensive housing: $165 (basis not stated by the school); Travel to campus
Funding
Funding not verified
Strengths
Culminating thesis screenplay documented.
Production-related costs are published, so you can budget beyond tuition.
Covers film and television together.
Tradeoffs and gaps
Equipment access terms are not published.
No funding policy verified.
No dated deadline published for the next intake.
Mostly online but requires some campus visits.
May suit
Writers developing feature or television scripts; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Thesis screenplay verified.
Verified online model
Limited campus visits; documented: coursework delivery, campus residency.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
M.F.A. in Screenwriting: Screenwriting — dedicated degree.
Published cost
Tuition published (1 verified rate).
Published structure
Format and length verified: Two years (six terms); 48 credits.
Production resources and costs
2 production cost items documented.
Published admissions materials
1 submission item published (screenplay sample).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD
Supporting degree (1). Each program is assessed on its own facts; resources, costs and requirements of one program are not implied for another.
MAMA in Film and Media
Johns Hopkins University awards the Master of Arts in Film and Media, with verified film production, producing and screenwriting pathways. Published length: 16 - 24 months. Capstone project: Required Capstone for Film & Media course (AS.455.800).
Exact award
Master of Arts in Film and Media
Fields
Film Production (dedicated degree) · Screenwriting (Writing concentration) · Producing (The Business of Film concentration)
Formal pathways
The Business of Film, Writing, Immersive Storytelling and Emerging Technologies
Format
On campus
Length
16 - 24 months · 33 credits (11 courses)
Thesis / capstone
Capstone project — Required Capstone for Film & Media course (AS.455.800).
Portfolio
Creative portfolio (required)
Equipment & facilities
Classes at the JHU-MICA Film Centre with a film studio and recording facilities.
Tuition
$4,970 – $5,770 (basis not stated by the school) (2026-2027)
Production costs
Course fees
Funding
Funding not verified
Strengths
Formal pathways published: The Business of Film, Writing, Immersive Storytelling and Emerging Technologies.
Culminating capstone project documented.
Equipment or facility access is documented for students.
Production-related costs are published, so you can budget beyond tuition.
Covers film and television together.
Tradeoffs and gaps
No funding policy verified.
No dated deadline published for the next intake.
May suit
Future producers; writers developing feature or television scripts; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Capstone project verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Master of Arts in Film and Media: Screenwriting — named concentration (Writing).
Published cost
Tuition published (1 verified rate, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified: 16 - 24 months; 33 credits (11 courses).
Production resources and costs
1 equipment/facility access item; 1 production cost item documented.
Published admissions materials
1 submission item published (creative portfolio).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CA
Supporting degrees (2). Each program is assessed on its own facts; resources, costs and requirements of one program are not implied for another.
MFAMFA in Writing and Producing for Television
Loyola Marymount University awards the Master of Fine Arts in Writing and Producing for Television, with verified screenwriting focus. Published length: Three years. Thesis film: A 5-15 minute short written and produced by the MFA candidate.
Exact award
Master of Fine Arts in Writing and Producing for Television
Fields
Screenwriting (dedicated degree) · Producing (broader film degree)
Formal pathways
None published
Format
On campus
Length
Three years · 53 semester hours
Thesis / capstone
Thesis film — A 5-15 minute short written and produced by the MFA candidate.
Portfolio
Screenplay sample (required); Writing sample (optional)
Equipment & facilities
Access terms not published
Tuition
$1,814 per credit (2026-2027)
Production costs
Not published
Funding
Funding not verified
Strengths
Culminating thesis film documented.
Covers film and television together.
Tradeoffs and gaps
No program-specific production or equipment costs published — budget for them separately.
Equipment access terms are not published.
No funding policy verified.
A longer commitment: Three years.
May suit
Writers developing feature or television scripts; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Thesis film verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Master of Fine Arts in Writing and Producing for Television: Screenwriting — dedicated degree.
Published cost
Tuition published (1 verified rate, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified: Three years; 53 semester hours.
Published admissions materials
2 submission items published (screenplay sample, writing sample).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
MFAMFA in Writing for the Screen
Loyola Marymount University awards the Master of Fine Arts in Writing for the Screen, with verified screenwriting focus. Published length: Three years. Thesis screenplay: Thesis project: a feature-length original screenplay rewritten in advanced workshop during the third year.
Exact award
Master of Fine Arts in Writing for the Screen
Fields
Screenwriting (dedicated degree)
Formal pathways
None published
Format
On campus
Length
Three years · 54 semester hours
Thesis / capstone
Thesis screenplay — Thesis project: a feature-length original screenplay rewritten in advanced workshop during the third year.
Portfolio
Screenplay sample (required); Writing sample (optional); Other material (required)
Equipment & facilities
Access terms not published
Tuition
$1,814 per credit (2026-2027)
Production costs
Not published
Funding
Funding not verified
Strengths
Culminating thesis screenplay documented.
Covers film and television together.
Tradeoffs and gaps
No program-specific production or equipment costs published — budget for them separately.
Equipment access terms are not published.
No funding policy verified.
A longer commitment: Three years.
May suit
Writers developing feature or television scripts; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Thesis screenplay verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Master of Fine Arts in Writing for the Screen: Screenwriting — dedicated degree.
Published cost
Tuition published (1 verified rate, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified: Three years; 54 semester hours.
Published admissions materials
3 submission items published (screenplay sample, writing sample, other).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
Mount Saint Mary's University
Los Angeles, CA
Supporting degree (1). Each program is assessed on its own facts; resources, costs and requirements of one program are not implied for another.
MFAMFA in Film, Television and New Media
Mount Saint Mary's University awards the Master of Fine Arts in Film, Television and New Media, with verified film production, screenwriting, film directing, producing, cinematography and editing pathways. Published length: 2 years. Thesis: 12 units of thesis work (Thesis 1-3) with a mid-program review and thesis proposal, ending in a final review and oral defense; public exhibition of thesis work is expected.
Exact award
Master of Fine Arts in Film, Television and New Media
Fields
Film Production (dedicated degree) · Film Directing (Directing concentration) · Cinematography (Cinematography concentration) · Screenwriting (Screenwriting concentration) · Producing (Producing concentration) +1
Formal pathways
Screenwriting, Directing, Producing, Cinematography, Documentary, Editing
Format
Hybrid · Low-residency
Length
2 years · 48 units
Thesis / capstone
Thesis — 12 units of thesis work (Thesis 1-3) with a mid-program review and thesis proposal, ending in a final review and oral defense; public exhibition of thesis work is expected.
Portfolio
Film or reel (optional); Creative portfolio (required)
Equipment & facilities
Hollywood Studio with editing software (Avid Media Composer, Pro Tools, DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Creative Cloud) and cameras from Canon, RED and ARRI. 5.1 edit bay and recording studio with voiceover isolation booth.
Tuition
$1,247 per unit (2026-2027)
Production costs
Program Fee: $847 per semester
Funding
Partial funding
Strengths
Formal pathways published: Screenwriting, Directing, Producing, Cinematography, Documentary, Editing.
Culminating thesis documented.
Equipment or facility access is documented for students.
Production-related costs are published, so you can budget beyond tuition.
Scholarships, assistantships or grants are published (not guaranteed for every student).
Covers film and television together.
Tradeoffs and gaps
No dated deadline published for the next intake.
Requires travel to residencies; not fully online.
May suit
Applicants who want to specialize in directing; aspiring cinematographers; future producers; applicants focused on editing and post-production; writers developing feature or television scripts; people who need to keep working or study away from campus; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Thesis verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Master of Fine Arts in Film, Television and New Media: Screenwriting — named concentration (Screenwriting).
Funding evidence
Partial funding.
Published cost
Tuition published (1 verified rate, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified: 2 years; 48 units.
Production resources and costs
2 equipment/facility access items; 1 production cost item documented.
Published admissions materials
2 submission items published (film reel, creative portfolio).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
New York Film Academy
Burbank, CA
Supporting degrees (2). Each program is assessed on its own facts; resources, costs and requirements of one program are not implied for another.
BFABFA in Screenwriting
New York Film Academy awards the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Screenwriting, with verified screenwriting focus. Published length: Three years, eight semesters. Portfolio: Students build a large script portfolio; the program is capped by a Pitch Fest.
Exact award
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Screenwriting
Fields
Screenwriting (dedicated degree)
Formal pathways
None published
Format
On campus
Length
Three years, eight semesters
Thesis / capstone
Portfolio — Students build a large script portfolio; the program is capped by a Pitch Fest.
Portfolio
Screenplay sample (required)
Equipment & facilities
Digital license to Final Draft plus editing software, camera, sound and lighting equipment.
Tuition
$19,500 per semester (2027)
Production costs
Departmental Program Fee: $80 (basis not stated by the school)
Funding
Funding not verified; 2 named awards
Strengths
Culminating portfolio documented.
Equipment or facility access is documented for students.
Production-related costs are published, so you can budget beyond tuition.
Scholarships, assistantships or grants are published (not guaranteed for every student).
Covers film and television together.
Tradeoffs and gaps
No dated deadline published for the next intake.
May suit
Writers developing feature or television scripts; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Portfolio verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Screenwriting: Screenwriting — dedicated degree.
Funding evidence
Funding not verified; 2 named awards.
Published cost
Tuition published (1 verified rate, 2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified: Three years, eight semesters.
Production resources and costs
1 equipment/facility access item; 1 production cost item documented.
Published admissions materials
1 submission item published (screenplay sample).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
MFAMFA in Screenwriting
New York Film Academy awards the Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting, with verified screenwriting focus. Published length: Two years, five semesters. Thesis screenplay: Program concludes with a Pitch Fest where students pitch their thesis script.
Exact award
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting
Fields
Screenwriting (dedicated degree)
Formal pathways
None published
Format
On campus
Length
Two years, five semesters
Thesis / capstone
Thesis screenplay — Program concludes with a Pitch Fest where students pitch their thesis script.
Portfolio
Screenplay sample (required)
Equipment & facilities
Digital license to Final Draft; access to camera, sound and lighting equipment.
Tuition
$20,500 per semester (2027)
Production costs
Departmental Program Fee: $80 (basis not stated by the school)
Funding
Partial funding; 2 named awards
Strengths
Culminating thesis screenplay documented.
Equipment or facility access is documented for students.
Production-related costs are published, so you can budget beyond tuition.
Scholarships, assistantships or grants are published (not guaranteed for every student).
Covers film and television together.
Tradeoffs and gaps
No dated deadline published for the next intake.
May suit
Writers developing feature or television scripts; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Thesis screenplay verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting: Screenwriting — dedicated degree.
Funding evidence
Partial funding; 2 named awards.
Published cost
Tuition published (1 verified rate, 2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified: Two years, five semesters.
Production resources and costs
1 equipment/facility access item; 1 production cost item documented.
Published admissions materials
1 submission item published (screenplay sample).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
Supporting degree (1). Each program is assessed on its own facts; resources, costs and requirements of one program are not implied for another.
MFAMFA in Writing for the Screen and Stage
Northwestern University awards the Master of Fine Arts in Writing for the Screen and Stage, with verified screenwriting focus. Published length: Two years. Portfolio: Final portfolio of at least three substantial scripts, reviewed and defended before a two-member faculty committee.
Exact award
Master of Fine Arts in Writing for the Screen and Stage
Fields
Screenwriting (dedicated degree)
Formal pathways
None published
Format
On campus
Length
Two years
Thesis / capstone
Portfolio — Final portfolio of at least three substantial scripts, reviewed and defended before a two-member faculty committee.
Portfolio
Screenplay sample (required); Other material (required)
Equipment & facilities
Access to cameras, lighting, sound and computer labs.
Tuition
$23,662 per quarter (2026-2027)
Production costs
Production grant: $5,000 per project
Funding
Fully funded (all admitted); 1 named award
Strengths
Culminating portfolio documented.
Equipment or facility access is documented for students.
Production-related costs are published, so you can budget beyond tuition.
Tuition coverage and a stipend are published for admitted students.
Covers film and television together.
Tradeoffs and gaps
None identified from published facts.
May suit
Writers developing feature or television scripts; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Portfolio verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Master of Fine Arts in Writing for the Screen and Stage: Screenwriting — dedicated degree.
Funding evidence
Fully funded — guaranteed for all admitted students; 1 named award.
Published cost
Tuition published (1 verified rate, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified: Two years.
Production resources and costs
1 equipment/facility access item; 1 production cost item documented.
Published admissions materials
2 submission items published (screenplay sample, other).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
Ohio University
Athens, OH
Supporting degree (1). Each program is assessed on its own facts; resources, costs and requirements of one program are not implied for another.
BFABFA in Film
Ohio University awards the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film, with verified film production, film directing, screenwriting, cinematography, editing and film studies pathways. Thesis film: BFA Film Capstone and Capstone Film Production III: Post-Production and Distribution, in sequential semesters.
Exact award
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film
Fields
Film Production (dedicated degree) · Film Directing (Directing concentration) · Cinematography (Cinematography concentration) · Film Studies (Film studies concentration) · Screenwriting (Screenwriting concentration) +1
Formal pathways
Filmmaking, Directing, Screenwriting, Cinematography, Post-production, Film studies
Format
On campus
Length
120 semester hours (university minimum)
Thesis / capstone
Thesis film — BFA Film Capstone and Capstone Film Production III: Post-Production and Distribution, in sequential semesters.
Portfolio
Creative portfolio (required); Film or reel (optional); Screenplay sample (optional)
Equipment & facilities
Student-run Equipment Room with over a thousand items (RED Scarlet, Sony EX3, Canon C100 and 16mm packages, dollies, lighting, grip and sound). Post-production wing with editing suites available 24 hours a day; Avid Media Composer training. Peterson Sound Studio for audio post-production, including Foley and ADR.
Tuition
$7,401 per semester (2026-2027)
Production costs
Not published
Funding
Funding not verified; 1 named award
Strengths
Formal pathways published: Filmmaking, Directing, Screenwriting, Cinematography, Post-production, Film studies.
Culminating thesis film documented.
Equipment or facility access is documented for students.
Scholarships, assistantships or grants are published (not guaranteed for every student).
Tradeoffs and gaps
No program-specific production or equipment costs published — budget for them separately.
No dated deadline published for the next intake.
May suit
Applicants who want to specialize in directing; aspiring cinematographers; applicants focused on editing and post-production; writers developing feature or television scripts; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Thesis film verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film: Screenwriting — named concentration (Screenwriting).
Funding evidence
Funding not verified; 1 named award.
Published cost
Tuition published (2 verified rates, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified; 120 semester hours (university minimum).
Production resources and costs
3 equipment/facility access items documented.
Published admissions materials
3 submission items published (creative portfolio, film reel, screenplay sample).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA
Supporting degree (1). Each program is assessed on its own facts; resources, costs and requirements of one program are not implied for another.
MFAMFA in Screenwriting
Regent University awards the Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting, with verified screenwriting focus. Thesis screenplay: Thesis screenplay; students defend the creative thesis project.
Exact award
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting
Fields
Screenwriting (dedicated degree)
Formal pathways
None published
Format
Online
Length
At least 48 credits (catalog); the program page lists 54 total credit hours
Thesis / capstone
Thesis screenplay — Thesis screenplay; students defend the creative thesis project.
Portfolio
Writing sample (required)
Equipment & facilities
Access terms not published
Tuition
$670 per credit (2026-2027)
Production costs
Not published
Funding
Partial funding
Strengths
Culminating thesis screenplay documented.
Scholarships, assistantships or grants are published (not guaranteed for every student).
Covers film and television together.
Tradeoffs and gaps
No program-specific production or equipment costs published — budget for them separately.
Equipment access terms are not published.
No dated deadline published for the next intake.
May suit
Writers developing feature or television scripts; people who need to keep working or study away from campus; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Thesis screenplay verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting: Screenwriting — dedicated degree.
Funding evidence
Partial funding.
Published cost
Tuition published (1 verified rate, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified; At least 48 credits (catalog); the program page lists 54 total credit hours.
Published admissions materials
1 submission item published (writing sample).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
Stephens College
Columbia, MO
Supporting degree (1). Each program is assessed on its own facts; resources, costs and requirements of one program are not implied for another.
MFAMaster of Fine Arts in TV & Screenwriting
Stephens College awards the Master of Fine Arts in TV & Screenwriting, with verified screenwriting focus. Published length: Two years. Thesis screenplay: Thesis project: a television pilot, web series, limited series pilot, pair of short films, academic thesis, or an approved custom project.
Exact award
Master of Fine Arts in TV & Screenwriting
Fields
Screenwriting (dedicated degree)
Formal pathways
None published
Format
Hybrid · Low-residency
Length
Two years · 48 credit hours
Thesis / capstone
Thesis screenplay — Thesis project: a television pilot, web series, limited series pilot, pair of short films, academic thesis, or an approved custom project.
Portfolio
Screenplay sample (required)
Equipment & facilities
Access terms not published
Tuition
Not published
Production costs
Not published
Funding
Partial funding; 1 named award
Strengths
Culminating thesis screenplay documented.
Scholarships, assistantships or grants are published (not guaranteed for every student).
Covers film and television together.
Tradeoffs and gaps
No program-specific production or equipment costs published — budget for them separately.
Equipment access terms are not published.
Tuition not published on an official page we could verify.
No dated deadline published for the next intake.
Requires travel to residencies; not fully online.
May suit
Writers developing feature or television scripts; people who need to keep working or study away from campus; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Thesis screenplay verified.
Verified online model
Low-residency; documented: campus residency, coursework delivery.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Master of Fine Arts in TV & Screenwriting: Screenwriting — dedicated degree.
Funding evidence
Partial funding; 1 named award.
Published structure
Format and length verified: Two years; 48 credit hours.
Published admissions materials
1 submission item published (screenplay sample).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY
Supporting degrees (2). Each program is assessed on its own facts; resources, costs and requirements of one program are not implied for another.
MFAMFA in Film
Stony Brook University awards the Master of Fine Arts in Film, with verified film production, film directing, screenwriting and producing pathways. Thesis film: Thesis project directed by the student (short film, webisode, pilot, proof of concept or feature), presented to an advisory board.
Exact award
Master of Fine Arts in Film
Fields
Film Production (dedicated degree) · Film Directing (Directing concentration) · Screenwriting (Screenwriting concentration) · Producing (Producing concentration)
Formal pathways
Directing, Screenwriting, Producing, Independent Track
Format
On campus
Length
45-48 credits
Thesis / capstone
Thesis film — Thesis project directed by the student (short film, webisode, pilot, proof of concept or feature), presented to an advisory board.
Portfolio
Creative prompt / exercise (required); Screenplay sample (required); Directing reel / sample (pathway-specific); Writing sample (pathway-specific); Writing sample (pathway-specific)
Equipment & facilities
Camera, light, grip and sound equipment including RED Epic-W, Canon C200, ARRI kits and one-ton grip packages. Edit lab with Adobe Creative Cloud and DaVinci Resolve.
Tuition
$471 per credit (2026-2027)
Production costs
Not published
Funding
Partial funding; 1 named award
Strengths
Formal pathways published: Directing, Screenwriting, Producing, Independent Track.
Culminating thesis film documented.
Equipment or facility access is documented for students.
Scholarships, assistantships or grants are published (not guaranteed for every student).
Tradeoffs and gaps
No program-specific production or equipment costs published — budget for them separately.
May suit
Applicants who want to specialize in directing; future producers; writers developing feature or television scripts; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Thesis film verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Master of Fine Arts in Film: Screenwriting — named concentration (Screenwriting).
Funding evidence
Partial funding; 1 named award.
Published cost
Tuition published (2 verified rates, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified; 45-48 credits.
Production resources and costs
2 equipment/facility access items documented.
Published admissions materials
5 submission items published (creative prompt, screenplay sample, directing reel, writing sample).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
MFAMFA in TV Writing
Stony Brook University awards the Master of Fine Arts in Television Writing, with verified screenwriting focus. Published length: Three years of study. Thesis screenplay: Third-year thesis: an industry-ready script and a pitch for a new series, with a thesis advisor.
Exact award
Master of Fine Arts in Television Writing
Fields
Screenwriting (dedicated degree)
Formal pathways
None published
Format
On campus
Length
Three years of study
Thesis / capstone
Thesis screenplay — Third-year thesis: an industry-ready script and a pitch for a new series, with a thesis advisor.
Portfolio
Creative prompt / exercise (required); Writing sample (required)
Equipment & facilities
Access terms not published
Tuition
$471 per credit (2026-2027)
Production costs
Not published
Funding
Partial funding; 1 named award
Strengths
Culminating thesis screenplay documented.
Scholarships, assistantships or grants are published (not guaranteed for every student).
Covers film and television together.
Tradeoffs and gaps
No program-specific production or equipment costs published — budget for them separately.
Equipment access terms are not published.
A longer commitment: Three years of study.
May suit
Writers developing feature or television scripts; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Thesis screenplay verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Master of Fine Arts in Television Writing: Screenwriting — dedicated degree.
Funding evidence
Partial funding; 1 named award.
Published cost
Tuition published (2 verified rates, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified: Three years of study.
Published admissions materials
2 submission items published (creative prompt, writing sample).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA
Supporting degree (1). Each program is assessed on its own facts; resources, costs and requirements of one program are not implied for another.
MFAFilm and Media Arts MFA
Temple University awards the Master of Fine Arts in Film and Media Arts, with verified film production and screenwriting pathways. Published length: Time limit for completion: 5 years. Thesis film: Stand-alone thesis work: a completed sound, film or video production, a feature film script, or an alternative media work; plus a comprehensive examination.
Exact award
Master of Fine Arts in Film and Media Arts
Fields
Film Production (Cinematic Arts: Narrative and Documentary concentration) · Screenwriting (Screenwriting concentration) · Film Studies (broader film degree)
Formal pathways
Cinematic Arts: Narrative and Documentary, Screenwriting
Format
On campus
Length
Time limit for completion: 5 years · 54 credits beyond the baccalaureate
Thesis / capstone
Thesis film — Stand-alone thesis work: a completed sound, film or video production, a feature film script, or an alternative media work; plus a comprehensive examination.
Portfolio
Creative portfolio (required)
Equipment & facilities
Access terms not published
Tuition
$974 per credit (2026-2027)
Production costs
Not published
Funding
Partial funding
Strengths
Formal pathways published: Cinematic Arts: Narrative and Documentary, Screenwriting.
Culminating thesis film documented.
Scholarships, assistantships or grants are published (not guaranteed for every student).
Tradeoffs and gaps
No program-specific production or equipment costs published — budget for them separately.
Equipment access terms are not published.
No dated deadline published for the next intake.
A longer commitment: Time limit for completion: 5 years.
May suit
Writers developing feature or television scripts; people who need to keep working or study away from campus; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Thesis film verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Master of Fine Arts in Film and Media Arts: Screenwriting — named concentration (Screenwriting).
Funding evidence
Partial funding.
Published cost
Tuition published (2 verified rates, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified: Time limit for completion: 5 years; 54 credits beyond the baccalaureate.
Published admissions materials
1 submission item published (creative portfolio).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX
Supporting degree (1). Each program is assessed on its own facts; resources, costs and requirements of one program are not implied for another.
MFAMFA in Screenwriting
The University of Texas at Austin awards the Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting (Radio-Television-Film), with verified screenwriting focus. Published length: Two years including one summer. Portfolio: Graduates leave with a portfolio of feature screenplays, original TV pilots and TV spec scripts.
Exact award
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting (Radio-Television-Film)
Fields
Screenwriting (dedicated degree)
Formal pathways
None published
Format
On campus
Length
Two years including one summer · 42 semester hours
Thesis / capstone
Portfolio — Graduates leave with a portfolio of feature screenplays, original TV pilots and TV spec scripts.
Portfolio
Screenplay sample (required); Writing sample (optional)
Equipment & facilities
Access terms not published
Tuition
$8,684 – $10,554 per academic year (2026-2027)
Production costs
Not published
Funding
Partial funding; 1 named award
Strengths
Culminating portfolio documented.
Scholarships, assistantships or grants are published (not guaranteed for every student).
Covers film and television together.
Tradeoffs and gaps
No program-specific production or equipment costs published — budget for them separately.
Equipment access terms are not published.
May suit
Writers developing feature or television scripts; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Portfolio verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting (Radio-Television-Film): Screenwriting — dedicated degree.
Funding evidence
Partial funding; 1 named award.
Published cost
Tuition published (1 verified rate, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified: Two years including one summer; 42 semester hours.
Published admissions materials
2 submission items published (screenplay sample, writing sample).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
Supporting degrees (2). Each program is assessed on its own facts; resources, costs and requirements of one program are not implied for another.
BAFilm, Television & Digital Media (BA)
University of California-Los Angeles awards the Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television, with verified film production, film directing, cinematography, screenwriting and film studies pathways. Published length: Four years (first-year entry); two years (transfer). Culminating requirement: Senior concentration of at least 20 upper-division units plus a professional internship.
Exact award
Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television
Fields
Film Production (dedicated degree) · Film Directing (Production – Narrative Directing concentration) · Cinematography (Production – Cinematography concentration) · Film Studies (Cinema and Media Studies concentration) · Screenwriting (Screenwriting concentration)
Formal pathways
Production – Narrative Directing, Production – Documentary, Production – Cinematography, Screenwriting, Cinema and Media Studies
Format
On campus
Length
Four years (first-year entry); two years (transfer) · Minimum 180 quarter units
Thesis / capstone
Culminating requirement — Senior concentration of at least 20 upper-division units plus a professional internship.
Portfolio
Writing sample (required)
Equipment & facilities
Access terms not published
Tuition
$15,588 per academic year (2026-2027)
Production costs
Not published
Funding
Funding not verified
Strengths
Formal pathways published: Production – Narrative Directing, Production – Documentary, Production – Cinematography, Screenwriting, Cinema and Media Studies.
Culminating culminating requirement documented.
Covers film and television together.
Tradeoffs and gaps
No program-specific production or equipment costs published — budget for them separately.
Equipment access terms are not published.
No funding policy verified.
May suit
Applicants who want to specialize in directing; aspiring cinematographers; writers developing feature or television scripts; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Culminating requirement verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television: Screenwriting — named concentration (Screenwriting).
Published cost
Tuition published (2 verified rates, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified: Four years (first-year entry); two years (transfer); Minimum 180 quarter units.
Published admissions materials
1 submission item published (writing sample).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
MFAScreenwriting (MFA)
University of California-Los Angeles awards the Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television — Screenwriting, with verified screenwriting focus. Published length: Six to seven quarters. Portfolio: Students build a thesis portfolio in feature film or television writing.
Exact award
Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television — Screenwriting
Fields
Screenwriting (dedicated degree)
Formal pathways
Feature Film Track, Television Track
Format
On campus
Length
Six to seven quarters · 72 units (12 courses)
Thesis / capstone
Portfolio — Students build a thesis portfolio in feature film or television writing.
Portfolio
Screenplay sample (pathway-specific); Screenplay sample (pathway-specific); Film or reel (explicitly not required)
Equipment & facilities
Access terms not published
Tuition
$15,066 per academic year (2026-2027)
Production costs
Not published
Funding
Funding not verified
Strengths
Formal pathways published: Feature Film Track, Television Track.
Culminating portfolio documented.
Covers film and television together.
Tradeoffs and gaps
No program-specific production or equipment costs published — budget for them separately.
Equipment access terms are not published.
No funding policy verified.
May suit
Writers developing feature or television scripts.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Portfolio verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television — Screenwriting: Screenwriting — dedicated degree.
Published cost
Tuition published (2 verified rates, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified: Six to seven quarters; 72 units (12 courses).
Published admissions materials
3 submission items published (screenplay sample, film reel).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL
Supporting degree (1). Each program is assessed on its own facts; resources, costs and requirements of one program are not implied for another.
MFAMotion Pictures, M.F.A.
University of Miami awards the Master of Fine Arts in Motion Pictures, with verified film production, screenwriting and producing pathways. Published length: Three years. Portfolio: Thesis portfolio; 12 credits of MFA thesis (CCA 815) in the third year.
Exact award
Master of Fine Arts in Motion Pictures
Fields
Film Production (Production concentration) · Screenwriting (Screenwriting concentration) · Producing (Producing concentration) · Film Directing (broader film degree) · Cinematography (broader film degree) +1
Formal pathways
Production, Screenwriting, Producing
Format
On campus
Length
Three years · 66 credit hours
Thesis / capstone
Portfolio — Thesis portfolio; 12 credits of MFA thesis (CCA 815) in the third year.
Portfolio
Writing sample (required); Creative portfolio (required)
Equipment & facilities
School of Communication equipment room with microphones, lights, tripods, VR headsets and RED, Blackmagic and Arri Alexa cameras.
Tuition
$2,763 per credit (2026-2027)
Production costs
Not published
Funding
Partial funding; 1 named award
Strengths
Formal pathways published: Production, Screenwriting, Producing.
Culminating portfolio documented.
Equipment or facility access is documented for students.
Scholarships, assistantships or grants are published (not guaranteed for every student).
Covers film and television together.
Tradeoffs and gaps
No program-specific production or equipment costs published — budget for them separately.
A longer commitment: Three years.
May suit
Future producers; writers developing feature or television scripts; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Portfolio verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Master of Fine Arts in Motion Pictures: Screenwriting — named concentration (Screenwriting).
Funding evidence
Partial funding; 1 named award.
Published cost
Tuition published (1 verified rate, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified: Three years; 66 credit hours.
Production resources and costs
1 equipment/facility access item documented.
Published admissions materials
2 submission items published (writing sample, creative portfolio).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.
University of North Carolina School of the Arts
Winston Salem, NC
Supporting degree (1). Each program is assessed on its own facts; resources, costs and requirements of one program are not implied for another.
MFAMFA in Filmmaking — Screenwriting
University of North Carolina School of the Arts awards the Master of Fine Arts in Filmmaking (Screenwriting concentration), with verified screenwriting focus. Published length: Two years. Thesis screenplay: Feature or episodic thesis script completed with a faculty mentor (Thesis Project I & II).
Exact award
Master of Fine Arts in Filmmaking (Screenwriting concentration)
Fields
Screenwriting (Screenwriting concentration)
Formal pathways
Screenwriting
Format
On campus
Length
Two years · 46 credits
Thesis / capstone
Thesis screenplay — Feature or episodic thesis script completed with a faculty mentor (Thesis Project I & II).
Portfolio
Screenplay sample (required); Academic writing sample (required)
Equipment & facilities
Access terms not published
Tuition
$10,296 per academic year (2026-2027)
Production costs
School of Filmmaking special fee: $1,520 per academic year; University-Wide Art School Production Fee: $264 per academic year
Funding
Funding not verified
Strengths
Formal pathways published: Screenwriting.
Culminating thesis screenplay documented.
Production-related costs are published, so you can budget beyond tuition.
Covers film and television together.
Tradeoffs and gaps
Equipment access terms are not published.
No funding policy verified.
May suit
Writers developing feature or television scripts; applicants who already have creative work to show.
Evidence for each criterion
Culminating work
Thesis screenplay verified.
Source quality and freshness
Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
Eligible degree or formal pathway
Master of Fine Arts in Filmmaking (Screenwriting concentration): Screenwriting — named concentration (Screenwriting).
Published cost
Tuition published (2 verified rates, 2026-2027).
Published structure
Format and length verified: Two years; 46 credits.
Production resources and costs
2 production cost items documented.
Published admissions materials
2 submission items published (screenplay sample, academic writing sample).
Each fact links to its official source on the program page.

At a glance

Published figures only. Tuition bases differ and are not directly comparable; production costs are separate from tuition.

Program	Award	Length	Culminating work	Tuition	Production costs	Funding
American Film Institute ConservatoryMFA in Screenwriting	MFA	Two years	Thesis screenplay	$75,508 per academic year (2026-2027)	1 item published	Partial funding
Boston UniversityMFA in Screenwriting	MFA	Two years (four terms)	Portfolio	$2,282 per unit (2026-2027)	1 item published	Partial funding
California State University-NorthridgeBA in Cinema and Television Arts	BA	—	Thesis film	$3,419 per semester (2026-2027)	1 item published	Funding not verified
California State University-NorthridgeMFA in Screenwriting	MFA	Two years	Thesis screenplay	$4,274 per semester (2026-2027)	Not published	Funding not verified
Chapman UniversityScreenwriting (MFA)	MFA	Two years	Thesis screenplay	$28,018 per semester (2026-2027)	1 item published	Partial funding
CUNY Brooklyn CollegeCinema Arts, M.F.A.	MFA	—	Thesis film	$5,545 per semester	4 items published	Funding not verified
DePaul UniversityBFA in Film & Television	BFA	—	Capstone project	$48,180 per academic year (2026-2027)	Not published	Funding not verified
DePaul UniversityMFA in Screenwriting	MFA	—	Thesis screenplay	$1,003 per credit (2026-2027)	Not published	Partial funding
Emerson CollegeWriting for Film and Television MFA	MFA	Two years	Portfolio	$1,551 per credit (2026-2027)	1 item published	Partial funding
Hollins UniversityScreenwriting M.F.A.	MFA	Two years (six terms)	Thesis screenplay	$915 per credit	2 items published	Funding not verified
Johns Hopkins UniversityMA in Film and Media	MA	16 - 24 months	Capstone project	$4,970 – $5,770 (basis not stated by the school) (2026-2027)	1 item published	Funding not verified
Loyola Marymount UniversityMFA in Writing and Producing for Television	MFA	Three years	Thesis film	$1,814 per credit (2026-2027)	Not published	Funding not verified
Loyola Marymount UniversityMFA in Writing for the Screen	MFA	Three years	Thesis screenplay	$1,814 per credit (2026-2027)	Not published	Funding not verified
Mount Saint Mary's UniversityMFA in Film, Television and New Media	MFA	2 years	Thesis	$1,247 per unit (2026-2027)	1 item published	Partial funding
New York Film AcademyBFA in Screenwriting	BFA	Three years, eight semesters	Portfolio	$19,500 per semester (2027)	1 item published	Funding not verified
New York Film AcademyMFA in Screenwriting	MFA	Two years, five semesters	Thesis screenplay	$20,500 per semester (2027)	1 item published	Partial funding
Northwestern UniversityMFA in Writing for the Screen and Stage	MFA	Two years	Portfolio	$23,662 per quarter (2026-2027)	1 item published	Fully funded (all admitted)
Ohio UniversityBFA in Film	BFA	—	Thesis film	$7,401 per semester (2026-2027)	Not published	Funding not verified
Regent UniversityMFA in Screenwriting	MFA	—	Thesis screenplay	$670 per credit (2026-2027)	Not published	Partial funding
Stephens CollegeMaster of Fine Arts in TV & Screenwriting	MFA	Two years	Thesis screenplay	Not published	Not published	Partial funding
Stony Brook UniversityMFA in Film	MFA	—	Thesis film	$471 per credit (2026-2027)	Not published	Partial funding
Stony Brook UniversityMFA in TV Writing	MFA	Three years of study	Thesis screenplay	$471 per credit (2026-2027)	Not published	Partial funding
Temple UniversityFilm and Media Arts MFA	MFA	Time limit for completion: 5 years	Thesis film	$974 per credit (2026-2027)	Not published	Partial funding
The University of Texas at AustinMFA in Screenwriting	MFA	Two years including one summer	Portfolio	$8,684 – $10,554 per academic year (2026-2027)	Not published	Partial funding
University of California-Los AngelesFilm, Television & Digital Media (BA)	BA	Four years (first-year entry); two years (transfer)	Culminating requirement	$15,588 per academic year (2026-2027)	Not published	Funding not verified
University of California-Los AngelesScreenwriting (MFA)	MFA	Six to seven quarters	Portfolio	$15,066 per academic year (2026-2027)	Not published	Funding not verified
University of MiamiMotion Pictures, M.F.A.	MFA	Three years	Portfolio	$2,763 per credit (2026-2027)	Not published	Partial funding
University of North Carolina School of the ArtsMFA in Filmmaking — Screenwriting	MFA	Two years	Thesis screenplay	$10,296 per academic year (2026-2027)	2 items published	Funding not verified

Not selected does not mean not good: a program can be missing because we have not yet verified the evidence, because it is outside our current coverage, or because it publishes less information. Schools can send official sources through Suggest an update.

Top Screenwriting Schools

MFAMFA in Screenwriting

MFAMFA in Screenwriting

BABA in Cinema and Television Arts

MFAMFA in Screenwriting

MFAScreenwriting (MFA)

MFACinema Arts, M.F.A.

BFABFA in Film & Television

MFAMFA in Screenwriting

MFAWriting for Film and Television MFA

MFAScreenwriting M.F.A.

MAMA in Film and Media

MFAMFA in Writing and Producing for Television

MFAMFA in Writing for the Screen

MFAMFA in Film, Television and New Media

BFABFA in Screenwriting

MFAMFA in Screenwriting

MFAMFA in Writing for the Screen and Stage

BFABFA in Film

MFAMFA in Screenwriting

MFAMaster of Fine Arts in TV & Screenwriting

MFAMFA in Film

MFAMFA in TV Writing

MFAFilm and Media Arts MFA

MFAMFA in Screenwriting

BAFilm, Television & Digital Media (BA)

MFAScreenwriting (MFA)

MFAMotion Pictures, M.F.A.

MFAMFA in Filmmaking — Screenwriting

At a glance