Screenwriting
The MFA in Screenwriting is a joint degree between the Creative Writing and the Film, Television and New Media programs. It is designed to produce versatile and self-sufficient students and encourage artistic expression, critical-thinking and ethical responsibility in media. Intensive study in writing for movies and television is combined with course work in narrative forms such as the novel, playwriting and adaptation of those literary forms for the screen.
In addition, students are trained in techniques of production, editing, directing, cinematography and writing for interactive media. The goal is to educate a complete screenwriter, one capable of handling multiple aspects of getting a story idea onto a screen and into the film and new media economy.
Students will also be trained on how to create a budget, seek funding and understand general literacy about the business aspects of the film, television and media industries. These concepts will prepare students for the “new” Hollywood — the decentralized, streaming-oriented industry in which independence and the ability to work within budgets allow the writer-filmmaker to essentially be their own start-up and participate in emerging forums for filmmaking.
Our MFA in screenwriting is focused on these precepts and our curriculum encourages multiplicity, adaptiveness and a broad creative spirit ready for all contingencies. A strong teaching faculty on both sides of the equation and ample opportunity to create multiple film projects while in residency ensure a thoroughly prepared MFA graduate at the end of this 2-3-year process.
Low Residency Format
The majority of our MFA Screenwriting courses are designed to be completed fully online. Students and faculty interact in lively discussions, in real-time, for stimulating conversations. However, some courses offer (and might require) students the opportunity to attend 2 out of the 6 class sessions in a semester in person. This is to allow for deeper class conversations and ensure proper equipment training. Our faculty, however, are flexible and will work with you to accommodate your schedule when you cannot attend class in person, if and when required.
Degree Requirements
The MFA in Screenwriting requires the completion of 48 units and is comprised of foundational, elective core and thesis components.
Continued Learning
In addition to the required 48 units, screenwriting students are strongly encouraged to enroll or audit FLM 202K: The Business of Screenwriting (1 unit) prior to, or after, graduation. Graduates of the program can return to audit this value-added course as an alum for $25.
Sample Course Schedule
Below is a sample course schedule students can follow. This schedule allows a student to complete the program in 8 semesters. However, students are welcome to adjust their schedules, time to degree, and course selections in order to accommodate outside commitments or satisfy particular interests.
Year 1
| Fall | Spring | Summer |
| CRW 232 Writing for the Screen | CRW 271 Auteur Theory | CRW 260 Adapting Literary Works for the Screen |
| FLM 230A Editing 1 | FLM 205 Digital Video Production | CRW 236 Playwriting 1 |
Year 2
| Fall | Spring | Summer |
| CRW 230 Novel Writing 1 | CRW 220 Novella | Thesis 1 |
| FLM 200E Developing the TV Series | FLM 200B Screenwriting 2 | FLM 293A Production Workshop A: Screenwriting |
Year 3
| Fall | Spring |
| FLM 210B Short Film Development | FLM 221A Sound Design 1 |
| Thesis 2 | Thesis 3 |
Small Class Sizes
Each entering class size is between 5-10 students to ensure an intimate and rewarding learning experience. You will explore screenwriting topics in small, personal cohorts where vibrant interactions occur between students and faculty. You will also develop close bonds with your fellow students and forge new networking opportunities with them.
Your Workplace, Your Lab
You are encouraged to bring your professional experience to class, and to put what you learn in class to work in real-time. You will explore concepts that are pertinent to your profession and look for opportunities to incorporate them.