All of the nation's top screenwriting programs offer a Master of Fine Arts in the field. There are many excellent screenwriting programs located in different parts of the United States, such as the University of Southern California, UCLA, and NYU.
Some schools are offering low-residency programs which mostly take place online in light of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a great option for students who want to get a degree from a top program without having to relocate or deal with the potential risks of in-person classes.
Stephens College
Stephens College is one of the best screenwriting schools in the country. The Master's of Fine Arts TV & Screenwriting Program is designed to help students become industry-ready professionals through online courses and ten-day long Workshops held Jim Henson Studios, located Hollywood. Showrunners, as well as agents and other executives, teach courses that cover topics such as writing for television, film, and new media. The school also offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including screenings of student work, industry panels, and networking events.
Pepperdine MFA in Writing for Screen and Television
The Pepperdine MFA in Writing for Screen and Television is a two-year comprehensive education in screenwriting designed to provide students with the skills needed for a successful career in the industry. Courses cover a variety of topics related to screenwriting, from the basics of story structure and character development to more advanced aspects of writing for specific genres. By participating in writing workshops with Hollywood professionals, students gain invaluable first-hand experience about the industry.
MFA candidates gain valuable experience through an industry internship and by completing a thesis, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of both the creative and business aspects of the field. The Pepperdine MFA program is one of the best screenwriting schools in the country, and its graduates have gone on to find success in Hollywood.
UNC School of the Arts
The University of North Carolina offers excellent screenwriting programs for both undergraduates and graduates who aspire to become writers. In the first two years of the undergraduate degree, students will focus on developing a broad understanding of various aspects within the Entertainment Industry. The Junior and Senior Years will be specifically devoted to diving into depth within one particular concentration, such as Screenwriting. The master's program at the university is designed to last two years and has convenient class scheduling for working professionals.
Both programs encourage their students to reach out and collaborate with others on campus for various projects; this gives them great experience for the industry. Guest artists often give special workshops and screenings for students, which is a great opportunity to learn from professionals. An optional university trip to Los Angeles is available for students interested in meeting with people who work behind-the-scenes in the entertainment business. This trip is a great way to network and learn more about the industry.
Overall, UNC School of the Arts is a great choice for aspiring screenwriters. The programs are top notch and the opportunities for students are endless. If you’re looking for a school that will give you the skills and experience you need to succeed in the industry, UNC School of the Arts is definitely worth considering.
Boston University's MFA in Screenwriting
Boston University's MFA in Screenwriting is a two-year program that culminates in a fourth and final semester spent in Los Angeles. Students must complete seven writing projects over the course of the program, learning from industry veterans along the way.
The program offers an immersive experience for aspiring screenwriters, providing them with the opportunity to hone their craft under the tutelage of experienced professionals. The fourth and final semester in Los Angeles gives students a taste of what it's like to work in the industry, providing them with invaluable experience and connections.
Overall, Boston University's MFA in Screenwriting is an excellent choice for those looking to pursue a career in screenwriting. The program provides a well-rounded education, complete with hands-on experience and industry connections.
Emerson College's MFA in Writing for Film and Television
If you're interested in pursuing a career in screenwriting, Emerson College's MFA in Writing for Film and Television might be the perfect program for you. This 100% online program offers students the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals in the field, while also completing a six-day residency requirement at the beginning of each semester.
During residencies, students alternate between Emerson's Boston and Los Angeles campuses, giving them the chance to experience both coasts and learn from some of the best screenwriting instructors in the country. In order to apply for the program, potential applicants must have either a degree in screenwriting or dramatic writing, or a combined degree containing elements of both fields.
If you're looking for a top-ranked screenwriting program that will give you the skills and experience you need to succeed in the industry, Emerson College's MFA in Writing for Film and Television is definitely worth considering.
Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts
Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts is one of the best screenwriting schools in the country. Located in Orange, CA, the school offers undergraduate and graduate programs in screenwriting and television writing and production.
The undergraduate program offers a unique curriculum that combines creative writing with the study of film and television production. Students learn to develop their own voice as writers while also gaining a solid understanding of the technical aspects of filmmaking.
The graduate program builds on this foundation by providing students with advanced training in screenwriting and television writing and production. Students have the opportunity to work closely with industry professionals to hone their craft and prepare for a career in the entertainment industry.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts is a great place to start your journey.
New York Film Academy
The New York Film Academy offers screenwriting courses online and in person. There are programs available for people with little to no experience, as well as more advanced students. Students can earn an associate, bachelor, or master's degree in fine arts with a focus on screenwriting from the New York Film Academy.
The New York Film Academy has a long history of providing excellent education to aspiring filmmakers and screenwriters. The school was founded in 1992 by Jerry Sherlock, who had a passion for film and wanted to share his knowledge with others.
Today, the New York Film Academy offers a variety of courses that cater to all levels of experience. Whether you're just starting out or you're looking to take your writing to the next level, the NYFA has a program for you.
One of the great things about the New York Film Academy is that it offers both online and in-person courses. If you're not able to make it to campus, you can still get a great education by taking advantage of the online programs. And if you're able to make it to campus, you'll have the opportunity to learn from some of the best instructors in the business.
No matter what your goals are, the New York Film Academy can help you achieve them. If you're serious about becoming a screenwriter, there's no better place to start than at one of the best screenwriting schools in the country.
Columbia University
Columbia University's School of the Arts offers a Master of Fine Arts in screenwriting and directing. The program spans two years, during which students produce various script and film projects, like a thesis and research project.
The school has a long history of excellence in the arts, and its faculty includes some of the world's leading experts in screenwriting and filmmaking. This makes it one of the best screenwriting schools in the country.
If you're looking for a top-notch education in screenwriting and filmmaking, Columbia University is a great choice.
UCLA's Screenwriting Program
UCLA's Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting program is one of the best in the country. The two-year program attracts top students from all over the world, and has produced successful alumni such as Francis Ford Coppola and Alexander Payne.
Prospective students must submit a creative portfolio as part of their application, which is then reviewed by a committee of faculty members. If you're lucky enough to be accepted into the program, you'll receive an unparalleled education in screenwriting.
The first year of the program is focused on coursework, while the second year is devoted to writing and developing your own projects. You'll have the opportunity to work with some of the most talented writers and directors in the business, and to learn from their experience.
Upon graduation, you'll be prepared to pursue a career in screenwriting or related fields. Whether you go on to write for film or television, or work in development or production, you'll have the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.
USC's John Wells Division of Writing for Screen & Television
The John Wells Division of Writing at USC is highly selective, only admitting thirty new undergraduate studnets to the program every Fall. The department also offers a master's degree and a minor in screenwriting.
The undergraduate program is designed to prepare students for careers in writing for film, television, and new media. The curriculum includes courses in story structure, character development, and visual storytelling. Students also have the opportunity to collaborate on projects with classmates and to receive feedback from faculty members who are working professionals in the industry.
The graduate program is designed for those who want to pursue a career in writing for film and television and only admits 32 students each fall. The curriculum emphasizes advanced craft skills and applies them to the development of original material. Students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty mentors on their projects and to receive feedback from working professionals in the industry.
Conclusion
No matter what program you choose, or what level of experience you have, these screenwriting schools can help hone your skills and take your writing to a whole new level. If you're serious about pursuing a career in screenwriting, the best place to start is at one of these top-ranked programs. So what are you waiting for? Start your journey today.