Creative Writing (Screenwriting and Playwriting), MFA
Program overview
The MFA in Creative Writing (Screenwriting and Playwriting) is an advanced graduate program designed to develop skilled writers of dramatic works for stage and screen. Through a sequence of immersive residencies and intensive writing workshops, students explore the craft of dramatic storytelling, including character development, dialogue, narrative structure, and visual storytelling. The program encourages experimentation with different dramatic forms while providing close mentorship, peer critique, and opportunities for sustained creative practice.
Students refine their scripts through multiple stages of drafting and revision while engaging critically with contemporary and historical works in theatre and film. The curriculum culminates in the completion of a thesis project consisting of an original screenplay or stage play that demonstrates the student’s mastery of dramatic writing. Graduates of the program emerge with advanced storytelling skills and a strong foundation for contributing to the film, television, theatre, and broader creative industries
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Introductory Residency
Intro MFA Playwriting Workshop & Pract
Intermediate Residency 2
Interm: MFA Playwriting Wksp & Prac
Intermediate Residency 3
Advanced MFA Playwriting Wksp & Prac
Master Residency
Thesis MFA Playwriting Wksp & Prac
MFA Thesis Residency
PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
PLO 1: Revise and edit creative writing
PLO 2: Demonstrate their personal aesthetic
PLO 3: Generate a body of work worth performance or publication
PLO 4: Develop through writing exercises, script-in-hand readings and classroom critiques, the art of dramatic writing incorporating theater, film and other modes of writing for performance.
PLO 5: Gain a thorough understanding of the concepts of action, character, voice; and mood, atmosphere and setting, and their function in advancing dramatic narrative.
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
The MFA in Creative Writing (Screenwriting and Playwriting) is designed to guide students through a progressive sequence of residencies and intensive writing workshops focused on dramatic storytelling for stage and screen. The program begins with the Introductory Residency and Intro MFA Playwriting Workshop & Practicum, where students explore the foundations of dramatic structure, character development, dialogue, and narrative pacing. Through Intermediate Residencies and corresponding workshops, students deepen their understanding of dramatic form while experimenting with different styles and approaches to screenwriting and playwriting.
As students advance to the Advanced MFA Playwriting Workshop & Practicum, they refine their scripts through sustained writing practice, peer critique, and faculty mentorship. The Master Residency emphasizes the development of a cohesive dramatic work and preparation for the thesis project. The program culminates in the Thesis MFA Playwriting Workshop & Practicum and MFA Thesis Residency, where students complete, revise, and present an original screenplay or stage play that demonstrates their mastery of dramatic storytelling and scriptwriting craft.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
🎬 Screenwriter – You will write scripts for film, television, streaming platforms, and digital media projects.
🎭 Playwright – You will create original stage plays and collaborate with theatres and performing arts organizations to bring them to production.
🎥 Film and Television Development – You will work with production companies and studios to develop story concepts, scripts, and narrative content for visual media.
📺 Media and Entertainment Writing – You will produce scripted content for television, podcasts, web series, and other digital storytelling platforms.
🎓 Teaching and Arts Education – You will teach creative writing, screenwriting, or theatre in colleges, universities, or community arts programs.
🎟 Theatre and Performing Arts Organizations – You will contribute to theatrical production, script development, and arts programming within cultural institutions.
💻 Content Creation and Story Development – You will apply storytelling skills to media production, marketing, and digital content creation.