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What is Playwriting and Screenwriting?

Playwriting and Screenwriting is a field of study focused on the art of writing scripts.  These scripts can be for commercials, films, television, video games, and musical productions to name a few mediums for screenwriters and playwrights.  While the creative process may vary from person to person, a screenwriter will typically perform the following: pitching ideas to producers, researching a story, creating the narrative, penning the screenplay, and delivering it in the proper medium.

There are six primary types of screenwriting jobs for professionals that include:

  1. Commissioned screenplay
  2. Feature assignment work
  3. Spec script development
  4. Rewriting an existing script
  5. Video game writing
  6. Television writing

Screenwriting and playwriting is often a freelance position whereby writers work for themselves and employed on a contract basis to create pieces of work.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$71,920

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

48.47%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

44,690

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Playwriting and Screenwriting Degree

Yale University is considered to be one of the best performing universities in the United States, known for its outstanding research and unparalleled facilities, and is committed to promoting outstanding academic results and high-level graduates. Its mission is to improve the next generation through outstanding output, competent graduates, education and applications.

For nearly three decades, Yale University has been known for its leading screenwriting and media degree research programs. Graduates of this course are guaranteed to focus on 30 majors in film production and screenwriting in each Yale course. It is hoped that undergraduates can experience a comprehensive course in critical writing, rigorous analysis, and film theory and method learning.

Acceptance Rate

6.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

As a non-business art school, The Juilliard School in New York, NY is known to be a leading force in the world of performing arts education. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in dance, drama, and music. 

The Juilliard School offers a degree in Playwriting under its curriculum in drama. With its advanced and opulent resources, students of the Playwriting program can enjoy the education lead that is within the walls of the school and the drama program. Over the years, graduates of the playwright program have been discovered by several award bodies both local and international.

Acceptance Rate

6.88

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Founded in 1974, Brown University is dedicated to promote freedom to students’ education journey. A research university that aims to provide students with more innovative and purpose-oriented learning to help them prepare for the competition after graduation.   The literature and art courses at Brown University have always been a boiling pot for a more diverse, innovative and innovative community. The program offers courses in poetry, fiction, screenwriting, literature hypermedia and translation which can be availed by students one at a time or more depending on their preference. This further provides various training for students, focusing on providing students with workshops, seminars and a combination of the two.

Acceptance Rate

7.07

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Since 1851, Northwestern University has been founded to serve the Northwest territory and has become to be one the country’s leading comprehensive universities known to deliver an empathetic yet rigorous academic environment. The institution is committed to cultivating graduates who have undergone intensive academic training, innovative research and overall personal development.

Northwestern University’s screenwriting major is taught and directed by well-known professionals who have been committed to creating for the stage and stage. Students in this course can develop a rich portfolio that can be used as a lever for a better writing career and future opportunities. A maximum of 20 credits are allowed for every student under this program.

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The University of Southern California is located in Los Angeles, California and has two main campuses. The University of Southern California prides itself on its respected faculty and staff, who are recognized and widely praised for their innovative methods of education and academic pursuit.

The University of Southern California has a 2-year Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in film and television. It aims to foster challenging training and rigorous education in film, television, and digital media. Without the stifling fear of failure, students of MFA at ESC are encouraged to come up with a thesis portfolio from their workshops and seminars.

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Carnegie Mellon University is located – Pittsburgh, PA, is a non-profit institution dedicated to harnessing student’s curious and genuine passion for learning and wonder. It prides itself on its most advanced inventions, achievements and state-of-the-art facilities, and has the qualifications to become a global research university.

The university is one of the outstanding universities that exist in the country and is known for its unique and extensive courses related to creative writing, drama and film courses. Students are ensured to develop skills and talents in creative writing by honing their understanding of poetry, creative writing, fiction, and screenwriting. Undergraduate degree can be further pursued with the University’s very own graduate program for creative writing.

Acceptance Rate

15.44

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Emory University is an established private institution serving to provide an excellent academic platform for students’ growth and personal & career development. Emory University is one of only 65 universities included by the Association of American Universities (AAU).

 

For any student interested in a career in creative writing, Emory University offers an undergraduate degree in creative writing. The plan aims to meet the needs of students for diverse learning and creative thinking. It includes different genres of poetry, fiction, non-fiction, creativity, playwriting and screenwriting.

Acceptance Rate

15.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Boston University is one of the best performing universities in higher education. It offers a total of 250 courses in a wide array of fields and specializations which include an interdisciplinary program, quality research, excellent faculty.  Students can get a degree in film and television programs at Boston University, which includes a screenwriting degree. These two degrees are customized and planned separately, aiming to provide students with unparalleled educational experience to enrich their knowledge and skills. BU also offers an MFA in screenwriting with a promised well-rounded curriculum.

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Today, since its establishment, New York University has been known as one of the famous research universities that provide innovative education and outstanding academic achievements in the world. The university advocates for its inclusive educational opportunities to reach the middle class as well as an advocating and urbanizing identity.

New York University is excellent in providing excellent film and television writing courses for learners and students. Anyone interested in writing film and TV screenwriting can obtain comprehensive and in-depth training at New York University. In the real world, many alumni of the school have obtained a wealth of professional writer opportunities.

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

A high-ranking institution, focused on fostering exemplary research and academic performance offering hundreds of academic bachelor’s degrees, master’s and doctor’s levels. UCSD also offers a variety of first-class interdisciplinary courses and programs to ensure that it stands out through unparalleled facilities and applications. 

The University of California, San Diego is not a leading university in the fields of science and innovation. It is also committed to excellence in honing the arts and literary craftsmanship. Screenwriting is one of the courses offered by this department at UCSD.  Screenwriting students have the opportunity to explore and explore the world of screenwriting through extensive and in-depth design courses at the university.

Acceptance Rate

31.48

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Pepperdine University’s primary goal is set to encourage students to pursue excellence in academics thriving in promoting Christian values and vocations. Its commitment to Christian values and high academic standards makes it an ideal place for students who want to seek a service-centric, goal-oriented career center that builds a service and inspiring career.

At the Pepperdine University, a degree in MFA in screenwriting is offered and accessible to people who want to further their vocation in the art of screenwriting. Graduates of this course will be guaranteed a portfolio of 10-page career statements and essay projects related to screenwriting and TV highlights. PU’s educative values-based approach aims to produce cultural leaders in the entertainment industry.

Acceptance Rate

31.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Emerson College is a non-commercial private school located in Boston, Massachusetts. It is a university that provides students with plenty of academic opportunities. In EC, students will not only be exposed to substantial learning content, but will also be forced to explore comprehensive and unconventional academic experiences.

Among the many courses offered by Emerson College, the Master of Arts in Film and Television Writing is one of them. This is a step-by-step, comprehensive two-year course designed to help students with excellent writing experience. The course aims to complete the MFA portfolio, which includes short scripts, functional scripts, original TV stream pilots, supplementary articles and review articles.
 

Acceptance Rate

33.35

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Florida State University is a first-class institution, classified as a doctoral research university, producing more than 2,000 graduates every year. As the main institution of the Florida State University system, FSU is known for its outstanding research facilities in physics, biology, sociology and other recognized scientific fields. 

Rejecting isolation is the key philosophy in the FSU screenwriting degree program. In this screenwriting course, students are encouraged to participate and play an active role in the creation and production process. Participants will receive a 61-hour lock-in step plan that requires students to challenge various genres and explore and discover unique sounds.

Acceptance Rate

35.97

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

Chapman University hopes to inspire students to excel in their careers through their undergraduates and graduate programs in a variety of fields including art and science. The main mission of CU is to achieve a personalized education that champions in ethical, inquiring, and productive lives.

Chapman University has BFA and MFA in screenwriting. This course will begin by exploring the basics and basics of character development and story structure. Overall, the goal of CU is to achieve higher output through project-based courses. At an MFA level, the program centers in further developing their voice as a writer and the practical side of creating profit from the craft.

Acceptance Rate

55.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Bennington College is the center of liberal arts opportunity in Vermont. It provides an undergraduate degree for students who wish to further stimulate their passion for art through academic activities, rigorous education and experience. 

As a liberal arts college, Bennington College has a rich curriculum in the School of Film and Drama. A career in screenwriting is one of the courses that students can get in college. Under the guidance of the instructor, screenwriting subjects and courses can be used and learned.

Acceptance Rate

60.79

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The California State University – Fullerton is known as the third largest university in California, following the UCLA and CSU Long Beach. As a rapidly improving university, Cal State Fullerton is considered as one of the best public institutions now in the West.

The Department of Cinema and Television Arts in Cal State Fullerton includes an MFA in Screenwriting under their program. This is a two-year master’s degree with a curriculum of 14 courses with a total of 42 units. Anyone interested to enroll in the program must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited university in Screenwriting.

Acceptance Rate

52.69

Student to Faculty Ratio

25:1

Residing in one of the nation’s top states, the California Institute of Arts is hailed for its game-changing and cutting-edge program for artists in California and across the country. The agency was integrated in the 1970s and has now become a leader in providing outstanding programs for a diverse community of artists and creators.

CalArt offers undergraduate and graduate students in six different genres, including an MFA degree in Screenwriting. In this program, the curriculum is designed to provide students with the advantage of learning creative and critical writing, enabling them to become art writers or art critics and integrate them into their own craft. A two-year course focused on hybridity and experimentation to secure a learner’s skill at expanding his craft in various genres such as screenwriting.

Acceptance Rate

25.28

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Students in the new school can choose from a variety of courses and programs. It is located in New York City, The New School comprises different colleges including programs in Liberal Arts, Performing Arts, Social Research, Public Engagements, and Parsons Paris.

Under the leadership of the Public Participation Institute, the new school opened a minor in screenwriting course. Students of this program can expect to be challenged with a set of activities and genres in screenwriting for Television, Film, and Drama. The availability of this course may vary from semester to semester, and students are advised to consult before starting.

Acceptance Rate

57.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

DePaul University is one of the most acclaimed institutions of higher learning in the country and the largest Catholic school in the country. The university follows a quarter-based admissions and academic calendar, which includes 10 distinctive colleges and schools.

For students of art and drama, DePaul University provides a comprehensive degree in screenwriting through the active participation and supervision of its teachers. The plan outlines 7 curriculum topics, including: director, drama criticism, history of drama literature, script writing, script analysis, theater staff and drama research. Graduates of the program will promote their voices as writers and obtain critically acclaimed majors related to drama and drama.

Acceptance Rate

68.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The State University of New York (SUNY) of the School of Purchase College consists of 64 institutions that actively promote huge influence across the country. The school is committed to providing endless visits and diverse opportunities for the student community to achieve academic excellence and success.

SUNY, State University of New York, of Purchase College provides scripts and screenwriters. It aims to give students a deeper understanding of the arts and crafts of drama, film and television. As we all know, SUNY of Purchase College is the only public university that offers a bachelor's degree in drama writing.

Acceptance Rate

51.51

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Over the course of almost 15 decades of unparalleled education service, CUNY Hunter College has mastered the production and training of future, competent leaders in the country. Hunter offers a number of 170 programs ranging from different fields to hone the students’ perspective and career trajectory.

Students can graduate with a degree in film and media at Hunter College. In this program, students with inclination for writing can further their skills by enrolling in the university’s writing for film and television courses. It is developed and designed to enhance the students’ art and craft for writing with a deeper sense creative process and understanding.

Acceptance Rate

35.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Asbury University (AU) is a Christian-centric university dedicated to promoting students' academic achievement and spiritual vitality. It advocates to ensure that each student enrolled in their respective courses has a deep understanding of humanities, spirituality and identity. 

Asbury University offers a comprehensive master of arts program in screenwriting which is designed to meet the needs and skill needs of students. The program does not only focus on the creative process of writing but also enriches students’ talent for self-marketing. The MFA in screenwriting offered at AU can be completed anywhere from a remote area through an online access.

Acceptance Rate

64.41

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

University of Cincinnati has a dedication for the future generation as a significant drive to pursue excellence and provide ground-breaking results through its breadth of programs and offerings. It is a public school for higher learning and research among the top tier universities the nation has.

Through its College of Arts and Sciences, UC helps students explore the world of screenwriting. It gears students with a beginner’s level in screenwriting and its components at the first phase of the program.  To qualify for UC’s top ranked screenwriting degree program, students will need to meet the minimum academic requirements in addition to completing UC required forms prior to matriculation.  

Acceptance Rate

38.53

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

The Judson University is a Christian school with emphasis on Church as an integral part in achieving higher learning and excellent academic results. Students of Judson University are equipped to find relevance in the real world through action, faith, and dedication in their chosen profession and field.

At Judson University’s English department, they treat language as a gift and so they provide opportunities and options which caters the students’ curiosity on and hunger for the Literature and English language. Its writing classes include screenwriting, non-fiction, prose, media, and other specialized writing courses. Applicants should note that students who are interested should consider taking the summer classes and workshops at Oxford Summer program.

Acceptance Rate

76.67

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Azusa University is a private high-level Christian school dedicated to creating influence for faith and Christ. It promises its students with a Christ-centered education which thrives on transformative education and collaboration among faculty, students, and the university.

The goal is to achieve substance while keeping beauty and truth in one place. Azusa offers a master's program in screenwriting, which provides writers with literary talent and unwavering creative will for lifelong dedication and career. The plan emphasizes low residence rates, multiple entry points, and a high degree of collaboration between tutors and students.

Acceptance Rate

67.48

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Top Screenwriting & Playwriting Degrees

Students seeking a formal education in screenwriting and playwriting will have a number of quality schools to choose from along with their associated degree programs.  Both undergraduate and graduate programs exist in the field of study providing rigorous coursework for students.  Below you will find a summary of the most popular degree programs in the screenwriting to help you find your perfect college match.  To get matched with specific programs or a particular school, simply request information from the schools below.

Screenwriting & Playwriting Bachelor Degrees

Bachelor degree programs for screenwriters and playwrights are designed to be completed in 4-years of full-time study.  Degrees are conferred as a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Bachelor of Arts (BA).  Students will take a combination of liberal arts classes and core curricula on a path towards degree completion.

General education courses will vary from school to school but will typically include classes such as creative writing, sociology, English composition, economics, psychology, and philosophy.   Core classes will include an array of programs to properly prepare students for a job in the field.  Examples of core classes include:

  • Art of Television
  • Modern Playwriting
  • Art of the Cinemas
  • Film Production
  • Introduction to Screenwriting
  • History of International Film
  • Developing the Pitch
  • History of American Film
  • Writing the TV Situational Comedy
  • Writing a One-Hour Episodic TV Show
  • Rewriting the Feature
  • Directing for Screenwriting
  • Film Production
  • New Screenplay Forms
  • Projects in Playwriting
  • World Cinema

Screenwriting & Playwriting Master Degrees

Master degree programs in Screenwriting and playwriting are in-demand degrees.  Graduate degrees at this level are conferred by colleges as Master of Fine Arts (MFA) or Master of Arts (MA).  Students should expect the program to take about 2-years’ time based on a full-time schedule.  Part-time students can expect the program to take longer as a function of your course load and effort.

Courses you can expect to see in a screenwriting degree program include: Television Genres, Story Structures, Advanced Screenwriting, Writing the Television Spec Script, Writing the Episodic Drama, Writing the Web Series, Storytelling for Video Games, Sketch Writing, The Art of Scene Writing, Media & Design.

Thesis projects for MFA students will typically consist of completing the core requisite classes then selecting a pilot or screenplay.  The advisory committee will review your selection and determine if it meets the criteria of the school.  If approved, students will begin creating stories and developing the thesis project.  Once the thesis project is fully developed, edited, and vetted for completeness, students will submit the thesis.

Designated advisory committees for each student or class will grade the thesis project providing a letter grade or pass/rewrite result.  Upon completion of the master degree program, students will be equipped to launch a career in the industry or continue on to earn a PhD or additional master’s degree in a related field of study.

Skills & Abilities Required for Screenwriters

  1. Oral Comprehension
  2. Speech Recognition
  3. Speaking
  4. Instructing
  5. Reading Comprehension
  6. Active Listening
  7. Writing
  8. Speech Clarity
  9. Oral Expression
  10. Written Comprehension
Schools Other Students Requested Information From:

Employment Information & Writing Specializations

For students that earn a college degree in Playwriting and Screenwriting, there are several fields of specialization that one can pursue. The options range from writer, author, editors, public speakers, reporter, technical writer, announcer, public relations specialist, high school teacher, and researcher to name a few possible career tracks. From large public organizations to small private companies, a screenwriter may find gainful employment in a variety of organizations.

Job Growth, Salary, and Related Fields

The job growth in the greater Playwriting and Screenwriting domain are steady for the foreseeable future.  For example, the rate of job growth for technical writers is expected to rise 10% through 2024 and public relations specialists a 6% growth rate is expected during the same period.

The broad nature of the Playwriting and Screenwriting degree will yield a varying level of compensation.  Primary drivers of your annual salary include education, experience, and geographic location.  Related fields include teaching, curriculum design, research, writing, editing, speaking, announcing, and public relations.

Additional Resources for Screenwriters and Playwrights

Students seeking additional information outside academia can find a plethora of resources in playwriting and screenwriting below.  From professional networking to industry facts & tips, you can find an array of resources with the following associations and organizations.

  • American Film Institute (AFI)
  • Creative Screenwriting Magazine (CS) and Podcast
  • American Screenwriting Association (ASA)
  • Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA)
  • International Screenwriters Association (ISA)
  • Director’s Guild of America (DGA)
  • The Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF)
  • Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences
  • Filmmakers Alliance (FA)
  • Writers Guild of America (WGA)
  • American Association of Community Theatre (AACT)
  • American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA)

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