Overview

The Screenwriting degree at California State University Fullerton is diverse and inclusive. No matter your background or identity, you're welcome in the classrooms. And we'll never try to change your unique voice as an artist. Instead, we'll help you hone that voice, so your work can shine.

Programme Highlights

The class sizes are small – no more than 15 students.

The workflow is identical to the process used by Hollywood. On day one, you'll enter the writers' room - you'll conduct table reads of script pages, give feedback to your classmates, and incorporate notes into your own work.

The instructors are seasoned industry veterans. They have written films for studios and independent producers; they are television showrunners; and they have served as creative executives at major entertainment companies.

The curriculum evolves to meet the changing demands of the industry. We're adding cutting-edge classes on topics such as AI in screenwriting.

They don't simply promote diversity - we view it as an essential component of the artistic process. We welcome writers of all backgrounds.

The degree programme is designed as a two-year degree programme (consisting of 42 units), culminating in two (2) screenwriting thesis projects aimed at the professional film, television, and other media market.

Application requirements: Bachelor's degree from an accredited university and samples of competent and creative writing, such as original screenplays, teleplays, theatrical plays, or other narrative work. Competitive application process.

Students also have the option of taking an entertainment industry internship. Contact the MFA Advisor for more information on procedures to enroll in this optional course. (Note: The process of securing an internship can be quite long. So contact the Advisor at least one semester in advance of the semester in which you want to take the internship.)

Accreditation

California State University, Fullerton, is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Many of the academic programs at CSUF are also accredited by discipline-specific accreditation agencies and associations.

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Programme Structure

Courses include:

American Television History

Film Theory and Criticism

Advanced Scene Study

Story Structure and Draft

Sitcom: Spec and Draft

One-Hour Drama: TV Spec and Pilot

First Draft Screenplay

Screenplay: Rewrite

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Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-15 00:00:00
Starting 2028-01-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-31 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

110

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

42 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Fullerton, United States

Disciplines

Creative Writing View 385 other Masters in Creative Writing in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

One (1) essay . In your essay, explain why you feel this is the right programme for you at this time in your life.(This should be no longer than two pages.) Include your name, address, phone and email address at the top of the essay.

Two (2) creative writing samples. The samples should best represent you, such as: a film script (short or feature length), and/or a play (short or full length), and/or a short story, and/or another writing sample you think is appropriate. We will be open to any imaginative piece of work that you feel represents you.

Three (3) recommendations. These should be from teachers, mentors or other applicable sources who are able to write regarding your writing and/or work ethic. Each recommendation should include an email address or phone number where the person may be reached.

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

7571 USD / year

≈ 7571 USD / year
Out-of-State

7571 USD / year

≈ 7571 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

4274 USD / year

≈ 4274 USD / year

Living costs

Fullerton

United States

1100 - 1600 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Screenwriting.

Available Scholarships

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On this page

About

Overview

Programme Highlights

Accreditation

Get more details

Programme Structure

Check out the full curriculum

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

Explore more key information

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Make sure you meet all requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Fullerton

Financing

Funding

Check for any work restrictions

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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