Program Overview

Master of Fine Arts Degree in Screenwriting

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Screenwriting degree program at the New York Film Academy is designed to help students master cinematic storytelling concepts and techniques. Throughout this hands-on program, students work and study at the same pace as professional screenwriters, writing scripts and proposals for film, television, comic books, games, as well as web series.

Program Overview

Studying under the mentorship and guidance of experienced faculty of active industry screenwriters, students grow individually as artists and write intensively, learning to adhere to project guidelines and take constructive criticism while retaining a unique artistic voice. MFA students also learn to build strong, three-dimensional characters and develop compelling story worlds and franchises across multiple visual media.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the MFA in Screenwriting program includes:

• Intensive classes that help students advance their writing skills across multiple media, including film, television, short films, and web series, with electives in other media such as comic books, games, podcasts, reality/unscripted projects, and plays
• Skill building classes and electives in story generation, rewriting, world building, scene study, genre studies
• Business classes that teach students the ins and outs of the entertainment industry
• Close mentoring and instruction by faculty and staff that actively work in screenwriting and can prepare students for the challenges of the current industry
• Opportunities to collaborate with students in other departments, such as directors, cinematographers, and actors
• Access to and instruction on use of camera, sound, and lighting equipment, as well as a digital license to Final Draft screenwriting software
• Guest lectures from acclaimed industry leaders such as screenwriters, directors, producers, actors, and more

Program Structure and Duration

The Masters of Fine Arts degree (MFA) in Screenwriting is an accelerated, two-year, five-semester, full-time graduate program. NYFA makes the accelerated schedule possible by creating an extended academic year, allowing students to complete three full-length semesters each calendar year.

Projects and Outcomes

The goal of NYFA's MFA program is for aspiring screenwriters to create, write, develop, rewrite, and pitch high-quality scripts. Students build a portfolio of writing that includes at least two feature length screenplays, two scripts for existing television shows, at least one original television series pilot and series proposal, a proposal for an original transmedia franchise, plus proposals for a web series, video game, podcast, and comic book, and mini treatments and proposals for additional film and television projects. Students also write and direct a short film.

Locations

Students pursuing their MFA in Screenwriting attend NYFA Los Angeles, known as the West Coast's primary hub for film, television, media, and entertainment. As NYFA Los Angeles is centrally located next to Universal and Warner Brother studios, students may have the opportunity to shoot on the Warner Bros backlot.

Tuition and Fees

• Tuition: $20,500 Per Semester
• Additional Fees:
  • Technology Fee: $80 Per Semester
  • Wellness Services & Programming Fee: $145 Per Semester
  • Activity Fee: $125 per semester
  • Orientation Fee: Domestic Students: $150, International Students: $200
  • Graduation Fee: $100
  • International Student Fee: $200 for the first semester, $120 each subsequent semester

Start Dates

Start dates for the MFA in Screenwriting program at Los Angeles include:

• August, 2026
• January, 2027

Program Details

Location | Program Start Date and End Date | Tuition
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Los Angeles| August, 2026 – April, 2028January, 2027 – August, 2028|

History and Theory Courses

To complement their Screenwriting classes, MFA students also take History and Theory courses that align with the Screenwriting discipline.

Faculty Highlights

The program boasts a faculty of experienced, active industry screenwriters who provide close mentoring and instruction to students.

Alumni and Industry Connections

NYFA has a strong network of alumni and industry connections, providing students with opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and career advancement. Guest lectures from acclaimed industry leaders are also a part of the program, offering students insights into the latest trends and practices in the field.