M.F.A. in Screenwriting

CSUN’s Master in Fine Arts degree in Screenwriting is a two-year, 42-unit program dedicated to writing for television and film. Our focus is on developing the tools with which you will tell your original stories in your unique voice. And our full-time and lecturer faculty are all current or former industry professionals teaching in their area of expertise. Your first semester starts with breaking a full season and writing a one-hour spec in a course run exactly like a professional Writers Room. You’ll also analyze structural and story-telling techniques employed in the creation of compelling, entertaining feature-length films in various genres. And you’ll outline and write the first act of an original feature screenplay. In your second semester, you’ll complete the first draft of your feature script, write a half-hour spec comedy and outline an original pilot and take a course in the history of cinema and television. And in our pedagogy course you will create a screenwriting class and teach one lesson from your syllabus. The third semester includes writing an original one-hour pilot. You’ll also write the first act of a second feature. And you’ll begin developing your thesis script for either television or film. You’ll also take a course in producing for film or TV, both taught by former productiondevelopment executives. Your final semester focuses on completing and polishing your thesis. You’ll also do an internship and take a “Business of Screenwriting” course in which you’ll create decks and hone your pitch. The course also brings in writers, producers, executives, agents, attorneys, etc., via Zoom or in person to share their experience and thoughts on the life and craft of a professional screenwriter, how the business works, how to start and sustain your career and other relevant industry topics.