Master’s of Fine Arts Degree in Screenwriting

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

New York Film Academy

Program Overview

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Screenwriting at the New York Film Academy (NYFA) is an accelerated, two-year graduate programme designed for aspiring screenwriters who want to develop professional storytelling and scriptwriting skills across film, television, and digital media. Through intensive writing workshops, industry mentorship, collaborative projects, and practical assignments, students learn to create feature-length screenplays, television pilots, web series, comic books, video games, and other narrative projects while developing their own creative voice and understanding of the entertainment industry.

Curriculum Structure

The MFA in Screenwriting is a full-time, five-semester programme offered at NYFA's Los Angeles campus. Its curriculum combines intensive screenwriting workshops, story development, film history and theory, genre studies, entertainment business courses, and industry internships. Students work on multiple writing projects throughout the programme, receiving feedback from professional screenwriters and developing a portfolio of scripts and proposals across different media formats.

Year 1

During the first year, students establish a strong foundation in cinematic storytelling, screenplay structure, character development, and story generation. Through SCRE500: Elements of Screenwriting, students explore the fundamental principles of screenwriting, including plot construction, character motivation, conflict, dialogue, and scene development. SCRE530: Master's Story Generation helps students generate and develop original story ideas, while SCRE520: Master's Feature Film Workshop I introduces the process of developing a feature-length screenplay from its initial concept through structured writing exercises. Students also study SCRE502: Introduction to Television, gaining an understanding of television storytelling and episodic formats.

Students further develop their understanding of cinema through HATM500: Cinema Studies, which introduces film history, cinematic movements, and critical approaches to visual storytelling. They also explore SCRE540: Storytelling with Purpose I, focusing on developing meaningful narratives and communicating ideas through compelling stories. Writing exercises, peer critiques, and faculty mentorship help students strengthen their writing techniques and develop a distinctive creative voice.

Year 2

During the second year, students advance their writing skills through more specialised projects, intensive rewriting, and professional development activities. They develop additional feature film screenplays, television spec scripts, original television pilots, and series proposals, while exploring other storytelling formats such as web series, podcasts, comic books, video games, and plays. Electives in story generation, world-building, scene study, genre studies, and rewriting allow students to refine their narrative techniques and adapt their writing to different audiences and platforms.

Students also undertake industry-focused business courses and complete a compulsory internship in each of their final two semesters. These experiences help them understand professional screenwriting practices, develop industry connections, and gain practical exposure to the entertainment business. The programme concludes with a Pitch Fest, where eligible graduating students present their thesis scripts to invited agents, managers, executives, and producers, gaining valuable feedback and opportunities to showcase their work.

Focus Areas

Feature Film Screenwriting, Television Screenwriting, Short Film Writing, Web Series Development, Television Pilot Development, Story Generation, Character Development, Screenplay Structure, Dialogue Writing, Script Rewriting, World-Building, Genre Studies, Scene Development, Comic Book Writing, Video Game Writing, Podcast Scriptwriting, Transmedia Storytelling, Entertainment Business, Screenplay Pitching, Film History and Theory.

Learning Outcomes

Develop professional screenwriting skills across film, television, and digital media; create original feature-length screenplays and television pilots; write scripts for existing television series; develop compelling characters, story worlds, and narrative structures; apply storytelling techniques across different genres and media formats; revise and improve scripts through professional feedback; create proposals for web series, podcasts, comic books, and video games; understand film history and cinematic storytelling techniques; collaborate with directors, cinematographers, actors, and other creative professionals; develop professional pitching and presentation skills; understand the business operations of the entertainment industry; build a diverse portfolio of original scripts and creative proposals; develop an individual writing style and professional screenwriting identity.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The MFA in Screenwriting is a professionally oriented graduate qualification designed to prepare students for careers in film, television, and digital entertainment. Its compulsory internships during the final two semesters provide opportunities to gain industry experience and develop professional connections. Students also benefit from mentorship by working screenwriters, guest lectures from industry professionals, collaborative projects, and the concluding Pitch Fest, where eligible students present their thesis scripts to agents, managers, executives, and producers. NYFA is approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE); this represents institutional approval rather than specialised professional accreditation of the MFA in Screenwriting programme.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The New York Film Academy offers an industry-focused screenwriting education through practical workshops, professional faculty mentorship, collaborative filmmaking opportunities, and exposure to established entertainment professionals. Its Los Angeles campus provides students with access to a major film and television production hub, while guest lectures and industry internships help them understand professional screenwriting practices. Students graduate with a portfolio that includes feature screenplays, television scripts, original series proposals, and projects across other media formats. The official programme information does not publish a specific graduate employment rate or programme-level QS or Guardian employability ranking.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the New York Film Academy (NYFA), the MFA in Screenwriting program is designed to immerse students in the art and craft of storytelling through hands-on experiences. Students gain practical skills by engaging in workshops, collaborating on projects, and utilizing state-of-the-art facilities and tools that mirror the professional industry. This experiential learning approach ensures that graduates are not only well-versed in theory but also equipped with the practical knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive world of screenwriting.

Here are some key aspects of the experiential learning opportunities available in the MFA Screenwriting program:

- Workshops and Peer Collaboration: Students participate in intensive workshops where they write, critique, and revise scripts in a collaborative environment, fostering a strong sense of community and teamwork.

- Industry-Standard Software: The program provides access to industry-standard screenwriting software, including Final Draft and Celtx, allowing students to familiarize themselves with tools commonly used in the field.

- Internship Opportunities: NYFA has strong connections within the film and television industry, offering students the chance to secure internships that provide real-world experience and networking opportunities.

- Field Trips: Students often engage in field trips to film studios, production companies, and industry events, giving them firsthand insight into the workings of the screenwriting profession.

- Access to Libraries and Resources: The NYFA library offers a wealth of resources, including screenplays, books on screenwriting, and access to industry publications, supporting students in their research and writing.

- Dedicated Writing Labs: The program features dedicated writing labs equipped with computers and software specifically for screenwriting, providing a focused environment for students to develop their scripts.

- Guest Lectures and Workshops: Students benefit from guest lectures and workshops led by industry professionals, offering invaluable insights and advice from those who have successfully navigated the screenwriting landscape.

By engaging in these experiential learning opportunities, students in the MFA Screenwriting program at NYFA are well-prepared to enter the industry with confidence and creativity.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MFA in Screenwriting at the New York Film Academy prepares graduates for a dynamic career in the film and television industry, equipping them with the skills to excel in various roles such as screenwriter, script consultant, and production assistant. Graduates have gone on to work with major studios and independent filmmakers, showcasing their talent in a competitive market.

Here’s what you can expect in terms of progression and future opportunities:

- University Services: The Career Development Office offers personalized career counseling, resume workshops, and networking events with industry professionals to help you secure internships and job placements.
- Employment Stats and Salary Figures: According to recent data, over 80% of our graduates find employment within six months of graduation, with entry-level salaries averaging around $50,000, depending on the role and location.
- University–Industry Partnerships: NYFA has established partnerships with leading organizations in the film industry, including collaborations with studios like Warner Bros. and independent film festivals, providing students with invaluable networking opportunities.
- Long-term Accreditation Value: The MFA program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), ensuring that your degree holds significant value in the industry.
- Graduation Outcomes: Alumni have successfully launched their careers, with many securing positions in prestigious companies and even winning awards for their work.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the MFA in Screenwriting, you may choose to further your studies by pursuing a Ph.D. in Film Studies or a related field, which can open doors to academic positions or advanced research opportunities. Additionally, you could explore specialized workshops or certificate programs in areas like directing or producing to broaden your skill set and enhance your career prospects.

Choosing to study at NYFA means investing in your future as a storyteller in the vibrant world of film and television. Your journey starts here!