Welcome to Asbury University’s Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting program! This M.F.A. program will prepare you to craft compelling stories for film and television. The program combines theoretical knowledge with the practical skills needed for exceptional storytelling and success in the industry.
Our program is uniquely faith-based, encourages collaboration between students, and provides students with powerful feedback from peers, faculty, and industry professionals. You’ll have the chance to meet industry expert guest speakers and project leaders, and have access to unique opportunities like film/TV productions and media apprenticeships that will help you build a phenomenal portfolio to showcase your talents. As a student in the M.F.A. program, you’ll also participate in our unique Los Angeles Media Workshop, an intensive two-week summer session that gives you the chance to spend time with production professionals and explore areas such as lighting, design, writing, studio back lots, and acting.
If you completed an undergraduate course in single camera (film-style) shooting & editing, you can move directly into the online M.F.A. in Screenwriting program and complete the degree in 42 credit hours, provided that your writing portfolio is accepted. The M.F.A. in Screenwriting is considered a terminal degree.
If you’re a media professional or have extensive media experience in single camera shooting and editing, you can move directly into the online M.F.A. in Screenwriting program and complete the degree in 42 credit hours, provided that your writing portfolio is accepted.
If you don’t have prior media experience and/or have not completed media classes, you’ll need to take a prerequisite course in Single Camera Production (MC 302). This means you’ll be required to take 3 prerequisite credit hours plus the program’s 42 credit hours in order to complete the M.F.A. program. The prerequisite course can be taken online, on campus during the Fall and Spring semesters, or as an intensive two-week class during the summer.
Credit for Professional Experience: Up to 3 hours of credit for professional experience may be considered in place of a specific course. Talk to your faculty advisor for more information.
Projected Program course cycle: Students can pursue their coursework at different rates. If you’re a full-time student, it’s possible to complete the program in two-three years. Some students, especially those with families and professional obligations, choose to spread the program out over three-four years.
The degree requirements are available for download as a PDF.