Master of Fine Arts: Screenwriting
Everyone loves a good story. As humans, we storify everything around us: our adventures, sorrows, conflicts, dreams, and failures. That’s why stories are often used to influence social behavior and draw people together. Without a solid and compelling story, even the most powerful production elements can become mere spectacles that lack audience engagement. With a solid and compelling story, however, these production elements not only enhance but elevate the story to fully engage and inspire your audience.
The M.F.A. in Screenwriting is not just about creating stories. We’ll help you become a versatile and marketable writer who can create stories that are compelling, mesmerizing, and memorable. You’ll learn the fundamental principles of storytelling and discover how to expertly translate them in practice. You’ll also work closely with top faculty and expert writers in the industry as you hone your craft.
As a student in Asbury’s M.F.A. program, you’ll be able to take advantage of unique opportunities that will help you build an outstanding portfolio, like the original narrative film or television production that Asbury’s media communication department creates every summer. You’ll meet industry experts, participate in and graduate with a mastery of the production process.
If you love creating engaging characters and compelling stories for film or television, the M.F.A. in Screenwriting is for you.
How the M.F.A. Program Works
Asbury’s M.F.A. in Screenwriting is designed to help you master the craft of screenwriting, from first idea through final draft. Our program is almost completely online, so you can participate no matter where you live—in fact, we currently have students from 20 states and four countries. If you want to have the close-to-campus experience, though, you can! About 25% of our students live in or around the Wilmore area.
Regardless of how much screenwriting experience you have, our professors will help you perfect your existing skills and learn new one that you’ll need to succeed in the industry. When you graduate from the program, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of the storytelling process, a thorough grounding in writing mechanics and media ethics, and the ability to conduct research to shape and support your stories. In short, you’ll have the ability to make a strong impact as a screenwriter, a director, a teacher of film and television production, or any other role in the narrative film and television industry.
What to Do Next
If this sounds intriguing, the M.F.A. in Screenwriting may be perfect for you. To learn more about the specifics of the M.F.A. program, visit our Program Details page. Have questions? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page. You can also contact us directly or email us at gradadmissions@asbury.edu to ask questions or set up a time to meet with a program representative.
Ready to apply?
If you’re interested in the production side of the film/television industry, be sure to check out our M.F.A. in Film/TV Production program. If you’re looking for a degree pertaining to storytelling through social media and web platforms, check out our M.A. in Digital Storytelling program.