BFA in Writing for Screen and Television

  • Understanding of the core fundamentals in writing visually for a screen including character, world, theme, tone, atmosphere, subtext, and plot.
  • Proficient in the creation of compelling characters that have a strong emotional core that universally speaks to the human condition. Specialization in the development of characters and inter-personal relationships within the story.
  • Proficient in the creation and development of unique and original worlds that function within the working structure of the screenplay with thematic unity.
  • In-depth understanding and confidence in their creative voice.
  • Understanding the many formats of television as well as how to create an original television pilot in half-hour or hour-long formats with strict adherence to engine, characters, and world.
  • Ability to use analytical and critical thinking to deconstruct the elements of successful story in a contained episode or motion picture screenplay.
  • A broad knowledge of the history of cinema including a canon of work in both film and television that students can reference in their writing. In addition, students will have a specialized knowledge in one sub-genre of the students' choosing.
  • A broad knowledge in physical production including camera work, set design, lighting, editing, directing, and producing.
  • Understanding the business of motion pictures, television, and online industry as it relates to the student's portfolio of work.
  • Application of what is learned – for example, writing feature length screenplays, a thesis project, completing internships, shooting an independent film or short, webisodes and/or presenting a "pitch" of completed material.

MFA in Writing for Screen and Television

  • Proficient in the creation of compelling characters that have a strong emotional core that universally speaks to the human condition.  Specialization in the development of characters and inter-personal relationships within the story. 
  • Proficient in the creation and development of unique and original worlds that function within the working structure of the screenplay with thematic unity.
  • Advanced emphasis of economy of words and efficiency in developing compelling characters, inter-personal relationships within the story, and multiple storylines in a concise format. 
  • Knowledge of how to access the student’s emotional core to better understand the world of performance as they learn to inhabit the roles of created characters. 
  • Ability to use analytical and critical thinking to deconstruct the elements of successful story in a contained episode or motion picture screenplay.  
  • Understanding the many formats of television as well as how to create an original television pilot in half-hour or hour-long formats with strict adherence to engine, characters, and world. 
  • Knowledge of the production aspect of an original half-hour or hour-long television show including working with actors, rewrites, collaboration, physical production, editing, set design, and conflict resolution. 
  • Understanding the business of motion pictures, television, and online industry as it relates to the student’s portfolio of work. 
  • Application of what is learned – for example, writing feature length screenplays, a thesis project, completing internships, shooting an independent film or short, webisodes and/or presenting a “pitch” of completed material.