{"id":45942,"date":"2026-04-13T17:16:11","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T21:16:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/?post_type=bu-program-page&#038;p=45942"},"modified":"2026-04-13T17:16:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T21:16:16","slug":"frequently-asked-questions","status":"publish","type":"bu-program-page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/programs\/film-television\/mfa-in-screenwriting\/frequently-asked-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"MFA in Screenwriting Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"<article itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/FAQPage\">\n<h2>Program Focus &amp; Experience<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-bu-collapsible js-wp-block-bu-collapsible icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-does-the-mfa-in-screenwriting-at-bu-focus-on\" data-default-open=\"false\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n<h2 class=\"bu-collapsible-heading\"><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-does-the-mfa-in-screenwriting-at-bu-focus-on-toggle\" itemprop=\"name\"><strong>What does the MFA in Screenwriting at BU focus on?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-does-the-mfa-in-screenwriting-at-bu-focus-on-panel\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>The MFA in Screenwriting is a two-year, intensive graduate program designed to help you master the craft of writing for film and television. The program emphasizes cinematic storytelling, dramatic structure, character development, dialogue, and adaptation \u2014 giving you the tools to write for feature films, short films, network\/cable\/streaming television dramas and comedies, and original series. Through a curriculum spanning multiple genres and formats, you\u2019ll learn to tell stories effectively on the screen, blending creativity with a strong understanding of industry-standard writing practices.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-bu-collapsible js-wp-block-bu-collapsible icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-makes-bu-s-program-unique-or-strong\" data-default-open=\"false\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n<h2 class=\"bu-collapsible-heading\"><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-makes-bu-s-program-unique-or-strong-toggle\" itemprop=\"name\"><strong>What makes BU\u2019s program unique or strong?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-makes-bu-s-program-unique-or-strong-panel\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>One defining feature of BU\u2019s MFA is its bi-coastal structure: you spend the first three semesters studying and writing in Boston \u2014 benefiting from a close-knit cohort atmosphere and intensive workshops \u2014 then spend your fourth semester in Los Angeles as part of an internship program, gaining hands-on, professional industry experience in the heart of the entertainment business.<\/p>\n<p>The faculty includes experienced, working screenwriters and industry professionals who provide personalized feedback, mentorship, and guidance. This ensures that your training is not just academic, but tightly linked to real-world industry standards and opportunities.<\/p>\n<p>Also, by the end of the program you will have written a substantial body of work \u2014 multiple scripts across film and TV formats \u2014 giving you a strong portfolio to show to industry leaders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Curriculum &amp; Structure<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-bu-collapsible js-wp-block-bu-collapsible icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-how-long-is-the-program-and-how-is-it-structured\" data-default-open=\"false\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n<h2 class=\"bu-collapsible-heading\"><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-how-long-is-the-program-and-how-is-it-structured-toggle\" itemprop=\"name\"><strong>How long is the program, and how is it structured?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-how-long-is-the-program-and-how-is-it-structured-panel\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>The MFA program spans four semesters of full-time study (typically two academic years). The first three semesters are based in Boston on BU\u2019s Charles River campus; the fourth (final) semester takes place in Los Angeles, where students participate in internships in the film and television industry.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-bu-collapsible js-wp-block-bu-collapsible icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-are-the-graduation-requirements\" data-default-open=\"false\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n<h2 class=\"bu-collapsible-heading\"><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-are-the-graduation-requirements-toggle\" itemprop=\"name\"><strong>What are the graduation requirements?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-are-the-graduation-requirements-panel\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>To earn the MFA in Screenwriting, students must complete a minimum of 60 credits (some sources note a 64-credit plan depending on course load).<\/p>\n<p>Over the course of the program, you are required to write a diverse set of scripts: at minimum two feature-length screenplays, two short films, a spec for an existing hour-long TV drama, a spec for an existing half-hour comedy, and an original pilot for a television series (with series bible).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-bu-collapsible js-wp-block-bu-collapsible icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-kinds-of-courses-will-i-take\" data-default-open=\"false\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n<h2 class=\"bu-collapsible-heading\"><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-kinds-of-courses-will-i-take-toggle\" itemprop=\"name\"><strong>What kinds of courses will I take?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-kinds-of-courses-will-i-take-panel\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>Courses cover a broad spectrum of formats and skills. In film: short film scripts, feature screenwriting workshops, \u201cScript to Film\u201d analysis. In television: episodic drama, sitcoms, pilot writing (both comedy and drama), writing existing-show specs, as well as series-bible creation. There are also courses in genre theory, adaptation, script analysis, and dramatic writing fundamentals like structure, character, dialogue and cinematic storytelling.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, during the Los Angeles semester you\u2019ll take industry-oriented courses (e.g. \u201cCareers in Hollywood,\u201d rewrite workshops) and complete an internship. That experience helps you understand the business side of the industry \u2014 development, pitching, script revision, collaboration, and networking.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-bu-collapsible js-wp-block-bu-collapsible icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-is-prior-screenwriting-experience-required-to-apply\" data-default-open=\"false\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n<h2 class=\"bu-collapsible-heading\"><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-is-prior-screenwriting-experience-required-to-apply-toggle\" itemprop=\"name\"><strong>Is prior screenwriting experience required to apply?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-is-prior-screenwriting-experience-required-to-apply-panel\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>No. The program doesn\u2019t require previous screenwriting experience. What matters most is your talent, creativity, and commitment to storytelling. Applicants are evaluated based on their writing sample, creative potential, and passion for film\/TV writing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Admissions &amp; Application<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-bu-collapsible js-wp-block-bu-collapsible icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-required-for-the-application\" data-default-open=\"false\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n<h2 class=\"bu-collapsible-heading\"><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-required-for-the-application-toggle\" itemprop=\"name\"><strong>What is required for the application?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-is-required-for-the-application-panel\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>Applicants need to submit a current r\u00e9sum\u00e9 or CV, a writing sample (often a short analysis or creative writing sample), and in many cases answer online writing or video questions (through a platform like Kira Talent). Admissions may also request letters of recommendation \u2014 ideally from people familiar with your creative work (not peers or family).<\/p>\n<p>Beyond formal materials, the admissions committee looks for promise, originality, and a clear sense of why you want to pursue screenwriting \u2014 a drive to tell stories and the discipline to write and revise.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Outcomes &amp; Career Paths<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-bu-collapsible js-wp-block-bu-collapsible icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-kinds-of-careers-can-i-pursue-after-graduating\" data-default-open=\"false\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n<h2 class=\"bu-collapsible-heading\"><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-kinds-of-careers-can-i-pursue-after-graduating-toggle\" itemprop=\"name\"><strong>What kinds of careers can I pursue after graduating?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-kinds-of-careers-can-i-pursue-after-graduating-panel\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>With an MFA in Screenwriting from BU, you are prepared for a range of creative careers: screenwriter for film or television, showrunner, story editor, script supervisor, development executive, story analyst, producer, or copywriter. Some graduates also pursue academia or teaching, or work in related fields such as digital media, content development, or script consulting.<\/p>\n<p>Because you\u2019ll graduate with a robust portfolio (multiple film and TV scripts), you\u2019ll be well-positioned to pitch your work, apply for writing jobs, or seek representation. The internship and LA connections also help you network with industry professionals \u2014 which is often crucial in film\/TV.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-bu-collapsible js-wp-block-bu-collapsible icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-does-the-program-help-with-networking-industry-exposure-or-professional-development\" data-default-open=\"false\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n<h2 class=\"bu-collapsible-heading\"><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-does-the-program-help-with-networking-industry-exposure-or-professional-development-toggle\" itemprop=\"name\"><strong>Does the program help with networking, industry exposure, or professional development?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-does-the-program-help-with-networking-industry-exposure-or-professional-development-panel\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>Yes. The fourth term in Los Angeles is explicitly designed to immerse you in the industry: you may intern with development companies, film\/TV studios, production houses, talent agencies, or writing staffs. This not only gives you practical experience, but also helps you build relationships with established professionals.<\/p>\n<p>Moreover, the program\u2019s small, cohort-based classes and access to faculty who are active industry writers provide mentorship, creative feedback, and guidance \u2014 a supportive environment for growth.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Why Choose BU\u2019s Screenwriting MFA?<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-bu-collapsible js-wp-block-bu-collapsible icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-sets-bu-s-mfa-in-screenwriting-apart-from-other-programs\" data-default-open=\"false\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n<h2 class=\"bu-collapsible-heading\"><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-sets-bu-s-mfa-in-screenwriting-apart-from-other-programs-toggle\" itemprop=\"name\"><strong>What sets BU\u2019s MFA in Screenwriting apart from other programs?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\" id=\"bu-collapsible-id-what-sets-bu-s-mfa-in-screenwriting-apart-from-other-programs-panel\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>BU\u2019s Screenwriting MFA offers an ideal mix of creative training, structured output, and real-world industry exposure. The requirement to complete a wide variety of scripts \u2014 shorts, features, TV specs, original pilots \u2014 ensures you build a diverse and professional-grade portfolio. The bi-coastal model (Boston studios + L.A. internship) gives you both academic grounding and industry immersion.<\/p>\n<p>Small class sizes and access to experienced, working screenwriters as faculty allows a highly personalized, workshop-based learning environment where your voice is heard and developed. And through the program\u2019s connections and alumni network, you\u2019ll have opportunities for internships, representation, and entry into the entertainment industry.<\/p>\n<p>For someone like you \u2014 with interest in media, storytelling, production, and possibly leveraging PR\/communication background into entertainment \u2014 this program could offer a direct path into screenwriting, content creation, and storytelling in film\/TV.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Program Focus &amp; Experience What does the MFA in Screenwriting at BU focus on? 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