ClosedMaster

Master of Screenwriting

California State University, Northridge

Northridge, United States
3 years
English
On campus
Master

About the program

An accelerated five-semester MFA in writing for film, TV, Games and comics.

Program highlights

Internship available: no
Placement support: no
Work during study: yes
Post-study work rights (1): yes
PR pathway friendly: no

What you will learn

Critically analyse advanced concepts in Screenwriting. Evaluate topics including five semesters. Use appropriate evidence and methodologies to develop and present subject-relevant solutions or research.

Career outcomes

Video Production Assistant
Film Editor
Media Producer
Creative Content Specialist

Curriculum

Five semesters
Three per calendar year. Intensive screenwriting classes for film
TV
Short films and web series
Electives in story generation
Rewriting
World-building
Comics
Games and podcasts
Business classes
An industry internship in each of the last two semesters
A thesis script and Pitch Fest.

Entry requirements

Academic

Bachelor's degree with a 3.0+ overall GPA
Classified status needs a 2.5+ undergraduate GPA and 3.0+ in cinema and television courses
Original screenplay or teleplay writing sample (20-120 pages)
Additional academic criteria: 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (cumulative or last 60 semester units)
Programmes may set higher.

Accepted academic background

Bachelor-equivalent degree from a regionally accredited/recognised institution in good standing, programme prerequisites, Affidavit of Financial Support with bank statement, one programme per term

Language tests

IELTS 6.5
TOEFL iBT 80 (4.0 on new scale)
TOEFL PBT 550
PTE Academic 58
Duolingo 105

Other requirements

Portfolio required

Documents you’ll need

Completed Application
Official Academic Transcripts
Passport or Identity Document
Previous Degree Certificate
Financial Support Statement
Academic References
Statement of Purpose
Portfolio of Work

How to apply

Review the Screenwriting admission requirements and the current intake deadline. Complete the application through Cal State Apply. Prepare academic transcripts and evidence of previous qualifications. Submit the required portfolio. Provide English language test results if required. Submit the supporting documents requested by admissions. Confirm the applicable application fee before submitting the application. Review any admission offer and complete the required acceptance steps. Prepare the appropriate student immigration application if necessary.

Other costs

Tuition per year	$21,405 USD
Application fee	$70 USD
Deposit	$500 USD

Program details

Campus	Northridge
Faculty or school	Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication
Department	Cinema and Television Arts
Teaching language	English
Credit value	42
Study pace	Fixed
Post-study stay	1
Scholarship note	Potential California State University, Northridge scholarship or funding opportunities may be relevant to Screenwriting. Confirm the award, international eligibility, funding level, and application dates with the institution.

Intakes and deadlines

Program starts
January 2027
Applications closed
31 Oct 2026
Closed
Program starts
August 2027
Applications closed
31 Oct 2026
Closed

Frequently asked questions

The program takes 3 years.