The M.F.A. in Screenwriting is for those seeking to become versatile and marketable writers or to teach screenwriting. At Asbury, you'll be uniquely equipped in developing your skills to become a master storyteller through the pairing of narrative and new technology, hands-on opportunities and challenging coursework with top-notch faculty.
Storytelling continues to be a critical means by which our society asks questions and seeks answers. Students will review and analyze media messages in light of a Biblical worldview. They will also refine their own storytelling and presentation skills by analyzing and critiquing the work of other creators of media content, and by developing their own unique story-telling content or critique. The M.F.A. degrees are designed to prepare graduates to use multiple channels of media to tell and interpret stories of significance. Housed within the Media Communication program, these master's degrees will prepare students who can engage and transform culture, and serve as terminal degrees for college / university faculty teaching or desiring to teach in these disciplines.
Yes, the M.F.A. in Screenwriting is a terminal degree.
Email our program representative for more information about the M.F.A. program of your choice.
The program is designed for traditional and nontraditional students. This includes full-time students, working adults, and transfer students.
See the Graduate Programs Tuition page.
Assistantships are available and competitive. The criteria for being awarded an assistantship are:
Must complete the graduate assistantship application.
There is no application fee for the M.F.A. program.
If you would like to visit the Communications Graduate Office, call (859) 858-5318 or email gradadmissions@asbury.edu.
Up to 12 graduate credits from other accredited academic institutions can be transferred into the M.F.A. program. With the submission of official transcripts, select courses can be considered at that time. Any graduate level course older than ten years at the time of program admission is ineligible for transfer and use towards any degree above the Bachelor’s level.
Yes, a portfolio is required as part of the application process. For the M.F.A. in Screenwriting, this consists of a writing sample of 15-25 pages of material that aligns with the type of writing you are pursuing (drama, comedy, etc.).
It is possible to complete the entire degree online except for the summer two-week Los Angeles Media Workshop. Our program can be taken from anywhere in the world and can fit into any schedule!
However, if you live near our Wilmore, KY campus or would just prefer to have a few in-person courses mixed in, some of our courses can be taken on campus as well. Once you are accepted into the program you will work with our Center for Academic Advising to determine your planned course schedule.
Depending on your background, you may be able to complete the entire program online aside from the Los Angeles Media Workshop. However, some students may need to come to campus to complete courses during the year or take intensive two-week sections of the class during the summer. Please consult with your advisor or the Coordinator of Graduate Studies.
No. If you must attend an on-campus class, we will provide two-to-four week intensive sections of specific classes during the summer. However, there will be some semester-long classes available to students who would like to come to campus to utilize our state-of-the-art equipment and multi-million-dollar facility.
Yes, you are welcome to attend on-campus classes, based on their availability. Please consult with your advisor or the Coordinator of Graduate Studies.
Yes, although there will be some limitations. If you are near our campus, you may schedule the use of some of the equipment and facilities, however, a special usage fee may be charged. You will need to consult with your course faculty to see if this can be arranged when you need it.
Yes, you may schedule an appointment with your faculty and visit them on-campus.
You can use email, schedule a phone call, talk during online chat sessions, and/or visit them on-campus.
We expect the program to take between 2 1/2–3 years. It is possible for a full-time (9 hours) student to complete the program in five semesters. However, we expect it to take most students going part-time, a minimum of two-and-a-half years.
Yes. The program was designed specifically with the working professional in mind. Most classes run 8 weeks in length, which allows students to take 2 classes per semester without any overlap.
This will usually work but will need to be confirmed by the faculty member teaching the specific class.
Go to the online application.
Undergraduate classes can count toward the prerequisite class (MC 302). Undergraduate transcripts must be provided, and the course description must be similar to that of our prerequisite courses. Contact the Coordinator of Graduate Studies for more information.
Yes. Students may take up to 3 graduate level classes during their senior year through the +Grad program. These classes cannot count toward the 124 credits needed to complete their undergraduate degree, and permission must be granted by the Dean of the School of Communication Arts. Full details and requirements for admission to the program are available on the +Grad Program page.
Yes, up to 3 credits can be obtained for CPL (credit for prior learning) as long as it meets the following criteria:
Please consult with the Coordinator of Graduate Studies for the specific guidelines and process for receiving CPL credit.