Part of: Graduate Program in Creative Writing

Offered as: Master's Concentration

Degree: Master of Arts or Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

Part of: Graduate Program in Creative Writing

Offered as: Master's Concentration

Degree: Master of Arts or Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

Where words become motion pictures. For writers seeking a graduate screenwriting program, Western Colorado University’s Screenwriting concentration offers advanced study within the MA or MFA in Creative Writing, combining live online workshops, immersive summer residencies, and one-on-one mentorship from industry-experienced screenwriters.

As one of five concentrations in Western’s Graduate Program in Creative Writing, the Screenwriting concentration provides a supportive creative home for writers who see stories in motion. Students develop original work for film, television, and digital media while refining their narrative voice, visual storytelling skills, and understanding of story structure.

Designed for working professionals and active writers, this low-residency screenwriting master’s pathway offers the flexibility to pursue graduate study without relocating. Students build a personalized, professional screenwriting portfolio while learning the practical realities of the entertainment industry.

Whether students pursue the one-year MA or the two-year MFA, the program helps writers move scripts from the page toward the screen through mentorship, revision, industry insight, and sustained creative practice.

Flexible Degree Pathways: Both the Screenwriting MA and Screenwriting MFA pathways are designed to support working professionals. Students may follow a full-time or half-time track and have up to five years from initial enrollment to complete their degree.

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The professors are knowledgeable, kind, and understanding of the fact that every student has their own voice as a writer and a need to express it in their own way. The students have a broad range of tastes and experiences and are eager to share that part of themselves, while also learning about and supporting the tastes and experiences of others. It’s an environment where creativity thrives.

Reanna Gonzalez, MFA

Screenwriting – MA or MFA in Creative Writing

The Screenwriting concentration translates the language of human experience into the visual rhythm of film, television, and digital storytelling. Through focused mentorship and sustained creative practice, students learn how story, structure, character, dialogue, and visual action operate within the demands of the screen.

The program offers both a one-year MA and a two-year MFA terminal degree, allowing students to choose the pathway that best aligns with their creative and professional goals in film, television, streaming, and digital media.

Personalized Mentorship: Work within a small, welcoming creative community and receive individualized feedback from accomplished screenwriters and content creators.

Original Screenworks: Develop multiple original projects, including short films, feature-length screenplays, television pilots, and other screen-based narratives.

Professional Portfolio: Graduate with a polished, industry-ready screenwriting portfolio and the confidence to present your work professionally.

Creative Community: Summer residencies bring together writers across all GPCW concentrations, creating opportunities for collaboration, feedback, and creative exploration.

Built for Working Writers: Complete your graduate screenwriting studies through a low-residency model that blends live virtual classes with immersive summer residencies in Gunnison, Colorado.

Western’s Screenwriting concentration blends the flexibility of online learning with the creative energy of summer residencies. Under the leadership of Concentration Director James Napoli, students move through a focused curriculum designed to help them develop at least three original works for the screen.

Students learn from a faculty of accomplished content creators, including Kimberlea Kressal, JS Mayank, and Liz Sczudlo. Students also benefit from interactions with guest experts such as Oscar winner Callie Khouri and Emmy nominee Rick Cleveland, gaining real-world insight into the screenwriting and entertainment industries.

Summer Residencies: Begin in Gunnison, Colorado, where MFA students attend three residencies to develop visual narrative style and workshop full screenplays. MA students attend two residencies focused on foundational skills.

Live Online Workshops: During the academic year, students complete two online courses per semester focused on script development, voice, revision, and individualized feedback.

Professional Readiness: Build skills in industry networking, career planning, pitching, revision, and portfolio presentation for film, television, streaming, and digital media.

Real-World Experience in Creative Writing

Western’s experiential learning approach helps creative writing students apply their craft in real-world literary and publishing spaces. Through live workshops, faculty mentorship, summer residency immersion, industry masterclasses, and collaborative literary community, students build practical experience that strengthens both their creative portfolio and professional development.

GPCW – Masterclasses

The GPCW offers free masterclasses for folks at any stage in their writing journey. These virtual classes are available to anyone, anywhere.
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What is the difference between the Screenwriting MA and Screenwriting MFA?

The Screenwriting MA is a 30-credit graduate pathway designed for focused craft development and professional portfolio building. The Screenwriting MFA is a 60-credit terminal degree that offers deeper specialization, advanced mentorship, additional summer residencies, and a larger body of original screenwriting work. Both pathways help students build a professional portfolio, but the MFA provides greater creative depth and industry preparation.

Is this program focused on film, television, or streaming?

All three. Students develop original work across formats, including feature-length screenplays, short films, television pilots, and episodic storytelling. The program prepares writers for the evolving entertainment landscape across film, television, streaming platforms, and digital media.

Is this a low-residency screenwriting program?

Yes. Western’s Screenwriting concentration uses a low-residency format that combines live online workshops during the academic year with immersive summer residencies in Gunnison, Colorado. This structure allows students to pursue graduate screenwriting study without relocating.

Do I need screenwriting experience to apply?

No. Prior professional screenwriting experience is not required. Admissions are based on storytelling potential, creative voice, writing samples, and a demonstrated commitment to visual storytelling.

What kind of mentorship will I receive as a screenwriting student?

Students receive individualized mentorship from working screenwriters and content creators through live workshops, script feedback, portfolio development, and one-on-one guidance. The program emphasizes close faculty collaboration and practical industry insight.

What will my screenwriting portfolio include when I graduate?

Graduates leave with a professional screenwriting portfolio that may include television pilots, feature-length screenplays, short films, episodic scripts, and other original screen-based storytelling projects.

Will I learn about the film and television industry?

Yes. In addition to screenwriting craft, students gain insight into the entertainment industry, including pitching, revision workflows, professional expectations, networking, and career pathways in film, television, and streaming.

Is this program suitable for working professionals?

Yes. Western’s low-residency model is designed for working writers and creative professionals, allowing students to maintain their careers while pursuing advanced screenwriting study.

Can this program help me build a career in film or television?

Yes. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in screenwriting, television writing, story development, script consulting, digital media writing, and related creative industries with a professional portfolio and mentorship network.

Can I apply if my background is not in film or creative writing?

Yes. Students from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The program values diverse perspectives, original storytelling, and a commitment to developing work for the screen.

Will I have opportunities to pitch or present my work?

Yes. Through workshops, summer residencies, and professional mentorship, students develop the skills and confidence to present, revise, and discuss their work in professional creative environments.

Admissions, Cost & Requirements

Joining Our Community: MFA Admissions & Requirements

We welcome applications for the Master of Fine Arts on a rolling basis from August 1 through May 31. Because our cohorts are small and highly personalized, we recommend applying early to secure your spot for our June start date. You can expect a decision from us within four weeks of completing your application.

What You’ll Need to Apply

A Bachelor’s Degree: Official transcripts from an accredited college (a 3.0 GPA is recommended).
A Personal Statement: A 1,000-word reflection on your experience, your commitment to the writing life, and why Western is the right home for your goals.
Two Professional Recommendations: Letters from mentors or colleagues who can speak to your readiness for graduate-level craft.
A Writing Sample: This is your chance to share your voice with us. Requirements vary by concentration:
- Poetry: 10–15 pages.
- Nature Writing: 20–25 pages (any genre or mix).
- Genre Fiction: 20–25 pages.
- Screenwriting: 15–30 pages of a screenplay or short film script.

Our Approach to Admission

We believe in potential. If you don’t meet every requirement for full admission, you may be considered for Provisional Admission, giving you the space and time (up to one year) to complete any necessary prerequisites while beginning your journey with us.

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Program Information

Departmental representatives determine if graduate classes completed at other accredited institutions can be transferred to the respective Western graduate studies programs. Transfer credits must be listed and approved by the major advisor on the degree plan. Transferred graduate credits must be:

Earned at a regionally-accredited institution.
Numbered at the graduate level and accepted as part of a graduate degree program at the sending institution.
Passed by the student with a grade of B or above (courses with grades such as pass/fail or satisfactory/unsatisfactory are not acceptable).
Earned within the past five years unless a department specifies otherwise.
Account for no more than nine credits towards a Western degree.

Students must provide official transcripts, and request and receive permission in writing from Western to transfer coursework.

Joining Our Community: MA Admissions & Requirements

We welcome applications for the Master of Arts on a rolling basis from August 1 through May 31. Because we focus on small cohorts and high-level mentorship, we recommend applying early to secure your spot for our June start date. You will receive an admissions decision within four weeks of completing your application.

What You’ll Need to Apply

A Bachelor’s Degree: Official transcripts from an accredited college (a 3.0 GPA is recommended).
A Personal Statement: A 1,000-word reflection on your writing experience, your commitment to the craft, and how Western can help you reach your professional goals.
Two Professional Recommendations: Letters from individuals who can speak to your readiness for graduate-level work.
A Writing Sample: This is our first look at your voice. Please follow the guidelines for your chosen concentration:
- Poetry: 10–15 single-spaced pages.
- Nature Writing: 20–25 pages (any creative genre or a mix).
- Genre Fiction: 20–25 pages (ideally from a single work).
- Screenwriting: 15–30 pages of a screenplay.
- Publishing: A 3- to 5-page critical assessment of a provided story.

Our Approach to Admission

We look for potential and dedication. If you don’t meet every requirement for full admission, you may be considered for Provisional Admission. This path allows you up to one year to complete any necessary prerequisites as you begin your journey with our faculty and community.

Apply Now
Program Information

Earned at a regionally-accredited institution.
Numbered at the graduate level and accepted as part of a graduate degree program at the sending institution.
Passed by the student with a grade of B or above (courses with grades such as pass/fail or satisfactory/unsatisfactory are not acceptable).
Earned within the past five years unless a department specifies otherwise.
Account for no more than nine credits towards a Western degree.

Students must provide official transcripts, and request and receive permission in writing from Western to transfer coursework.

Investing in Your Writing Life

We believe in transparency when it comes to the cost of your education. Our low-residency model is designed to be accessible, allowing you to maintain your professional life while you pursue your degree. Tuition is billed by the credit hour, allowing you to manage your investment as you progress through the program.

Tuition & Program Value

Tuition: $749.60 per credit hour.
Standard Graduate Fees: $73.40 per credit hour (includes administrative operations, library, and IT services).
One-Time Matriculation Fee: $50.00. Applies once to new students in their first fall semester.
Summer Residency Fee: $600.00 (charged only during the summers you attend the residency in Gunnison).

Program Totals at a Glance

Master of Arts (MA): A focused 15-month journey totaling 30 credits. The estimated total for tuition and fees is $25,940.00.
Master of Fine Arts (MFA): A deep 27-month immersion totaling 60 credits. The estimated total for tuition and fees is $51,230.00.

All tuition and fees are subject to change, and any updates will be announced prior to the summer term.

For both the MA and MFA programs, students have a maximum of five years for completion of a master’s degree from initial enrollment as a graduate degree seeking student. In order to maintain active status, graduate students must register in at least one graduate course per academic year.

A graduate degree is a transformative step that deepens your specialized knowledge and refines your artistic practice. At Western, your chosen concentration allows you to shape your expertise through high-level coursework, culminating in a final project or thesis that serves as a cornerstone for your long-term writing life.

Whether you seek the one-year MA for focused professional development or the two-year MFA terminal degree for university-level teaching and deep craft exploration, our program is built to support your unique journey.

Explore Your Program Path:

MA Program Requirements: A streamlined, one-year path to professional growth.
MA Degree Plan: View the course sequence tailored to your concentration.
MFA Program Requirements: The two-year terminal degree path for a deeper dive into craft and pedagogy.

MA Program Requirements MA Degree Plan MFA Program Requirements MFA Degree Plan

We’re excited about your interest in applying to the Graduate Program in Creative Writing with a concentration in Screenwriting! Before starting your application, please take a moment to review the requirements and deadlines. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to help.

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Scholarships & Financial Aid

GPCW Financial Aid

The GPCW is deeply committed to raising funds to support our students. Each year, we offer substantial direct-funding scholarships. Learn more about offered our scholarships & financial aid.

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