M.S. in Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The CMHC program at Missouri State University leads to a Master of Science (M.S.) degre...
M.F.A. in Dramatic Writing
Springfield, Missouri
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.F.A. in Dramatic Writing at MSU is an immersive program that aims to develop students' unique voices and equip them with a diverse portfolio across various dramatic media. Beyond fundamental story skills and writing tools, the curriculum places significant emphasis on independent production, teaching students how to create material designed for the contemporary marketplace. The program aims to empower writers to not only craft compelling narratives but also understand the process of bringing their own dramatic work to life, including foundational skills in film and theatre producing and above-the-line video production. Missouri State's screenwriting program has consistently earned national recognition, being ranked highly by the Broadcast Education Association (BEA) for its scriptwriting offerings.
Curriculum: The curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive and intensive writing experience. Core courses delve into various aspects of dramatic writing, including Playwriting I, Fundamentals of Screenwriting, Feature Film Writing I & II, Writing Episodic Television, Rewriting, and Writing Episodic Pilots. A crucial component of the program is the "Portfolio Script" courses, where students develop and refine their creative projects. In addition to writing, the curriculum includes "Production Core Courses" such as Visual Storytelling, Directing for Film and Stage, and Staged Production, reflecting the program's commitment to practical application and understanding of the production process. Students also have the opportunity to choose electives from areas like history and theory (e.g., Film Theory, History of Film), industry/professional electives (e.g., Media Internship), and producing electives (e.g., Producing the Short Film, Producing the Web Series), allowing for specialization and broadening of skills.
Research Focus: The M.F.A. in Dramatic Writing is a creative terminal degree, meaning its "research focus" is primarily centered on the creation and development of original dramatic works. Students engage in in-depth exploration of narrative structures, character development, genre conventions, and the unique demands of different platforms (stage, film, television, web). Faculty interests often align with various forms of screenwriting and playwriting, with some faculty members also having research interests in areas like depictions of women and girls in films and plays. The program encourages students to develop a strong, diverse portfolio of well-polished scripts that showcase their strengths and are geared toward the current professional marketplace. The final assessment for the program typically involves a comprehensive portfolio of creative work and an oral defense.
Industry Engagement: A key strength of MSU's M.F.A. in Dramatic Writing is its strong emphasis on preparing students for the professional industry. The curriculum is designed to impart not just writing skills but also an understanding of how to market and produce one's work. The program explicitly teaches students how to create material for specific outlets that will increase their hireability. Faculty members, often with industry experience, regularly bring in guest speakers from various facets of the entertainment industry (e.g., writers from shows like "The Daily Show" or "The Bear"). This provides students with valuable insights into the craft and career realities of professional writing. Furthermore, the program leverages Missouri's affordable filming environment and the university's strong acting and film production programs, encouraging MFA students to produce their own work as a film or live performance. This hands-on experience challenges writers to consider budgetary requirements and production pitfalls, giving them a practical edge in a competitive industry.
Global Perspective: While the M.F.A. in Dramatic Writing program at Missouri State University doesn't explicitly highlight a global curriculum, its focus on diverse storytelling, understanding different media platforms, and preparing students for a wide range of professional writing outlets inherently encourages a broad perspective. Dramatic writing, by nature, often explores universal human experiences and cultural narratives, which can have global appeal. Students are encouraged to develop their unique voices, which can contribute to the diverse tapestry of global storytelling. The university itself fosters a diverse student body, which can enrich the learning environment and expose students to different cultural viewpoints relevant to dramatic writing.
Location
Springfield, Missouri
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 15914
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $72
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Missouri State University offers several scholarship opportunities designed specifically to support international students in pursuing their higher education goals. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and contributions to campus life, helping reduce the financial burden for international learners.
International Excellence Scholarship: This merit-based scholarship awards to outstanding first-time international freshmen. The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years. Eligibility is based on strong academic records, and recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving the award.
International Leadership Scholarship: Targeting international freshmen who demonstrate exceptional leadership and academic achievement. It is renewable for up to four years. Applicants are required to submit an essay highlighting their leadership experiences and vision. The scholarship is competitive, with only about 10 awards granted each year.
Additional Scholarships and Grants: Besides the primary scholarships, Missouri State University provides various other financial awards through departmental scholarships, honors programs, and special initiatives. Some scholarships may require separate applications or nominations based on the student's major or area of study.
Graduates of Missouri State University's (MSU) M.F.A. in Dramatic Writing program are equipped with a unique blend of creative talent, storytelling expertise, and practical industry knowledge, making them highly competitive in the dynamic world of entertainment and beyond. The program's emphasis on producing for the contemporary marketplace ensures that students are not only adept at writing but also understand the business aspects of bringing their work to fruition.
Screenwriter (Film & Television): This is a primary career path for dramatic writing MFA graduates. They write original screenplays for feature films, develop and pitch television series, and work in writers' rooms for episodic television shows. Their training in visual storytelling and industry-specific formats makes them highly valuable.
Playwright: Graduates can pursue careers writing for the stage, creating original plays for theaters, both regional and national. They might also adapt existing works or collaborate with theater companies on new productions.
Television Staff Writer/Story Editor: Many M.F.A. graduates find roles as staff writers in television writers' rooms, contributing to the development of storylines, characters, and dialogue for ongoing series. With experience, they can advance to story editor or even showrunner positions.
Content Writer/Copywriter: The strong writing and storytelling skills honed in an M.F.A. program are highly transferable to content creation across various industries. Graduates can work as copywriters for advertising agencies, marketing departments, or create engaging content for websites, blogs, and social media.
Video Game Narrative Designer/Writer: The burgeoning video game industry requires skilled writers to craft compelling storylines, character dialogue, and world-building narratives. Dramatic writing graduates are well-suited for roles in narrative design, ensuring engaging and immersive player experiences.
Web Series Writer/Producer: With the rise of digital platforms, graduates can create and produce their own web series, leveraging their writing, directing, and producing skills acquired during the program to develop independent projects for online distribution.
Corporate/Industrial Writer: Businesses and organizations often need skilled writers for training videos, corporate documentaries, internal communications, and promotional materials that require a strong narrative or dramatic flair.
Creative Director: Experienced dramatic writers with a strong understanding of visual storytelling and brand messaging can ascend to creative director roles in advertising, marketing, or media production companies, overseeing creative teams and strategies.
Higher Education Instructor/Professor: An M.F.A. is typically a terminal degree, qualifying graduates to teach dramatic writing, screenwriting, playwriting, or related subjects at colleges and universities. This often involves teaching workshops and guiding aspiring writers.
Literary Agent/Script Reader/Development Executive (Entry-Level): While these roles often require networking and an understanding of the business side, the critical analysis and understanding of story developed in an M.F.A. program can be an excellent foundation for roles within literary agencies, production companies, or studios, where they evaluate scripts and identify new talent.
