» Acquire the skills needed to pursue a career as a television writer/producer

What is a showrunner? Think Shonda Rhimes. Think Ryan Murphy. Showrunners are the writer-producer powerhouses who shape everything we watch.

Our two-year MFA Showrunner Program will help you acquire all the skills you need to be at the center of the business as a writer/producer in TV and streaming.

You’ll strengthen your writing and learn from A-list creators and executives about how the industry works today. You’ll also discover the fundamentals of production: what it takes to produce a show from concept to delivery, through scripts to budgets to stars.

Year One: A deep dive into the fundamentals of story and an immersion into the streaming and TV universe. You’ll connect with dozens of working professionals at the top of their game as they screen their projects and reveal the secrets of their success.

Year Two: You’ll create your own show, from writing to casting to production. We’ll plunge you into a writers’ room, just like the real thing. Developing and crafting your own pilot, you’ll go from the seed of an idea to a series.

Graduation: You’ll leave with a portfolio spotlighting your talent as a writer, with specs for current series and an original pilot script. Our Career Center will work with you to find internships and jobs in the thriving, global entertainment world.

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Students pursuing the Master of Fine Arts in Television Writing and Producing degree are held to the University’s Academic Policies and Procedures. In addition, these specific degree standards apply:

Complete 51 credits at the 500 or 600 level.
Minimum grade "C+" or above required in all coursework.
Maintain 3.000 GPA in the degree.
Successfully complete the thesis project. The following courses make up the MFA in Television Writing and Producing curriculum:

first year (24 credits)

fall requirements (12 credits)

Class	Description	Credits
TWP 510	New Era of Television	3
FP 530	Story	3
TWP 546	History of Television	3
TWP 627	Seminar in TV Writing: Comedy	3

spring requirements (12 credits)

Class	Description	Credits
TWP 501	Actor-Producer Workshop	3
TWP 502	The Narrative Form	3
TWP 514	TV Series Development	3
TWP 628	Seminar in TV Writing: Drama	3

second year (27 credits)

fall requirements (12 credits)

Class	Description	Credits
TWP 542	Television Pre-Production: Series	3
TWP 690	Independent Internship	3
TWP 697	Thesis in Television Writing I	6

interterm requirement (3 credits)

Class	Description	Credits
TWP 695	The Writer as Showrunner	3

spring requirements (12 credits)

Class	Description	Credits
MLD 607	Leadership and Organizations	3
TWP 696	The Writers’ Room	3
TWP 698	Thesis in Television Writing II	6

total credits: 51

Demonstrate the mastery of narrative television storytelling skills including construction of an original, clear and cogent central dramatic concept, employment of effective dramatic structure, and creation of authentic characters vividly drawn through their dialogue and action.
Demonstrate mastery of producing and leadership skills including effective oral and written communication, strong ability to organize and prioritize tasks, and collaborative skills.
Demonstrate the ability to analyze current TV market conditions and business models and then evaluate the marketability and viability of their skills and creative work within the available markets.
Experience close, mentoring relationships with faculty delivered via coursework in and out of the classroom. This personalized learning experience will help enable students to demonstrate their ability to work in a professional, collaborative environment appropriate to narrative television.

For a complete list of Dodge College faculty, view our faculty directory.

In order to apply to the MFA in Television Writing and Producing program, you must submit all required application materials, including a Creative Supplement. You can click here to create an account and begin the application.

Application Requirements:

Statement of Intent
Resume
2 Letters of Recommendation
Creative Supplement

Other Required Materials:

Official copy of your undergraduate transcript from your degree granting institution

No additional information should be sent to Dodge College or the Office of Admissions outside of what is required on the application. Any outside work sent to either office will not be reviewed as part of the admission process.

View additional application details

» Acquire the skills needed to pursue a career as a television writer/producer

Degree Requirements

first year (24 credits)

fall requirements (12 credits)

spring requirements (12 credits)

second year (27 credits)

fall requirements (12 credits)

interterm requirement (3 credits)

spring requirements (12 credits)

Learning Outcomes

Faculty

Application Requirements

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