» Screenwriting Graduate Application
How to Apply
This page is out of date as of December 2, 2022. See our new How to Apply page here.
In order to apply to the MFA Screenwriting program, you must submit all required application materials, including a Creative Supplement. Create an account and begin the application.
Application Requirements:
- Statement of Intent: Submit an essay expressing your reasons for wanting to join the MFA Screenwriting Program. What are your personal and career goals, and how will this particular degree from Chapman University help you reach those goals? Your essay should be double spaced, size 12 font, and 1-2 pages in length.
- Resume
- 2 Letters of Recommendation
- Creative Supplement
Other Required Materials:
- Official copy of your undergraduate transcript from your degree granting institution
- International Students: Please see "International Applicants" tab below for additional requirements
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.
Creative Supplement Requirements
Please note that you may only submit Creative Supplement materials for your 1st choice major selected on the application. No other materials will be reviewed as part of the application process.
The requirements below are for students applying for Fall 2023
1. Creative Portfolio List
Upload a one (1) to two (2) page list of activities that demonstrates your potential in your area of chosen specialization focusing on creative accomplishments. Include in this list specific items that you could submit, if requested, to Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. Each listing should include a brief description of the work and your role in its creation.
Example of Portfolio listing (use this format):
Title: Roger's Car
Position: Writer/Director
16 minutes, Video 2005. Valley College
Log line: Unusual circumstance allows a sixteen-year-old to get his first car. I wrote this story for a creative writing class and produced the film with the help of my friends.
2. Transformational Moment Essay
Submit a two (2) page essay describing a transformational moment in your life that fundamentally changed you as a person. Explain how you gained wisdom and greater understanding of the human condition as a result of this experience. Essays should be typed, single-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font, one-inch margins on all sides.
3. Narrative Scene
In no more than three (3) pages write a compelling comic or dramatic scene - any genre - based on this scenario: Two people who are close, experience a sudden calamity that changes their relationship. This may be written in short story or screenplay format. We are looking for the strength in your storytelling ability; there is no preference in format.
4. Screenplay
Applicants are required to submit 20-30 pages of your best creative or dramatic writing. This could be the first act or other section of a feature screenplay (with context), a screenplay for a short film, all or part of an episodic script, a web series, a one-act play or an excerpt from a full-length play, a short story or an excerpt from a novel. This to be written by you without the collaboration of others and should be submitted as a PDF or Word document. Please make sure that your submission includes your name, title, and year it was completed.
Deadline
All application and supplemental materials must be submitted electronically by the deadline below. Late applicants will be reviewed on a space available basis.
Graduate Deadline:
December 1, 2022
Please note: We do not accept applicants for the spring semester.
Notification
Tuition, Fellowships & Financial Aid
Tuition
All up-to-date information regarding the cost of tuition and lab fees can be found on the Chapman University Business Office website. For MFA Screenwriting students, tuition is a flat rate charge for all classes taken during the year or over the summer.
Fellowships
Dodge College offers fellowships to a select number of students each year. These fellowships are awarded based on the talent shown in the application materials submitted; there is no separate application process for fellowship consideration. Preference for fellowships is given to students who apply by the December 1st deadline. If you are awarded a fellowship, you will likely be notified at the time of
Financial Aid
All other financial aid is awarded through the Graduate Financial Aid Office. This funding usually contains mainly student loans. You will receive your “financial aid package” from the Graduate Financial Aid Office after you have been admitted. Please contact their office directly with any questions at gradfinaid@chapman.edu.
Official Copy of Degree Granting Undergraduate Transcript
Official Transcripts can be sent directly from the university to Chapman University via email to admtranscript@chapman.edu or via post to:
Chapman UniversityOffice of Graduate Admission
One University Drive
Orange, CA 92866
Applicants with transcripts from outside of the United Sates should consult the International Applicants tab below for transcript specifics.