Dramatic Writing, MFA

Program Description

Advanced study in Dramatic Writing for film, television, web, and the stage. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for a wide variety of professional writing outlets. While completing the program, students will not only learn crucial story skills and writing tools, but also become comfortable expressing their unique voices within the screenwriting and play writing formats. They will create a strong and diverse portfolio across a variety of media. In addition to learning the craft of writing, students will focus on how to create material designed for independent production.

To complement this education, the curriculum also focuses on teaching skills that will empower writers to bring their own dramatic work to life. Students will gain fundamental skills of film and theatre producing, as well as above-the-line video production skills. They will also have opportunities for expanding their knowledge through either academic study, hands-on-experience, or a mixture of both. This program ultimately aims to empower future writers by teaching them not only the craft of writing, but also the professional expectations of the industry. Students will gain hands-on experience in a variety of contexts in order to prepare for professional writing opportunities in the future.

Admission Requirements

Admission requires approval of a departmental entrance committee, who will examine the applicant’s potential for program success. Our goal is to create a well-balanced cohort of students. Admission to the program is based on the following:

1. A completed Missouri State University Graduate Application in the GradCAS admission system. All university-wide requirements for graduate study must be met.
2. The following supplementary material:

• A Writing Sample (maximum 10 pages) of the applicant’s best work. This may be in either screenplay format, stage play format, or prose;
• A 300- to 800-word Statement of Purpose, describing the reasons and goals behind the applicant’s interest in graduate study and the direction of intended research;
• At least one Letter of Recommendation from an individual able to speak of the applicant’s academic achievements and potential;
• The name, title, and contact information of at least two other References (either academic or professional) willing to support the applicant’s candidacy.

All matters relating to admission are the applicant’s responsibility.

Accelerated Master’s Degree Option

Eligible undergraduates may apply for early admission to the Master of Fine Arts in Dramatic Writing during the second semester of their junior year. Once accepted for early admission, students may take up to 12 credit hours at the 600-700 level that apply to both their undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Before enrolling in courses to be counted for both undergraduate and graduate credit, an undergraduate student must be accepted into the accelerated master’s program AND receive prior approval from the Director of Graduate Studies, the Department Head, and the Dean of the Graduate College (on a Mixed Credit Form).

Admission requirements for the Accelerated Master’s option

1. The applicant must be of junior or senior standing with a cumulative GPA of 3.25.
2. The applicant must have declared a minor in Screenwriting or declared to add a certificate in Writing for Television and Film. The applicant must also have completed 6 hours of screenwriting or playwriting courses.
3. The applicant must submit two letters of recommendation, one of which must be written by a graduate faculty member in the Department of Communication, Media, Journalism & Film.
4. The applicant must submit a 300-800 word Statement of Purpose. This statement should address the following questions:

• Why are you interested in pursuing the MFA in Dramatic Writing at Missouri State University?
• How does your experience (educational and otherwise) prepare you for accelerated graduate study?
• What professional goals do you hope this degree will help you achieve?

5. The applicant must submit a writing sample from a play or screenplay (5-10 pages in standard formatting).

Admission decisions will be made by the Graduate Faculty. Meeting the above entrance requirements does not guarantee admission to the Master of Fine Arts in Dramatic Writing Accelerated Program.