Stony Brook University United States

Television Writing

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Postgraduate
Degree Masters Degree
Closing soon March 2027

Course Overview

The MFA in Television Writing at Stony Brook University is designed for aspiring screenwriters aiming to develop their artistic vision and hone their craft within the dynamic television industry. You will explore the essential elements of TV writing, from concept development to crafting compelling narratives for both open-ended and limited series. This postgraduate programme provides a rigorous academic foundation, preparing you to contribute meaningfully to collaborative writers' rooms and to build a professional portfolio that showcases your unique voice and storytelling abilities.

This full-time, on-campus Master of Fine Arts degree is typically completed over three years, requiring a minimum of 45 credits. Your studies will involve core courses in screenwriting, production, and directing, alongside specialised workshops and electives. You will have opportunities to engage in experiential learning through projects, internships, or teaching practicums, culminating in an MFA project and thesis. You will graduate with a portfolio of pilot scripts and a micro-pilot, ready to pursue careers as television writers, showrunners, or other creative roles in the media industry.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This program offers a comprehensive foundation in television writing, encompassing introductory graduate studies, essential film tools, and practical production and directing workshops. Students will engage in screenwriting and acting workshops, alongside an experiential option that includes independent projects, internships, or teaching practicums. The curriculum culminates in a required MFA project and thesis, with opportunities to explore diverse topics in TV writing, forms of scriptwriting, and advanced screenwriting workshops.

1 Required Core Courses

Introduction to graduate studies Compulsory
Film tools Compulsory
Production I Compulsory
Directing I Compulsory
Screenwriting workshop Compulsory
Acting workshop Compulsory

2 Experiential Option

Independent project
Professional internship
Teaching practicum Compulsory

3 Required MFA Project & Thesis

MFA project Compulsory
Thesis Compulsory

4 Select six or more of the following

TVW management I
TV writing history
Topics in TV writing
Forms of TV writing
Adaptation
Topics in TV writing
TV writing workshop
Screenwriting workshop II
Screenwriting workshop III
Forms of scriptwriting

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 19,746.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 19,746.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 19,746.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 59,238.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 4,200.00 - USD 6,000.00
Transport USD 1,200.00 - USD 1,800.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,440.00 - USD 2,400.00
Estimated Total USD 6,840.00 - USD 10,200.00

Living cost estimates are based on Stony Brook Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

95%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Accreditation & Assessment ServicesAdult & Continuing EducationBroadcasting & TelevisionEdTech & E-LearningEducation Policy & AdministrationEvent Promotion & ManagementFilm & Television ProductionLive Events & ConcertsMedia Production & EditingMedia Research & Analytics

Top Employers Hiring for this course

NYC Public Schools

Newsday Media Group

Paramount

SAG-AFTRA

Suffolk County Community College

The Statesman

Walt Disney Company

Why Study Television Writing at Stony Brook University

What makes this program stand out

March 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in March 2027

Very Fast Application response time

Stony Brook University typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 days, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at Stony Brook University in United States

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Television Writing at Stony Brook University

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. On-campus work does not require a separate permit.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To enroll, you must meet specific English language requirements. For TOEFL, you need an overall score of 80, and for IELTS, a minimum overall score of 6.5.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates may pursue various roles such as Television Writer, Showrunner, Story Editor, Script Coordinator, and Producer.

What will I actually study in this course?

This program focuses on expanding your artistic vision and honing skills in television writing. You'll graduate with a portfolio that includes three pilot scripts and a micro pilot for an original web series.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The MFA in Television Writing program has two intake months: March and September. Ensure you apply ahead of these dates to secure your place.
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