(Major Code: 06034) (SIMS Code: 667311)
This two-year, low-residency, hybrid Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Screenwriting is the first of its kind in the CSU system in this format and one of the few in the nation from a major, accredited university. It will be administered by SDSU’s College of Extended Studies. This program not only captures current trends of television writers with playwriting backgrounds, it empowers writers to be effective on set and in post-production, teaching them the basics of the production process. These skills are necessary in today’s environment, as writer/producers are required to manage more than the words on the page. Students will study screenwriting, television writing, playwriting, and film production as geared toward the writer. This two-year degree program utilizes a blended instructional model in which courses are in an online format and intensive face-to-face sessions during residency periods. Designed as cohort-based program, it creates a collaborative atmosphere where students will benefit from the interactions they experience with their colleagues, drawing on their varied and unique experiences. In addition to meeting the requirements for classified graduate standing, and the basic requirements for the master’s degree as described in subsection b. below, students must complete an approved Program of Study containing 42 units, of which a minimum of 30 units are 600- and 700-level courses. Advancement to candidacy requires completion of at least 12 units of coursework listed on the official program of study with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (B). The culminating experience for Plan A (thesis) students will be rare, but those pursuing this option will have a culminating experience consisting of a Master’s thesis and a public performance. For Plan B (non-thesis) students will be a capstone project and a public performance.
Advancement to Candidacy
In addition to meeting the requirements for classified graduate standing, and the basic requirements for the master’s degree as described in subsection b. below, students must complete an approved Program of Study containing 42 units, of which a minimum of 30 units are 600- and 700-level courses. Advancement to candidacy requires completion of at least 12 units of coursework listed on the official program of study with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (B). The culminating experience for Plan A (thesis) students will be rare, but those pursuing this option will have a culminating experience consisting of a Master’s thesis and a public performance. For Plan B (non-thesis) students complete capstone project and a public performance.
