Admission

Who Should Apply?

The Writing for Film and Television MFA program enrolls a cohort of students from a wide range of backgrounds and geographical locations within the United States. Most students have majored in, work in, or have a passion for writing, reading, movies, television, and/or theatre. After graduation, our students pursue careers in screenwriting for TV and film, playwriting, novel writing, podcasting, copywriting, production, and development or content creation.

Application Deadlines

Fall 2024

• Priority: February 1
• Regular: May 1
• Late: Not offered

*Priority Decision Advantages: priority review for admission, first consideration for scholarships and earlier receipt of an admissions decision.

For official term start dates please review our Academic Calendar.

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Admission Requirements

• Online application
  • After submitting your application, you will receive an email with your Admission ID. Please use your username and password to log in and check the status of your application.
• Official Transcripts
  • Official transcript requirements 
• 3 letters of recommendation
  • From persons best able to assess academic and professional qualifications, including motivations and goals. 
• Admission Essay: 3 pages, double-spaced (750 words). Please write an essay that addresses the following points. We are looking for a cohesive essay that helps us understand you and your goals as a writer.
  • Why are you interested in an MFA degree in Writing for Film and Television?
  • How do you expect an MFA degree to advance your writing goals and interests?
  • What genres do you like to work in, and from where do you draw creative influences?
  • What experience do you have working and/or learning independently?
• Writing Sample: Choose one of the following writing samples to submit.
  • Screenwriting: 15 pages maximum of screenwriting. This can include short screenplays or an excerpt from a longer film or television script. Script samples must be accompanied by loglines.
  • Dramatic Writing: 15 pages maximum of novel excerpts, short stories, plays, or chapters of fiction or creative nonfiction writing. Please double-space any prose writing.
  • Combination of Screenwriting and Dramatic Writing: 15 pages maximum, combining any of the above writing forms. Please double-space any prose writing.
• Resume
  • Include your professional and educational history.
• English Proficiency: Applicants whose native language is not English must provide evidence of English proficiency by submitting official TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or Pearson test results.

View our graduate admission policies

International Applicants

• Emerson College cannot accept applications from international students for the low-residency program at this time, as the College is not able to issue I-20s appropriate for participation in this program.

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