Theatre (Dramatic Writing), MFA
Are you interested in writing scripts for the stage, film or television? This program produces a collaborative, immersive environment where students receive rigorous training, creative opportunities and individualized mentorship --- everything you need to take your passion to the next level.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
The concentration in dramatic writing under the Master of Fine Arts program in theatre includes coursework in playwriting, screenwriting, historical studies in theatre, and dramatic theory. You direct new work, study dramaturgy and literary management, and pursue related topics such as writing for solo performance, storytelling, devising and collaborative writing in a variety of genres such as comedy, horror, science fiction and fantasy.
The School of Music, Dance and Theatre supports the production of new plays and performance works written by its MFA students. Student-written work is showcased in annual Theatre Labs and is considered for main stage productions.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
60 credit hours including the required applied project course (THP 693)
Required Core (6 credit hours) Concentration (21 credit hours) Other Requirements (6 credit hours) Electives (21 credit hours) Culminating Experience (6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Students should see the academic unit for a complete list of approved electives. Additional information on degree requirements for this degree is available on the curriculum check sheet located on the Music, Dance and Theatre graduate degree page. The applied project is the writing of a thesis play, to be developed as one of the following: a full production on the school's main stage, a staged reading or a workshop production.
THE 504 Studies in Dramatic Theory and Criticism (3)
THE 520 Theatre History and Literature (3)
THE 562 Dramaturgy Workshop (3)
THP 560 Dramatic Writer's Workshop (15)
THP 561 Scripts in Progress (3)
THE 500 Research Methods (3)
THP 598 Special Topics (3)
THP 693 Applied Project (6)
As part of the electives coursework, students have the option to complete an internship (THP 684) for three credit hours.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Create new dramatic works reflecting advanced knowledge of the dramatic writer's art and craft with each new work.
- Able to critique dramatic works, employing knowledge of the history, theory and dramaturgy of the art form.
- Able to teach in dramatic writing and in other related areas in dramatic analysis, storytelling or theater history.
Create new dramatic works reflecting advanced knowledge of the dramatic writer's art and craft with each new work.
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in theatre or in creative writing from a regionally accredited institution. An applicant may have an undergraduate degree outside of theatre and may be admitted on the basis of excellent creative writing and academic work. Deficiencies in undergraduate preparation may be removed while pursuing the MFA degree. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 01/15 | Final* |
*A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Admission Services by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
Explore expanded study opportunities
Students are encouraged to apply to international conferences and fellowships such as the Fulbright Program.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Professionals with an MFA degree in dramatic writing regularly have their work produced at festivals, staged readings and theatres across the country. They have obtained highly competitive artist residencies and awards for their work. Many have had their plays published.
Career examples include:
- presenting readings and full productions of work at theatre conferences and festivals
- publishing plays
- teaching in a variety of contexts: as adjunct faculty, visiting faculty or tenure-track professor
- working at an established arts organization in a variety of roles
- working as a teaching artist
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Music, Dance and Theatre
|
MUSIC E167
MDTAdmissions@asu.edu
480-965-5069
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
