Leading Screenwriting Colleges for Film Majors
By Lynne Fuller, Founder of College Flight Path
Every year, I have the opportunity to build college lists with prospective students who are interested in pursuing screenwriting and film programs. Families also ask about college admissions for film majors, how to become a screenwriter, and whether top universities for film majors double as the best film schools. The following list summarizes some of the top programs for screenwriting, after taking into account factors like faculty expertise, alumni success, industry connections, and overall program quality.
In addition, if you are looking for exposure to majoring in film, read on for high school summer programs through various institutes. We also note screenwriting programs alongside film production programs, creative writing for film, and film and television schools that offer strong screenwriting majors.
Mini-Guide: Admissions & Pathways
• Degree paths: BA/BS screenwriting degree, BFA in film/TV writing; MFA in screenwriting for advanced craft.
• What to prepare: Portfolio (shorts, spec scripts), resume, recommendations; many film and television schools include interviews or pitch workshops.
• How to become a screenwriter: Stack screenwriting courses, scriptwriting courses, internships, and mentored projects; build a targeted student portfolio.
• Search strategy: Start with the best colleges for screenwriting, top screenwriting programs, best colleges for film and media, and top universities for film majors; weigh location, faculty, and internships.
The Best Colleges for Screenwriting
University of Southern California (USC) - School of Cinematic Arts:
USC's School of Cinematic Arts is renowned for its comprehensive screenwriting program.
Distinguished faculty and extensive industry connections provide students with real-world insight.
USC alumni, including many successful screenwriters, contribute to a strong alumni network.
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) - School of Theater, Film, and Television:
UCLA offers a competitive screenwriting program with a focus on storytelling and script development.
The school's location in the heart of the entertainment industry provides numerous networking opportunities.
New York University (NYU) - Tisch School of the Arts:
NYU's screenwriting program in Tisch offers a creative and collaborative environment.
Students benefit from exposure to the New York film and television scene.
Columbia University - School of the Arts:
Columbia's MFA in Screenwriting program emphasizes both the art and craft of screenwriting.
It's known for attracting talented and diverse writers.
American Film Institute (AFI) - Conservatory:
AFI's Conservatory offers a highly selective, hands-on program for screenwriters.
The program's focus on practical experience can lead to connections within the industry.
Northwestern University - School of Communication:
Northwestern's MFA in Writing for the Screen and Stage program is highly regarded.
It fosters collaboration among writers, directors, and actors.
Emerson College - Visual and Media Arts Department:
Emerson is known for its strong focus on storytelling and script development.
Located in Boston, it offers unique networking opportunities with the local film and media industry.
University of Texas at Austin - Department of Radio-Television-Film:
UT Austin offers a competitive screenwriting program with an emphasis on both film and television writing.
The program benefits from Austin's growing film and media scene.
Boston University - College of Communication:
BU's MFA in Screenwriting program emphasizes both traditional and digital storytelling.
Students can benefit from the school's connections to the Boston film industry.
Chapman University - Dodge College of Film and Media Arts:
Chapman's screenwriting program focuses on both storytelling and production.
Its location in Southern California provides access to industry professionals and internships.
Other Screenwriting Colleges
There are many other notable programs, including:
Loyola Marymount University - School of Film and Television,
University of California,
Berkeley - Department of Film and Media,
California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) - School of Film/Video,
University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) - School of Filmmaking,
Syracuse University - Visual and Performing Arts - Department of Film and Media Arts,
Carnegie Mellon University - Department of English - Film and Visual Media Program,
Florida State University - College of Motion Picture Arts,
The University of Iowa - Department of Cinematic Arts,
Columbia College Chicago - Cinema and Television Arts,
The University of Georgia - Film Studies,
Toronto Metropolitan University - Scriptwriting and Story Design (MFA Program)
Most programs require students to submit a portfolio of their work. It is best to keep clips, edits, and writing in a drive to be synthesized and accessed during the early summer before the applications open. Students comparing undergraduate screenwriting programs can also consider online screenwriting programs for flexibility and access to scriptwriting courses. As with any series of programs, it is wise to investigate the quality, collegiality, and skill of program leaders as well as reflect on student’s individual goals, interests, and circumstances. If you’re exploring how to become a screenwriter, align coursework with storytelling techniques and film production experiences that strengthen your portfolio.
See Even More Filmmaking Opportunities and College Programs with CFP’s Live Data
Summer Programs for High School Students
Camp Flix at Emory University - https://campflix.com/
Cleveland State University - Odyssey program, which is a pre-college experience for young filmmakers - http://www.csufilmodyssey.com/
Columbia College Chicago - Summer at Columbia - https://www.colum.edu/admissions/summer-at-columbia/index
DePaul University - Game, Cinema, and Animation Summer Academy -https://www.cdm.depaul.edu/academics/Pages/Summer-Academy.aspx
Georgetown HS Summer Sessions: students can select and choose film & media classes out of a catalog, then you fill your schedule accordingly https://summer.georgetown.edu/programs/SHS04/summer-college/coursefilterlist
Maine Media - Offers both 2 and 4 week options within their film school. However, there are only 12 spots and a significant early bird discount if applied/secured by 12/31 https://www.mainemedia.edu/workshops/summer-academy/
New York Film Academy - which offers a variety of programs, locations, and lengths - https://www.nyfa.edu/teen-summer-camps-and-workshops/
NYU Tisch - A 4-week Summer Filmmakers Workshop - https://tisch.nyu.edu/special-programs/high-school-programs/filmmakers-workshop
Sarah Lawrence & IFI - A 5-week intensive (may also have housing options through Iona) - https://www.sarahlawrence.edu/summer/film.html, https://nyfilmschool.com/summer-filmmakers-collective-2025
SOCAPA Film Camps - NY, LA, and Vermont locations - https://www.socapa.org/teen-camps/film-camps/
SUNY Purchase - Filmmaking Institute - https://www.purchase.edu/academics/youth-and-precollege-programs/precollege-filmmaking-institute/
UNC School for the Arts Summer Filmmaking Program - https://www.uncsa.edu/summer/film-summer-intensives/filmmaking/index.aspx
BA vs BFA vs MFA
| Category | BA in Screenwriting / Film (Undergraduate) | BFA in Screenwriting (Undergraduate) | MFA in Screenwriting (Graduate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Broad liberal-arts approach with screenwriting plus film studies; flexibility to double-major/minor. | Conservatory-style, production- and craft-heavy screenwriting training with intensive workshops. | Advanced, professional screenwriting with development labs, thesis scripts, and industry-facing mentorship. |
| Who It’s For | Students seeking breadth (creative writing for film + electives) and campus-wide opportunities. | Students who want immersive craft training and a portfolio centered on film and TV writing. | Writers ready for professional polish, pitching, and industry networking at a graduate level. |
| Curriculum Emphasis | Intro to screenwriting, film analysis, storytelling for film, electives across media arts and production. | Screenplay structure, TV writing rooms, rewriting, script coverage, production collaboration. | Feature & pilot development, showrunning concepts, writers’ rooms, thesis script + professional development. |
| Hands-On Work | Workshops, student films, campus media; optional internships. | Frequent table reads, staged scenes, collaboration with directing/producing tracks; required set work at some schools. | Script labs, pitch sessions, professional notes; festival strategies and industry showcases. |
| Portfolio at Graduation | Usually 1–2 shorts + partial/complete spec or feature draft. | Multiple polished pieces (shorts, pilots, feature drafts) + collaboration credits. | Thesis feature and/or pilot(s), rewritten specs, pitch decks, and festival-ready materials. |
| Admissions Snapshot | Application + writing sample/short scripts; academic record emphasized. | Application + robust creative portfolio; often interviews or timed writing. | Bachelor’s degree + strong portfolio; statements, recommendations; sometimes interviews. |
| Career Preparation | Foundational skills for junior roles (assistants, reader, development intern) and further study. | Targeted prep for entry-level writers’ rooms, development, agency/manager assistant roles. | Industry entry with advanced samples; pitching to reps, fellowships, staffed writing opportunities. |
| Typical Duration | 4 years. | 4 years. | 2–3 years full-time (varies by program). |
| Strengths | Flexibility; double majors/minors; broader academic base; study abroad options. | Deep craft focus; intensive feedback; stronger production access and showcases. | High-level mentorship; industry networking; festival/pitch positioning; alumni pipelines. |
| Considerations | Less intensive production access at some schools; self-driven portfolio building. | Heavier time commitment; fewer non-film electives; competitive cohort. | Tuition/relocation; rigorous workload; strong portfolio expected at entry. |
| Keywords it Aligns With | undergraduate screenwriting programs, screenwriting degree, college film programs | top screenwriting programs, best film schools, film and television schools | MFA in screenwriting, film school rankings, film and TV writing programs |
Aspiring screenwriters and filmmakers need to research these programs thoroughly and consider their personal preferences before making a decision. When building any list to suit your needs, reach out to College Flight Path to help illuminate programs that could be terrific connectors to support your goals. You can always email hello@collegeflightpath.com or schedule a free 15-minute call with us to ask any questions you have about colleges or summer programs. Additionally, if you are a self-directed senior who is ready to take charge of your application process yourself, register for our Self-Guided Senior Flight Log Course to be the companion you need on your flight!
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