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A Regent student holds a script: Explore the MFA screenwriting degree program.

MFA in Screenwriting

Script Your Success with Regent’s Screenwriting Degree Program

Are you ready to master the art of storytelling? The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Screenwriting is a terminal degree program for professional writers. You will develop the scriptwriter in you as you hone your craft for film, television and stage. You’ll also learn to create important and effective narratives in multiple genres and styles through a range of media productions.

On Campus, Online
54
May 6, 2024
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Advance Your Career 

Establish your reputation as a trusted professional with a terminal fine arts degree.

Deepen Your Knowledge Through the MFA in screenwriting degree program

Enhance your screenwriting skills by exploring applied theories and aesthetics.

Gain Hands-On Experience 

Graduate with a minimum of three full-length scripts that you can add to your portfolio.

Align Yourself With Excellence

Regent is ranked among top national universities by U.S. News & World Report, 2023. Presented from a Christian worldview, the in-demand screenwriting degree is supported by award-winning faculty in Virginia Beach. Enhance your professional credentials with an MFA degree, gained online or on campus.

Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.

On completing the online MFA in Screenwriting degree, you can: 

  • Analyze and apply all the elements that go into a satisfying and socially redemptive story. 
  • Remedy script problems, bring characters to life and master plot and pacing. 
  • Conceptualize all phases of a screenwriting project, including research, scene analysis, and storyline development. 
  • Showcase enhanced skills in playwriting and writing for short films and television. 

Career Opportunities

  • Feature film screenwriter
  • Television writer
  • Trade writer/film critic
  • Executive producer
  • Editor/script doctor
  • University professor
The beautiful as applied to cinema. An ethics and theology of entertainment. The spiritual challenges of the visual storyteller’s vocation. Understanding the challenges of creating narratives intentionally from a Christian worldview.
Geared to expanding appreciation of the limits and possibilities of the screen art forms by analyzing the most significant film theorists of cinema history. Understanding how movies work in the audience.
Examination of the special circumstance of the short film script (less than 45 minutes running time). Students learn the narrative conventions of this format and write two film scripts through multiple drafts.
A breakdown of Aristotle’s Poetics as applied to cinema. Includes a history of narrative from the fable through post-modern storytelling, and an exhaustive analysis of all the elements that go into a satisfying and socially redemptive story. Geared toward the production of complete, worthy, and commercial feature film projects.
An analysis of the structural components of a variety of TV narrative program forms, such as situation comedies and hour-long dramas. Includes survey of markets and pitching techniques.
Builds upon the skills of SSW 513. Skills course that guides from the idea through treatment and step-outline to a finished first draft and the marketing of both the script and the writer. Special consideration given to format, story narration and dialogue polishing.
Personal preparation for life as a visual story writer. Includes creation of a personal credo and productivity profile. Discovering the writer’s voice. Understanding the demands of beauty and the specific spiritual and ethical challenges of an entertainment industry career.

2023-24 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.

SessionSemester Check-InSession Start Date
Session AFriday, August 11Monday, August 21
Session MFriday, September 8Monday, September 18
Session BFriday, October 13Monday, October 23
Session CThursday, January 4Monday, January 8
Session TFriday, January 26Monday, February 5
Session DFriday, March 1Monday, March 11
Session EFriday, April 26Monday, May 6
Session FFriday, June 7Monday, June 17

Admissions Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts

Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES, AACRAO or NAFSA approved agency.

Step 3: Submit Your Resume

Submit a professional resume or curriculum vitae that includes experience in writing-focused positions to regent.edu/items.

Step 4: Submit a Creative Writing Sample

For this narrative writing sample, please submit 3-4 pages of your own completed future screenplay, short story, novel or memoir. No reference style or citation is required. Please submit to regent.edu/items.

Step 5: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.


Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.

Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

Part-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$6706$4,020
Master of Fine Arts in Film & Television Production (MFA)$6706$4,020
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting (MFA)$6706$4,020
Master of Fine Arts in Acting (MFA)$9206$5,520
Doctor of Philosophy in Communication (PhD)$9503$2,850
Doctor of Strategic Communication (DSC)$9503$2,850

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$6709$6,030
Master of Fine Arts in Film & Television Production (MFA)$6709$6,030
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting (MFA)$6709$6,030
Master of Fine Arts in Acting (MFA)$9209$8,280
Doctor of Philosophy in Communication (PhD)$9506$5,700
Doctor of Strategic Communication (DSC)$9506$5,700

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

PART-TIME STUDENTS

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$6706$4,020
Master of Fine Arts in Film & Television Production (MFA)$6706$4,020
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting (MFA)$6706$4,020
Master of Fine Arts in Acting (MFA)$9206$5,520
Doctor of Philosophy in Communication (PhD)$9503$2,850
Doctor of Strategic Communication (DSC)$9503$2,850

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$6709$6,030
Master of Fine Arts in Film & Television Production (MFA)$6709$6,030
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting (MFA)$6709$6,030
Master of Fine Arts in Acting (MFA)$9209$8,280
Doctor of Philosophy in Communication (PhD)$9506$5,700
Doctor of Strategic Communication (DSC)$9506$5,700

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$800 (Fall & Spring)
$650 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$650

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

1. What is the GPA requirement for entrance into the school?

We require a minimum 3.0 GPA from an accredited university. The School of Communication & the Arts will make acceptance decisions based on the totality of the student’s application file. We look at GPA, standardized test scores, the writing sample, references and the personal goals statement when considering someone for admission. If any one of these items is not strong the other pieces may help strengthen that applicant’s file.

2. Are there scholarships available to help me finance my education?

Yes, the School of Communication & the Arts has merit scholarships which are competitive and based on a student’s undergraduate GPA. See the Financial Aid section of our website for full details. We award financial aid monies on a first come, first served basis, so apply as early as possible for best chances at aid money.

3. If I am accepted into the school, do I have the option of delaying my enrollment if my plans have to change?

Yes, upon acceptance you have up to one academic year to enroll. If you do not matriculate within one academic year, a new application will be required.

4. I sent my transcripts to the school, yet I’m receiving notice that Regent is still waiting on my “degree posted transcript.” What is this?

Oftentimes applicants will send us transcripts while in their senior year of school. The transcript is missing a final class or two, and thus the actual earned degree (B.A., B.S., etc.) is not posted on the transcript. Regent needs the final transcript where the degree earned has been clearly posted. Until we receive that final transcript your admissions file is still incomplete.

5. What is the difference between an M.A. and an MFA? Which degree should I pursue?

An MFA is a talent-based terminal degree. This represents the highest academic degree one could earn in the performing arts field (there is no Ph.D. in Acting, Directing, etc.). An MFA not only thoroughly credentials you in your field, but it is also a requirement to teach performing arts at the university level. An M.A., on the other hand, is a graduate degree which will still fully immerse you in your field and prepare you for your career, but since it requires less hours, it is not considered a terminal degree. Your future career aspirations should determine whether you pursue an M.A. or an MFA. If you have any doubt as to the best option for you, we would be glad to discuss this with you.

6. How long will it take to receive an admissions decision from the time I submit all of my application materials?

Our admissions office aims to have a decision made on your file within five business days from the time it is completed. All MFA and Ph.D. files are reviewed at one time annually by degree.

7. Am I required to go full time or may I study at my own pace?

Students are encouraged to go at the pace they are comfortable with. Many students hold full-time jobs and have families and are able to only take one or two classes per semester.

“I’m so excited to officially be an alumna of Regent University with my Master of Arts in Journalism.”

Nicole Gamboni, M.A. in Journalism, 2019 Financial Services Professional, MassMutual Commonwealth

“Regent trained me to be a skilled decision-maker.”

Sharon Weston Broome, M.A. in Communication, 1984 Mayor-President of Baton Rouge-East Baton Rouge Parish

“When I started my master's in Summer 2017, I had no idea what was ahead. I'm thankful for everything I was able to learn during my time at Regent and know it will open doors.”

Amber Huckaby, M.A. in Film-Television, 2020

“We were taught practical skills for the workplace in Regent's classroom. Now I can see how they work in a professional environment.”

Ryan Clemens, MFA, 2010 Acting

“When I came to Regent, life had kind of clipped my wings. In hindsight, I see that Regent wasn’t so much a restoration project, but rather a new-construction project. ”

Bruce Long, M.A. in Cinema/ TV Acting & Directing, 2001 Executive Director, CITA Producer, The Repertoire Fund