Want to get those amazing stories out of your head and on screen? Hollins is the ideal launchpad for pursuing that dream, no matter where you live.
The Hollins master’s program in screenwriting and filmmaking, initiated in 1999, has since established itself as a reputable screenwriting institution, well known among those in the film and television industry. Evolving toward a focus on screenwriting and the business of filmmaking, with a uniquely hybrid online/IRL approach, the program gives students across the US access to top instructors and guest speakers currently working in the industry. With its dynamic and rigorous environment, writers are able to hone their craft, improve their education on producing and development, and emerge ready to transition from student to professional. The program also seeks to improve access for writers via pathways to internships, job opportunities and collaborative partnerships with studios and production companies in Los Angeles, New York and emerging film regions such as Georgia, North Carolina and Texas.
Program Overview
Program instructors are visiting film and TV writers, distinguished scholars from other institutions, and professors from the ranks of Hollins’ permanent faculty. Designed for students interested in writing for film and television, as well as those inclined toward the producer side of the industry, the program offers courses in feature and television writing as well as a producer’s track. Electives on subjects ranging from adaptations to pitching, genre specific feature/TV writing, animation and collaborative courses with Hollins other departments, such as the esteemed Children’s Literature program, Playwriting and more, round out course offerings.
Commencing in the fall, the MFA will typically be completed in two years.
Consisting of six terms, fall and spring are taught entirely online, while the six week summer term culminates with a two week “Summer Writers’ Intensive” on the lovely Roanoke campus.”
Generally, students take at least two courses (eight credits) in each term. Additionally, students must complete a thesis course, commencing at the beginning of the second year. Elective courses may also be offered on-line during the Fall and Spring terms.
Ready to write your next adventure? Learn more or apply now!
Questions?
Program Director Hunter Phillips is happy to answer your questions or provide additional information!
“The program is a hidden gem for aspiring screenwriters, giving them access to industry professionals just like they would at places like UCLA or NYU, but without the huge price tag. I can honestly say I would not be where I am today without Hollins. It shaped me as a writer and gave me the foundation I needed to be successful in this ever-changing industry.”
– Bri Kaisen, Associate Creative Producer, Life Out Loud Films Hollins graduate, 2025”
Curriculum
The two year M.F.A. curriculum is designed to level up students’ skillset, while also grounding their understanding of the practical realities of the industry. In addition to a honed grasp of cinematic storytelling and the craft of screenwriting, students emerge with at least two to three polished features and/ or TV pilots, though it’s typically more. Supported by industry outreach and an emphasis on pathways to internships, job opportunities and collaborative partnerships with studios and production companies, graduates emerge from the program with the necessary tools to not only transition from student to professional, but to take advantage of those rare but incredible opportunities this industry offers.
Learn more or apply now!
Tuition
Elite instructors currently working in film and TV. One-third to one-half the cost. Uniquely hybrid online/IRL approach. Annual Summer Writers’ Intensive. Two year M.F.A. program.
| Degree | Credits | Tuition Costs | Modality |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOLLINS UNIVERSITY – MFA in Screenwriting | 48 credits (2 years) | ~$43,200 (48x$900/credit) (Source) | Hybrid model. Online except for Summer Intensive (two weeks, campus housing avail, $477 per summer). |
| USC School of Cinematic Arts – MFA in writing for Screen & Television | 44 credits (2 years) | ~$120,478 ($60,478/year x 2, tuition based) (Source) | Full-time, on campus, Los Angeles |
| NYU Tisch School of the Arts – MFA Dramatic Writing | 36 credits (~2 years) | ~$150,000 ($73,698/year +~$1,400/year fees x 2) (Source) | Full time, on campus, New York |
| AFI Conservatory – MFA in Screenwriting | 2 year program | ~$145,908 ($72,954/year x 2, mandatory fees not itemized) (Source) | Full time, on campus Los Angeles |
| UCLA TFT – MFA in Screenwriting | 72 units (6 quarters, ~2 years) | ~$42,230-$72,594 (~$21,115/year for CA resident, ~36,297/year for non-resident) (Source) | Full time, on campus, Los Angeles |
Learn more or apply now!
Speakers & Events
Past visiting filmmakers, screenwriters, scholars and guests speakers have included:
(THE BAD BATCH, A GIRL WALKS HOME ALONE AT NIGHT)
(THE MACHINIST)
(WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS, SERIES)
(PRETTY LITTLE LIARS, THE L WORD)
(FACE/OFF, LARA CROFT: TOMB RAIDER)
(EVENT HORIZON)
(CEO, Featured Artists Agency)
(MONSOON WEDDING)
(BLACKISH)
(CEO, RomCom Pictures)
(THE GODFATHER, APOCALYPSE NOW, TENDER MERCIES)
(INSECURE, SILICON VALLEY)
(DALLAS BUYERS CLUB, Oscar Nominee)
(head writer of THE TONIGHT SHOW )
Learn more or apply now!
Our Faculty
Hollins MFA Screenwriting candidates are able to hone their craft and gain a comprehensive understanding of the business under the guidance of professional film and television writers and producers, many of whom teach at world-renowned film schools such as UCLA, NYU, USC and AFI, to name a few.