First Year
| Fall Quarter |
| DC 501 |
| DC 502 |
| DC 503 |
| Winter Quarter |
| DC 402 |
| DC 455 |
| Spring Quarter |
| DC 403 |
| DC 405 |
| 1 CIM or MCS Elective |
Second Year
| Fall Quarter |
| DC 561 |
| 1 CIM or MCS Elective |
| Winter Quarter |
| DC 562 |
| DC 408 |
| Spring Quarter |
| DC 563 |
| DC 504 |
| DC 505 |
CIM or MCS Electives
CIM electives include any graduate level
ANI, DC, GAM, GD, GPH, HCI, MCS or VFX courses.
MFA Thesis
Students in the
MFA in Screenwriting program must complete a MFA Thesis project which consists of a feature length screenplay or original television pilot and future episode. We expect the thesis projects to be at a level of quality that would warrant representation by literary agents and managers. Satisfactory completion of the MFA Thesis project is determined by the MFA Advisor Committee (see below).
Student's MFA Advisor Committee
Prior to beginning their second year, all MFA candidates will be assigned two thesis committee members. The candidate will select a third thesis committee member from all CIM faculty and, upon acceptance of the student's request, this faculty member will make up the third member of the candidate's MFA Advisor Committee. This committee will conduct a portfolio review prior to the beginning of the second year to ensure the student is making proper progress towards his or her degree. The MFA Advisor Committee will offer suggestions and feedback on the student's work and help guide the student during the thesis phase of the program.
MFA Thesis Timeline
MFA in Screenwriting students are required to turn in a first draft of their thesis project by December 31st following the fall quarter of their final year. The thesis committee will provide notes on the project by January 31st. Candidates will turn in a final draft of their project by May 1st during their final year. The thesis committee will review the thesis project and decide whether the MFA candidate should be awarded the degree. If the committee does not deem the project ready for approval, the student will be given notes and asked to resubmit their project. Students may resubmit up to three additional times. If a student's project is not deemed passable after the fourth time, the student will not receive the MFA. Students have eighteen months from the submission of their first draft to obtain the committee's approval or the degree will not be awarded.