Leading Screenwriting Colleges for Film Majors
Every year I have the opportunity to build college lists with prospective students who are interested in pursuing screenwriting and film programs. 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.
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.
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's MFA in Screenwriting program emphasizes both the art and craft of screenwriting.
It's known for attracting talented and diverse writers.
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's MFA in Writing for the Screen and Stage program is highly regarded.
It fosters collaboration among writers, directors, and actors.
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.
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'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. 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.
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
It is essential for aspiring screenwriters and filmmakers 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 supporting 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.
