Overview

The Playwriting M.F.A. at Indiana University Bloomington offers an intensive environment for writers to refine their craft through a blend of creative practice and theoretical study. This highly selective programme accepts only three students per cycle, ensuring that each playwright receives dedicated artistic and career mentorship from expert faculty. Students are encouraged to pursue bold ideas while exploring diverse writing styles and culturally responsive pedagogies.

Why Playwriting at Indiana University Bloomington?

The programme is distinguished by its commitment to professional development and international exchange. Students benefit from annual visits by global guest artists and a three-year fellowship that includes a monthly stipend. The university’s location provides proximity to major theatrical hubs like Chicago, Louisville, and Indianapolis. Furthermore, the department produces eight to ten productions annually, providing a vibrant atmosphere for collaborative creative activity and research.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 27271 per year
National fee: USD 27271 per year
Local fee: USD 27271 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive education in dramatic writing, balancing creative workshops with historical foundations. Modules may include:

Playwriting
Script Analysis
Musical Theatre Songwriting
Dramatic Writing
Contemporary Performing Arts
Professional Guest Seminars

Careers with Playwriting

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles within the performing arts and literary industries. The programme facilitates direct engagement with industry professionals, including literary managers, agents, and artistic directors, during the annual At First Sight New Play Festival. Students also gain practical experience for academic or community-based careers by teaching undergraduate courses such as Script Analysis and Intro to Playwriting. Alumni have seen their work showcased to professional industry scouts and have successfully transitioned into roles as professional playwrights and educators.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Playwriting Workshop

Screenwriting

Graduate Playwriting Seminar

Topics in Dramatic Writing

Studies in Playwriting

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-15 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Credits

60 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Bloomington, United States

Disciplines

Creative Writing View 380 other Masters in Creative Writing in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.

Other requirements

General requirements

Applications for the MFA Playwriting program will reopen in the fall of 2026.
Applicants to the MFA in Playwriting should submit one complete full-length play that best represents the applicant and demonstrates his or her strength as a candidate. A second full-length play will be requested if a candidate is the finalist for the Fellowship.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

27271 USD / year

≈ 27271 USD / year
Out-of-State

27271 USD / year

≈ 27271 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

27271 USD / year

≈ 27271 USD / year

Living costs

Bloomington

United States

1071 - 1733 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

Interested in financing your studies? Find a student loan that works for you.

MPOWER Financing No cosigner. No collateral. No hidden fees.

Check your Eligibility

Get the funding you need to study in the U.S. or Canada - with a process that's fast, simple, and built for international students.

Flexible loans from US$2,001 to US$100,000
Fixed interest rates -- no inflation surprises
No upfront fees or prepayment penalties
Accepted at 500+ universities across the U.S. & Canada
100% online application -- instant conditional offer
Free visa & career support through our Path2Success program

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Playwriting.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About