Overview

The Dramatic Writing programme at New York University offers a comprehensive Master of Fine Arts (MFA) designed to train students in the three primary mediums of dramatic storytelling. By integrating playwriting, screenwriting, and episodic writing, the curriculum ensures that graduates emerge as flexible and technically proficient professionals ready for the entertainment industry.

Why Dramatic Writing at New York University?

The programme is housed within the Rita & Burton Goldberg Department of Dramatic Writing, providing a unique environment where writers are encouraged to experiment across different formats. The department's mission is rooted in the belief that cross-training makes writers more adaptable. Students benefit from a faculty of working professionals and guest speakers from the industry who lead masterclasses and colloquia on current trends in the entertainment business.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 76646 per year
National fee: USD 76646 per year
Local fee: USD 76646 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum requires 65 credits for completion, blending core writing seminars with text analysis and production labs. The first year focuses on foundational skills in all three mediums, while the second year is dedicated to advanced work and a master's thesis.

Year 1

Playwriting
Screenwriting
Episodic/TV Writing
Dramatic Strategies
Drama Lab
Comedic Strategies

Year 2

Advanced Playwriting
Advanced Screenwriting
Advanced Episodic/TV Writing
Business of the Business
MFA Thesis

Additional elective modules may include:

Animation
Late Night Comedy Writing
Sketch Comedy
Childrens' Television
Graphic Novel/Comics
Theatricality

Careers with Dramatic Writing

Graduates of the programme are prepared for diverse roles within the global creative economy. Alumni have achieved significant recognition in the industry, including winning prestigious honours such as the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, the Film Independent Spirit Awards, and Obie Awards for playwriting. The department supports career development through professional training modules and optional internships, allowing students to experience the profession from the perspective of organisations that develop and produce dramatic work.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Dramatic Strategies

TV Writing

Screenwriting

Playwriting

Comedic Strategies

Text Analysis

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-02 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

65 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

New York City, United States

Disciplines

Creative Writing Drama View 255 other Masters in Drama in United States

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Academic requirements

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

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

125

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Resume: Please list any published or produced work, and any work experience that is relevant to a writing career.

Personal Statement: In 750 words or less, tell us about your decision to pursue an MFA in Dramatic Writing at Tisch. What about our department appeals to you? How will you benefit from studying here? What can you bring to the Dramatic Writing Department? How has your life experience shaped your development as a writer?

Two letters of recommendation.

Official transcripts from your undergraduate and graduate schools

Creative portfolio.

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

76646 USD / year

≈ 76646 USD / year
Out-of-State

76646 USD / year

≈ 76646 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

76646 USD / year

≈ 76646 USD / year

Living costs

New York City

United States

1819 - 3968 USD / month

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

Financing

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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.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Dramatic Writing.

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

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

New York City

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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