Overview

The Creative Writing - Playwriting M.F.A. at The City University of New York provides a rigorous environment for writers to refine their craft through specialised workshops and individual tutorials. This two-year programme emphasises the relationship between students and eminent faculty members to foster artistic growth. Participants are encouraged to explore the widest definitions of theatricality while engaging with both historical traditions and contemporary experimental forms.

Why Creative Writing - Playwriting at The City University of New York?

This programme is distinguished by its small, highly personal nature, ensuring that each writer receives significant individual attention. Students benefit from the university's deep integration into the cultural energy of New York City, providing unique opportunities for public readings and performances in Brooklyn and Manhattan. The curriculum is designed to help playwrights reinvent theatre for the modern era, supported by a faculty of active, award-winning professionals. Additionally, students may gain valuable experience by teaching undergraduate courses within the English Department or contributing to the university's literary journal, The Brooklyn Review.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 855 per credit
National fee: USD 855 per credit
Local fee: USD 470 per credit

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

Syllabus

The curriculum requires 36 credits, comprising 24 credits in the playwriting specialisation and 12 credits in literature. Students must complete a substantial, producible manuscript of a full-length play or a collection of one-act plays to graduate. Modules may include:

Playwriting Workshop
Reading Tutorial
Literature Seminar
One-on-One Tutorial
Inter-genre Workshop
Practicum in Teaching College-Level Composition

Careers with Creative Writing - Playwriting

Graduates of this programme have achieved significant success in the performing arts and literary sectors. Alumni have won prestigious accolades, including Obie Awards, Guggenheim Fellowships, and the Pulitzer Prize. Many former students have gone on to start their own theatre companies or have seen their original plays produced at major venues across the United States and internationally. Beyond direct playwriting, graduates find employment in education and media with organisations such as Columbia University, New York University, and various arts and media centres in Brooklyn.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

To obtain additional information about the program, we kindly suggest that you visit the programme website, where you can find further details and relevant resources.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-28 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

36 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

New York City, United States

Disciplines

Creative Writing Drama View 382 other Masters in Creative Writing in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

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

Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Applicants who earned a bachelor’s degree outside the United States need to submit a course-by-course international transcript evaluation.

Two letters of recommendation.

A manuscript of original work in your intended genre (for fiction, about 30 pages; for poetry, about 20 pages; for playwriting, one full-length play, or two or more one-act plays).

A personal statement (one–two pages).

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

15390 USD / year

≈ 15390 USD / year
Out-of-State

15390 USD / year

≈ 15390 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8460 USD / year

≈ 8460 USD / year

Additional Details

Residents: $5,545 per semester

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.

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 Creative Writing - 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

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

Additional Details

Living costs

New York City

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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