Overview

Students in the Film - Screenwriting and Directing program at Columbia University are exposed to the principles and working methods of a variety of genres and dramatic forms in both writing and directing. Through multiple exercises in both disciplines, short films, and script projects (both short and feature-length), students are encouraged to explore their understanding of the medium, with the ultimate goal of establishing each student’s personal voice as a writer/director.

The course of study at Columbia includes our shared first year, in which all students take the same core classes and have the same filmmaking assignments; and a second year of creative workshops and related courses, in both writing and directing. This is followed by thesis and Research Arts work.

The Screenwriting & Directing concentration requires a minimum of three years, but can be extended to a fourth year by mutual agreement between a student and their advisor and with the approval of the Film Program Chair. The student’s work in the concentration culminates in the creation of a creative portfolio that will include many short films, feature screenplays, and television scripts.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Screenwriting
Directing Actors
Fundamentals of Editing
Film & Media Studies
Acting for Screenwriters & Directors
Business of Film
Directing Thesis Advisement

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-16 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

Film Studies Creative Writing View 217 other Masters in Film Studies 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

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

Completed Application
Official Undergraduate Transcript
Three Letters of Recommendation
Creative Materials Required for Application
Autobiographical essay
Dramatic Writing Sample
Film prompt
Feature film treatment
Visual Submission

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

77840 USD / year

≈ 77840 USD / year
Out-of-State

77840 USD / year

≈ 77840 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

77840 USD / year

≈ 77840 USD / year

Additional Details

Third and Fourth-Year MFA Film Students (Research Arts): Screenwriting/Directing $6,436/ year

Living costs

Manhattan

United States

2638 - 5751 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 Film - Screenwriting and Directing.

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

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Manhattan

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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