Cinema and Television Directing students work on a virtual production set

School of Film and TelevisionScreenwriting and Development Master of Arts Degree

  • MA
  • Online

About the Screenwriting and Development Program

In the Screenwriting and Development MA program, you’ll develop the skills needed to write and develop original and adapted screenplays, whether they’re for films, television pilots, or online series. Courses are delivered primarily online, with the opportunity for an immersive Los Angeles experience. Classes are taught by Columbia faculty and working writers based in major media hubs. As part of your coursework, you’ll explore narrative structure, voice, genre, and cross-platform storytelling, while working both independently and in writers’ rooms. The program guides you to build a portfolio of creative projects ready for pitching or further development in the film and television industry.

 

Examples of Screenwriting and Development Careers

  • Film screenwriter
  • Television writer
  • Development executive
  • Story editor
  • Script consultant
  • Content creator for digital platforms

The Student Experience

You will engage in a distinctly creative virtual community, merging individual craft with collaborative development — tight-knit but flexible.

  • Foundational developmentThrough early courses, you’ll learn core techniques of narrative, character, dialogue, and structure.
  • Genre and format experimentationProjects may include feature scripts, television pilots, adapted works, web series, and cross-platform story worlds.
  • Writer’s room participationEngage in small-group online workshops simulating writers’ rooms to collaborate, pitch, and build serialized content.
  • Faculty and industry mentorshipReceive detailed feedback from faculty, many of whom are active industry professionals, as well as other experts who work in the field. 
  • Screenwriting portfolio

    Graduate with a solid portfolio of screenplays and television development packages and the business skills to help turn writing into a career.

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  • Cohort connection and optional in-person sessionWhile primarily online, the optional J-Session in Los Angeles offers opportunities for community building and live engagement.

a screenplay comes to life as students film scene in bathroom

Career Readiness

From connecting you to internships to helping you develop door-opening bodies of work to making an important professional connection, Columbia helps students launch their careers.

  • Real-world experience

    Our Career Center provides advice and guidance in finding internships that match your interests and professional goals. And with the help the Career Center and faculty, you can develop a resume, web portfolio, reel, website, and strong social media presence.

  • Networking opportunities with alumni

    Columbia College Chicago has produced many successful alumni. These alumni find work in the industry right out of college, and some have won Oscars, Emmys, and Golden Globes.

Alumni Spotlight

Cinema and television directing alum Lena Waithe

Lena Waithe ‘08 

Emmy-award winning writer of “Master of None,” Lena Waithe is a producer, actor, and writer.

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