Writing for Dramatic Media

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

United States of America, Paradise

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Home/United States of America/Paradise /University of Nevada, Las Vegas/Writing for Dramatic Media

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

United States of America , Paradise

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Application Fee

USD 95

Credit point

54 Points

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines28-Aug-2023

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 2 year(s)

Tuition Fee

USD 53,560 / year

Next Intake 28-Aug-2023

Writing for Dramatic Media

About

This terminal degree focuses specifically on the art and craft of writing for performance. This is a three-year long creative writing discipline housed in a film department. The focus of the program is on developing feature screenplays but the candidate will also produce television screenplays, stage plays, and various type of work for digital media as it evolves. The program is based on a "conservatory" approach of practice and repetition and includes a significant amount of "pitching," or working aloud with the cohort, as part of the process. Students completing the program will have a significant portfolio of feature motion picture, television, and other scripts that have been honed to a degree of professional expectation. In addition to faculty with professional experience, the students are exposed to a variety of professional guests.

Upon completion of the Master of Fine Arts in Writing for Dramatic Media (changed from Screenwriting) the student should be able to:

Use professional on-page formatting technique.
Explain why the various formatting choices are put to use.
Execute a verbal "pitch".
Collaborate on a verbal "pitch".
Identify story elements in the "pitch" and distinguish their effectiveness.
Revise all of the work presented, in response to critical analysis.
Recognize the structural strengths and weaknesses of completed written drafts of scripts.
Communicate, in a collegial environment, their critical analysis of work presented by the cohort.
Analysis of traditionally accepted "classic" screenplays in both written and verbal response.
Be able to create a work of dramatic media from inception, pitch, first draft and subsequent drafts in the most professional manner possible.
Create a personal collection of written works for various dramatic media (plays, screenplays, teleplays, webisodes, mobisodes, etc.). Each candidate should have a minimum of three feature screenplays, two teleplays and two samples from other media.

Disciplines

College of Fine Arts

Requirements

Entry Requirements

While each graduate program has unique admissions standards, the Graduate College maintains minimum standards for graduate admission. All advanced degree and certificate program applicants must meet these eligibility requirements to be considered for admission. Immigration status does not impact admission to UNLV.

Bachelor’s Degree – You must hold a four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, or an approved international equivalent.
Grade Point Average – You must have a minimum overall grade point average of 2.75 (4.00=A) for your bachelor’s degree, or a minimum 3.00 (4.00=A) for the last two years (60 semester hours).
Additional Requirements – Factors that may also be considered by the academic department to which you are applying include test scores (like the GRE or GMAT), the type of course work completed during undergraduate studies, letters of recommendation, writing samples or portfolios, and any other supporting documents your department/program may ask you to submit to complete your application.
International Applicants: Proof of English Proficiency – The application process for international students is the same as for domestic students, with the exception of submitting proof of English Proficiency.
Transcripts – All applicants are required to submit a transcript from each postsecondary institution attended, showing all degrees and coursework, the dates awarded, and grades received. If the institution is outside the U.S., a foreign credential evaluation may be required. Please review our foreign credential evaluations page for additional guidelines, information, and requirements.
Credentials not in English must be accompanied by an English translation certified as true by a university official, an official representative of a United States embassy or consulate, the United States Information Service, the United States Education Foundation, or an approved professional translating service. Notarized copies of originals or translations are not considered official.

Credentials from China: Students who have completed a degree in China must provide copies of the original language transcripts and a copy of their Degree Certificate and Graduation Certificate. Documents verified by the Center for Student Services and Development (CSSD) or the China Academic Degree and Graduate information Center (CDGDC) are also accepted.

Credentials from India: Consolidated marks sheets are acceptable if yearly mark sheets are not available. Mark sheets must also be issued by the degree-granting institution. Mark sheets from affiliated colleges, are not acceptable or considered official. Students who have completed a degree in India must also provide a copy of their Provisional Certificate.

Please note that the aforementioned requirements are the minimum requirements established and monitored by the Graduate College. Meeting the minimum admissions requirements is a necessary but not sufficient condition of admission. Admission decisions are based on applicants meeting the minimum Graduate College requirements and a more extensive and holistic departmental review, which considers a combination of factors, including indicators of success based upon academic degrees and records, the statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, test scores, relevant work experience, and the like.

Career

Although there is not a specific formal path to a career in writing for dramatic media, whether it is in feature screenplays, television, theatrical presentation, or digital entertainment, there are certainly opportunities in screenwriting, and it can be very lucrative and rewarding. It is an industry, however, where less than 10 percent of the workforce is actually employed at any given time. This program prepares the writer for the challenges that will meet the individual as he or she enters the massive entertainment industry. Studios and networks do not have "placement" services for writers, actors and directors – the "above the line personnel." If one chooses a path in academia, the candidate will be well-versed in how to approach the teaching of creative writing for performance as a career.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

USD 53,560

Application Fee

USD 95

How to Apply

Review Admission Requirements – Review requirements for advanced degree and certificate program applicants. Be sure to check your department of interest as well because departmental requirements vary. Please note that only degree-seeking students are eligible for I-20/student visas and graduate assistantships. Certificate programs are not considered degree-seeking. However, with proper approval students may be enrolled concurrently in both degree and certificate programs.
Application Procedures – To apply to the Graduate College, submit the following admission materials for consideration:
- A completed application. Complete the application online.
- A nonrefundable admission application fee of $95, payable online by credit card or by check/money order, to the Board of Regents, UNLV.
  
  *Note: Applications and materials will not be processed until the application fee is received. Applicants to any UNLV graduate program must pay the admission application evaluation fee for each application filed. Denied applicants, who later seek admission to the same or other UNLV degree program, are required to pay an additional application fee.
Additional Graduate College Application Materials – If needed, send any additional Graduate College admission materials (for example: your admission receipt with your check payment; your transcripts if you did not upload them into your online application; or your official transcripts upon admission; etc.) to:
Office of Admissions

University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Mail Stop: 1021
4505 S. Maryland Pkwy.
Las Vegas, NV 89154
Additional Materials for your Department & Degree Program Application – Submit any additional department-required admission materials by uploading them into your online application. Please check with your graduate program of interest and refer to the application checklist on the Home tab of your Grad Rebel Gateway account in order to determine their specific admission requirements prior to submitting your online application.
Financial Certification Requirement – Submit Financial Certification form and Bank Letter to the Graduate College.
Before an I-20 can be issued, all international students must submit a completed Financial Certification form and bank letter. Even if you anticipate receiving a Graduate Assistantship, you must submit the Financial Certification form and bank letter.
- Confidential Financial Certification