Master's Concentration

Professional Dramatic Writing

Cultivate your passion for creating texts that are meant to be performed in person, on film, on radio, or in new media such as podcasts. You’ll progress toward mastering the fundamentals of writing for the most popular kinds of performance in this program designed for aspiring playwrights, screenwriters, and spoken word artists. Hone the skills needed to excel in writing for the stage and screen while exploring influential masterworks.

Professional Dramatic Writing image

At a Glance

Classes Begin
June 12
Format
Asynchronous and Hybrid Online
Term Length
10 Weeks
Admission
No GRE or GMAT
Master's Degree
Tuition
$38,688
Time
As few as 18 months
U.S. News Best Colleges
Top-Ranked University

U.S. News & World Report Rankings
Chris Heriza
Talk to an Enrollment Manager

Chris Heriza

Free Application


University College is committed to educational access, and given the difficult circumstances currently impacting millions of people, we are waiving application fees.

Skills You'll Learn


Identify and analyze key elements of powerful drama


Define your audiences and write in ways that move and entertain them


Apply knowledge of drama fundamentals and genres to your own creative work.

Curriculum

Master of Arts in Professional Creative Writing with a concentration in Professional Dramatic Writing requires completion of 48 credit hours (12 courses).

All students are required to complete a zero-credit Student Success Course.

5
Core Courses
4
Concentration Courses
3
Elective Courses

Elective courses may be chosen from among non core and concentration courses in the Professional Creative Writing program, and you may also select courses in other University College graduate programs.

Your academic advisor will help you select electives that align with your career and personal goals.

Sample Schedule

Plan out your schedule and determine your preferred timeline for completing your master's degree—finish in as few as 18 months or take up to five years.

Time to Completion
Year 1 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Classes 2 2 2 2
Year 2 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Classes 2 2 0 0
Year 1 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Classes 1 2 1 2
Year 2 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Classes 1 2 1 2

Interested in a graduate certificate?


Explore our four and six course graduate certificates in Professional Dramatic Writing.

Take a Course Before You Apply


We know how important it is to get started when you're ready and that's why you can enroll in a course before you officially apply.

Career Outcomes

Predicted outcomes for graduates of Professional Dramatic Writing


The arts and culture sector is a top sector in Colorado! According to the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, Colorado ranks #1 in arts participation, is home to the largest non-profit theater organization, and has 38 performing arts center and 21 creative districts.


Learn what makes a piece commercially viable in a saturated market—700 movies are created in the U.S. each year according to the Motion Picture Association of America, plus nearly 3,000 professional plays produced annually according to the Theatre Communications Group.


Writers can expect a 9% employment growth through 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Writers and authors who adjust their work for online content and social media may have an advantage.

Job Titles

Writer
Editor
Screenwriter
Playwright
Performer
Teacher
Writing Coach
Copywriter

Writer and Author Salary: National Average

$61,820
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Get Ahead with Career Services


One-on-one career coaching and mock interviews


Job database dedicated to DU students and alumni


Résumé and cover letter guidance

Hear from Our Students

Theme: Job Satisfaction
Flexible Online Classes

Flexible Online Classes

We understand the demands of balancing work, friends and family, and school can be challenging. That's why at University College, you can complete your program entirely online. Our online learning platform makes it easy to work anywhere at any time.

Featured Instructors

Accreditation

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Higher Learning Commission

University College programs maintain the highest level of accreditation offered by The Higher Learning Commission, one of the regional accrediting bodies recognized by the federal government. The University of Denver and all of its academic programs are regionally accredited by this commission, and regional accreditation is the highest standard for universities in the United States.

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