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.
At a Glance
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.
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.
| 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 and Author Salary: National Average
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
"The writing assignments at that level really helped elevate my writing. It made me more keenly aware of the editing process as well as some more practical purposes." —Bobby LeFebre, graduate.
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
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Accreditation
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.