university of southern california creative writing program

Best Creative Writing colleges in California 2024

Best creative writing colleges in california for 2024.

university of southern california creative writing program

University of Southern California offers 2 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 37 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 37 Bachelor's degrees.

university of southern california creative writing program

University of California-Davis offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a small suburb. In 2022, 12 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 12 Master's degrees.

university of southern california creative writing program

University of California-Riverside offers 2 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 94 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 49 Bachelor's degrees, and 45 Master's degrees.

university of southern california creative writing program

University of California-Irvine offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 16 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 16 Master's degrees.

university of southern california creative writing program

California State University-Long Beach offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 10 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 10 Master's degrees.

university of southern california creative writing program

Saint Mary's College of California offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2022, 23 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 23 Master's degrees.

university of southern california creative writing program

San Diego State University offers 2 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 17 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 17 Master's degrees.

university of southern california creative writing program

University of San Francisco offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a medium sized, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 26 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 26 Master's degrees.

university of southern california creative writing program

San Francisco State University offers 2 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 26 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 25 Master's degrees, and 1 Certificate.

university of southern california creative writing program

Chapman University offers 2 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 46 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 34 Bachelor's degrees, and 12 Master's degrees.

Find local colleges with Creative Writing majors in California

List of all creative writing colleges in california.

School Average Tuition Student Teacher Ratio Enrolled Students
Los Angeles, CA 5/5 23 : 1 48,945
Davis, CA 3/5 23 : 1 39,679
Riverside, CA 3/5 29 : 1 26,809
Irvine, CA 3/5 25 : 1 35,937
Long Beach, CA 2/5 36 : 1 38,973

What are you looking for?

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How to Apply

Step 1: review program and application requirements.

Application Instructions: Before you begin your application to USC, please carefully read all instructions. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to revise it. You will, however, be able to amend certain sections (such as test scores). Submitting incorrect information on your application or failing to include important details can delay the admission process.

Deadlines : Since application deadlines vary by program, be sure to confirm your intended program’s deadline and apply on time.

You should also use the months leading up to the deadline to complete the following steps:

GRE/GMAT and Other Tests : If required by your program of interest, schedule the GRE or GMAT exam. Your scores are considered valid only if earned within five years to the month of your intended first term at USC. (For example, no earlier than August 1 five years before applying to the fall term).

Résumé/Curriculum Vitae : There is no “right” approach to structuring your résumé/CV for graduate school. However, it is a good idea to take some time to identify the skills and achievements you would like to highlight for your graduate program and structure the document accordingly. Please note: You will be required to upload a copy of your résumé/CV as part of your application.

Recommendation Letters: The number of letters you will need varies by program. Be sure to check with your program of interest for specific requirements. Identify potential recommenders and let them know that you would like them to write a recommendation for you. Recommendations may be optional for some programs at USC.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

Please complete our graduate application for your intended program online.

You may apply to up to three programs per term. Applications to additional programs in a single term will not be considered. Please note that withdrawing an application does not reset the three-program application limit for that term.

For additional tips, tricks and advice, please view our video tutorial, “ Navigating your USC Graduate Application .”

Video Tutorial: Navigating your USC Graduate Application

Completing the online application:, apply to usc.

You must create a graduate application account in order to apply to a graduate program at USC. Please set aside 45 to 60 minutes to complete the online application. Alternatively, you may save your information and continue it at a later date. You must use the same account to apply to multiple programs. You can apply to all programs at the same time or add a program after you have submitted your application. Please note: You may apply up to a maximum of three programs per term. Applications to additional programs in a single term will not be considered.

Technical Requirements

The online application supports the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer and Safari. The application uses Cookies, JavaScript and Pop-up windows, so please be sure all are enabled within your browser. (The default setting is “On” so it is unlikely that you will need to make any changes.)

Dates and Deadlines

Most graduate departments will indicate if their deadline refers to the date by which only the application must be received, or if the deadline applies to all supporting materials as well. In most cases, it is understood that some supporting materials will arrive later. This may not be a problem as long as they arrive within a reasonable period of time.

  • PhD Programs: The priority deadline for Ph.D. applicants is December 1 . However, many of our doctoral programs, such as the ones offered by the Viterbi School of Engineering and the School of Cinematic Arts , have different deadlines. Please refer to their websites for deadline information.
  • Master’s and Graduate Certificate Programs: All deadlines for USC master’s and graduate certificate programs are set by individual academic departments. These deadlines may vary from program to program and are subject to change. Please check with your intended graduate department directly for this information.

Programs with Separate Applications

The following graduate degree programs administer their own applications. You will need to apply to them through a separate website.

Independent Health Professions Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Keck School of Medicine Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) Master of Public Health (MPH) Master of Science in Biostatistics Master of Science in Applied Biostatistics and Epidemiology Master of Science in Molecular and Genetic Epidemiology Primary Care Physician Assistant Program

Ostrow School of Dentistry Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S) Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists (D.D.S) Postgraduate Specialty Certificate Programs

Gould School of Law All programs

USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences All programs

Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences Chemistry , PhD Physics, PhD  

Confidentiality and Document Submission Policy

Transcripts and all other materials submitted for admission consideration become the property of USC. The university does not return or duplicate materials for any reason whatsoever. The information and materials in your submitted application are made available only to the central Office of Admission and the admission committee of your academic department or professional school.

Additional Help

Please contact us if you experience difficulties while completing your application or have questions about submitting your application.

Step 3: Pay your Application Fees

The application fee is $90 for all graduate programs, except those offered by the Marshall School of Business ($155) and the International Academy’s Pre-Master’s program ($175). We accept payments via Visa, MasterCard and Discover card.

Fee Waivers: You will be able to request a fee waiver only after you have started (but not submitted) your online application and indicated your program of interest. You will be asked for documentation to verify your eligibility for a waiver. If your request is approved, you will then be able to submit your application and skip payment of the application fee. Please refer to our Fee Waivers page to see if you are eligible.

Step 4: Provide Program Materials

In addition to transcripts and test scores, most USC graduate programs require supplemental materials for admission review. These materials may include (but are not limited to) a statement of intent, recommendations, writing samples, creative portfolio, etc. Supplemental materials are reviewed by the department only, not the Office of Graduate Admission.

To verify what supplemental materials are required by your program of interest and how to submit them, refer to their homepage or to the instructions on the “Program Materials” quadrant on the application. In most cases, they can be submitted via the application.

Some programs may require that you submit your supplemental materials via Slideroom. You will receive instructions on our application or directly from your department if this is the case.

If any materials need to be mailed, the postal address will be provided on the department website. (This is usually not the same address to which you send your transcripts.)

Please contact your intended graduate program with any questions regarding supplemental materials.

After You Apply:

Your USC ID Number : You will receive your 10-digit USC ID via email within two to three business days after submitting your online application. Please keep this ID on record and make sure to include it in all your communication with USC. You will also need to include it when mailing any documents to the university.

It is important to note that your 10-digit USC ID is different from the USC CAS ID you will receive when you begin your application. The CAS ID is required for only technical support during the application process and is not issued by the university.

Step 5: Submit your Official Transcripts

You will need to have your official transcripts sent to USC, with any university seals or security features intact. Please note: Unofficial transcripts from university student portals are not acceptable. Please refer to our detailed guidelines .

Make sure to also upload copies of your university-issued transcripts (issued on official letterhead) to your online application. These copies are considered unofficial but can help speed application review.

Step 6: Submit your Official Test Scores

Most USC graduate programs require either GRE or GMAT scores. Please review your program’s website for their test score requirements. Make sure to include your test scores as part of your application. Once you submit your application, you will be able to return to it to add additional test scores if necessary.

Only scores received electronically from the testing service are considered official. USC does not accept self-reported test scores or paper scores sent via postal mail.

If you are sending GRE scores: USC’s ETS school code is 4852 . Use this code to ensure that USC receives your official test results. No department code is required.

If you are sending GMAT scores : Select “University of Southern California” from the list of available schools and refer to your intended program for their program code.

Video Tutorial: Entering Your Standardized Test Scores

For additional tips, tricks and advice, please view our video tutorial, “Entering Your Standardized Test Scores.”

Step 7: Track your Application Status

Our admission processing center receives a high volume of materials during the peak admission period (November through May). During these months, please allow approximately 15 business days from the date of receipt of your official academic records to process these documents and match them to your application in our database.

Graduate applicants are responsible for properly submitting all items required for review and responding promptly to requests for additional materials or information. Once you submit your application, all notifications regarding any missing transcripts or other required materials will be emailed to you. Therefore, it is important that you regularly check the email address you provided on the application.

Please note: You will not receive confirmation emails when specific materials have been received.

Step 8: View Your Decision

While the Office of Graduate Admission processes all graduate applications, admission decisions are ultimately made by the program to which you applied. Once the admission committee for your intended program of study has completed the review process, you will receive an email notification from the Office of Graduate Admission informing you that a decision has been made.

The length of time required to make a decision varies by the program, type of degree, and the size of the applicant pool. Most applicants to the fall term receive decision notifications by June. Most applicants to the spring term receive decision notifications by December.

When you receive your decision notification, follow the instructions on the email to register for and view your decision at youSC .

Video Tutorial: The Decision Letter and Statement of Intent Form

For additional tips, tricks and advice, please view our video tutorial, “The Decision Letter and Statement of Intent Form.”

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  • Writing for Screen & Television
  • Program Overview

John Wells Division of Writing for Screen & Television

It all begins with a script. Before any film, television show, web series, or video game can become a phenomenon, you need words on a page. The John Wells Division of Writing for Screen & Television teaches students how to create the kinds of scripts that excite creative collaborators, agents, managers, and investors and become real projects. The curriculum immerses students in the SCA tradition of crafting compelling stories and honing your narrative instincts through small workshop classes. You will learn to write short scripts, feature-length screenplays, television episodes in comedy and drama, web series, and scripts for games and other immersive media.

Our Writing for Screen and Television BFA and MFA program fall under the STEM CIP code: CIP code 50.0504 : Playwriting and Screenwriting.

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Student Stories

Chiara D'Ambrosio

Chiara D'Ambrosio BFA, Writing for Screen and Television '26

Brandy Hernandez

Brandy Hernandez BFA, Writing for Screen and TV '24

Giulia Orsenigo

Giulia Orsenigo BA, Writing for Screen and TV '24

Featured Student Work

university of southern california creative writing program

written by Writing Student Shirley Miller

university of southern california creative writing program

written by Writing Student Stanley Kalu

university of southern california creative writing program

written by Writing Student Nichole DeLaura

Degree programs, undergraduate, bachelor of fine arts.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Writing for Screen & Television is a unique, four-year program for students who want a real career in screen and television writing. Students work with talented writers from around the globe in small workshop-style classes, learn from top minds in the industry and working professionals, and intern at top companies in the expanding world of film, television, and interactive media.

Masters of Fine Arts

The Master of Fine Arts, with a major in Writing for Screen & Television, is a two-year degree program which concentrates on training screenwriters to work in the entertainment industry and beyond. In addition to receiving an unparalleled master's education in the craft of writing, MFA candidates also benefit from the University's ties to the industry's top writers, directors, production companies, and studios in Los Angeles, yielding an array of internship and mentorship opportunities.

The minor in comedy is designed to train students in the creation of comedic entertainment in film, television and new media. The only minor of its kind at a major research university, the Comedy Minor is for any student who takes comedy seriously.

Screenwriting

The Minor in Screenwriting covers writing for the screen from many different points of view and allows students to explore television, film and, new media writing and all of the opportunities the Division has to offer.

Contact Information

John Wells Division of Writing for Screen & Television USC School of Cinematic Arts Kristen Davis, Program Coordinator University Park, SCA 335 Los Angeles, CA 90089.2211 Phone: 213.740.3303 [email protected]

FellowshipBard

Fully Funded PhD in Communication at University of Southern California

Fully Funded PhD in Creative Writing and Literature at University of Southern California

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The University of Southern California (USC), located in Los Angeles, California, currently offers an all-encompassing and fully funded Ph.D. program that integrates creative writing and literature. This program is designed for students who aspire to explore both critical analysis and creative expression in their academic pursuits.

PhD Program Requirements

To be eligible for admission, prospective students need to demonstrate a strong foundation in their chosen genre—fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. Successful candidates exhibit exceptional talent and a commitment to advancing both their creative and scholarly capacities.

PhD Funding Coverage

Admitted students to the Ph.D. program at USC benefit from robust financial support, which includes:

Fellowships: Merit-based financial awards that recognize outstanding academic and creative achievements.

Teaching Assistantships: Opportunities for students to gain valuable teaching experience while receiving financial support. Teaching assistantships cover full tuition remission, health benefits, and provide a stipend.

Full Tuition Remission: The program covers the entire cost of tuition, alleviating the financial burden on students.

Health Benefits: Admitted students receive comprehensive health benefits, ensuring their well-being throughout the duration of the program.

Stipend: In addition to tuition remission and health benefits, students receive a stipend to support their living expenses during their academic journey.

Application Requirement

Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive application package, including:

Writing Samples: A portfolio showcasing the applicant’s proficiency in their chosen genre. This is a crucial component that allows the admissions committee to assess the candidate’s creative abilities.

Academic Records: Transcripts from previous academic institutions, highlighting the applicant’s academic achievements and qualifications.

Letters of Recommendation: Typically, three letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the applicant’s academic and creative potential.

Statement of Purpose: A thoughtful and articulate statement outlining the applicant’s motivations, academic interests, and goals within the program.

Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV): An overview of the applicant’s academic and professional background, including any relevant publications, awards, or experiences.

Application Deadline

December 1, 2024

Application Fee

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The Master of Fine Arts degree in Writing for Screen and Television, is an intensive two-year degree program that concentrates on writing for narrative film and television. During the course of their studies, students benefit from a wide array of internship and mentorship opportunities available as a result of the university’s close links to the Los Angeles film industry’s top screenwriters, directors, production companies and studios.Course work includes practical instruction in everything a working writer needs to learn about the filmmaker’s art and craft. Writing is taught in small workshop-style classes. The approach focuses on the visual tools of storytelling, developing stories from characters and then on an Aristotelian three act structure. Fractured narratives, ensemble stories, experiments with time and points of view, as well as other idiosyncratic styles of storytelling, are also addressed. The curriculum covers other professional concerns, including legal issues, agents and the Writer’s Guild, as well as the history and analysis of cinema and television. Classes are taught by working writers with a wide variety of skills, experience and approaches.Each fall 32 students are selected to begin the Graduate Writing for Screen and Television Program; there are no spring admissions. Applicants must submit a supplemental application and materials to the Graduate Writing for Screen and Television Program. For specific instructions, contact the Cinematic Arts Office of Admission, University Park, Los Angeles, CA 90089-2211, (213) 740-8358 or online at cinema.usc.edu.A total of 44 units is required. A minimum of 30 units must be 500-level or above.

University of Southern California

Los Angeles , CA

https://dornsife.usc.edu/cwphd

Degrees Offered

Fiction, Poetry, CNF

Residency type

Program length.

64 units (5 years)

Financial Aid

Students admitted to the Ph.D. program in Creative Writing and Literature receive financial support and assistance in the form of Teaching Assistantships and Fellowships, which include full tuition remission, year-round health and dental benefits, and a stipend at the current rate.

Teaching opportunities

Editorial opportunities.

  • Chris Abani PhD 2005
  • Dexter L. Booth PhD
  • Stephan Clark PhD
  • Jonathan Escoffery PhD (Fiction) 2024
  • Emily Geminder PhD (Fiction) 2021
  • Katherine Karlin PhD (Fiction) 2009
  • Lisa Lee PhD
  • Robin Coste Lewis PhD (Poetry)
  • Ryan McIlvain PhD
  • Bonnie Nadzam PhD (Fiction) 2010
  • Jessica Piazza PhD 2014
  • Michael Powers PhD
  • Jianan Qian PhD (Fiction) 2025
  • Josie Sigler Sibara PhD (Fiction) 2013
  • Amy Silverberg PhD (Fiction)
  • Safiya Sinclair PhD
  • Brandon Som PhD (Poetry) 2014

Send questions, comments and corrections to [email protected] .

Disclaimer: No endorsement of these ratings should be implied by the writers and writing programs listed on this site, or by the editors and publishers of Best American Short Stories , Best American Essays , Best American Poetry , The O. Henry Prize Stories and The Pushcart Prize Anthology .

2024 Best Creative Writing Schools in California

Choosing a great creative writing school, pick your creative writing degree level, best schools for creative writing in california, 10 top california schools in creative writing.

There were approximately 37 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at USC in the most recent data year.

There were about 17 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at SDSU in the most recent data year.

Embrace your passion for storytelling and learn the professional writing skills you'll need to succeed with our online MFA in Creative Writing. Write your novel or short story collection while earning a certificate in the Online Teaching of Writing or Professional Writing, with no residency requirement.

Related Programs

There were about 8 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at San Jose State in the most recent data year.

There were about 31 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at National University in the most recent data year.

There were approximately 26 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at USFCA in the most recent year we have data available.

There were about 94 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at UCR in the most recent data year.

There were roughly 12 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at UC Davis in the most recent year we have data available.

There were roughly 26 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at SFSU in the most recent year we have data available.

There were about 46 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Chapman in the most recent year we have data available.

There were roughly 10 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at CSULB in the most recent data year.

Best Creative Writing Colleges in the Far Western US Region

StateCollegesDegrees Awarded
831334
58798
35448
16715

Other Rankings

Associate degrees in creative writing, master's degrees in creative writing, bachelor's degrees in creative writing, creative writing related rankings by major, most popular majors related to creative writing.

Related MajorAnnual Graduates
61
56
13
13

Notes and References

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    University of Southern California
   
  Sep 16, 2024  
USC Catalogue 2022-2023    
USC Catalogue 2022-2023 [ARCHIVED CATALOGUE]

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The Master of Fine Arts degree in Writing for Screen and Television, is an intensive two-year degree program that concentrates on writing for narrative film and television. During the course of their studies, students benefit from a wide array of internship and mentorship opportunities available as a result of the university’s close links to the Los Angeles film industry’s top screenwriters, directors, production companies and studios.

Course work includes practical instruction in everything a working writer needs to learn about the filmmaker’s art and craft. Writing is taught in small workshop-style classes. The approach focuses on the visual tools of storytelling, developing stories from characters and then on an Aristotelian three act structure. Fractured narratives, ensemble stories, experiments with time and points of view, as well as other idiosyncratic styles of storytelling, are also addressed. The curriculum covers other professional concerns, including legal issues, agents and the Writer’s Guild, as well as the history and analysis of cinema and television. Classes are taught by working writers with a wide variety of skills, experience and approaches.

Each fall 32 students are selected to begin the Graduate Writing for Screen and Television Program; there are no spring admissions. Applicants must submit a supplemental application and materials to the Graduate Writing for Screen and Television Program. For specific instructions, contact the Cinematic Arts Office of Admission, University Park, Los Angeles, CA 90089-2211, (213) 740-8358 or online at cinema.usc.edu .

A total of 44 units is required. A minimum of 30 units must be 500-level or above.

Required Courses (34 units)

Year one, first semester.

  • CTWR 502 Graduate Writing Symposium Units: 1
  • CTWR 513 Writing the Short Script Units: 2
  • CTWR 514a Basic Dramatic Screenwriting Units: 2
  • CTWR 521 Advanced Hour-Long Television Drama Units: 2 or
  • CTWR 534 Advanced Half-Hour Television Comedy Units: 2
  • CTWR 572 Practicum in Directing Actors for Film Units: 2 or 4

Total units: 9

Year one, second semester.

  • CTWR 514b Basic Dramatic Screenwriting Units: 2
  • CTWR 516 Advanced Motion Picture Script Analysis Units: 2
  • CTWR 537 Advanced Half-Hour Comedy Series Pilot Units: 4 or
  • CTWR 539 Advanced Hour-Long Drama Series Pilot Units: 4
  • CNTV 530 Cinematic Ethics Units: 1

Year Two, First Semester

  • CTWR 515a Practicum in Screenwriting Units: 4 or
  • CTWR 517a Thesis in Half-Hour Television Comedy Units: 4 or
  • CTWR 519a Thesis in Television Drama Units: 4
  • CTWR 559 The Business of Writing for Screen and Television Units: 2

Total units: 6

Year two, second semester.

  • CTWR 515b Practicum in Screenwriting Units: 4 or
  • CTWR 517b Thesis in Half-Hour Television Comedy Units: 4 or
  • CTWR 519b Thesis in Television Drama Units: 4

Total units: 4

A minimum of 2 units of course work with a production component is required.

Courses with a Production Component (2 Units)

  • CTAN 448 Introduction to Film Graphics — Animation Units: 4
  • CTIN 501 Interactive Cinema Units: 2
  • CTPR 476 Directing The Comedic Scene Units: 2
  • CTPR 479 Straight to Series: Development of Episodic TV Drama Units: 2
  • CTPR 484 Advanced Multi-Camera Television Workshop Units: 4
  • CTPR 491 Viral Comedy Units: 2
  • CTPR 504 Fundamentals of Production Units: 4
  • CTPR 507 Production I Units: 4
  • CTWR 403 Writing the Narrative Podcast Series Units: 2
  • CTWR 438 Linked Narrative Storytelling for the Web Units: 2, 4
  • CTWR 477 Staff Writing the Sketch Comedy Show Units: 2
  • CTWR 487 Staff Writing the Multi-Camera Television Series Units: 4
  • CTWR 497 Staff Writing the Single-Camera Half-Hour Series Units: 4

A minimum of 4 units of cinema and media studies course work is required.

CTCS Courses (4 Units)

  • CTCS 407 African American Cinema Units: 4
  • CTCS 417 African American Television Units: 4
  • CTCS 464 Film and/or Television Genres Units: 4
  • CTCS 469 Film and/or Television Style Analysis Units: 4
  • CTCS 501 World Cinema Before 1945 Units: 2
  • CTCS 502 World Cinema After 1945 Units: 2
  • CTCS 503 Survey History of the United States Sound Film Units: 2
  • CTCS 504 Survey of Television History Units: 2
  • CTCS 505 Survey of Interactive Media Units: 2
  • CTCS 510 National/Regional Media Units: 4 max 12
  • CTCS 511 Seminar: Non-Fiction Film/Video Units: 4
  • CTCS 518 Seminar: Avant-Garde Film/Video Units: 4
  • CTCS 564 Seminar in Film and Television Genres Units: 4
  • CTCS 569 Seminar in Film and Television Authors Units: 4
  • CTCS 587 Seminar in Television Theory Units: 4

Electives (10 units)

Students may choose from the following electives to complete their degree. Additional courses beyond the required 4 units of CTCS course work, from the cinema and media studies list of courses, may be taken as electives, as can additional courses from the list of courses with a production component. Electives outside of cinematic arts are available with departmental approval.

  • CNTV 595 Professional Practicum Units: 1, 2, 4 max 8
  • CTAN 436 Writing for Animation Units: 2
  • CTIN 458 Business and Management of Games Units: 2
  • CTIN 488 Game Design Workshop Units: 4
  • CTIN 558 Business of Interactive Media Units: 2
  • CTPR 486 Straight to Series: Production of Episodic TV Drama Units: 4
  • CTPR 506 Visual Expression Units: 2
  • CTWR 404 Foundations of Comedy Units: 2
  • CTWR 407 Creating the Comedic Character Units: 2
  • CTWR 411 Television Script Analysis Units: 2
  • CTWR 417 Script Coverage and Story Analysis Units: 2
  • CTWR 430 Comedy Writers and Their Work Units: 2
  • CTWR 431 Screenwriters and Their Work Units: 2 max 6
  • CTWR 432 Television Writers and Their Work Units: 2 max 6
  • CTWR 499 Special Topics Units: 2, 3, 4 max 8
  • CTWR 518 Introduction to Interactive Writing Units: 2
  • CTWR 526 Advanced Storytelling for Interactive Media Units: 2
  • CTWR 541 Dreams, the Brain, and Storytelling Units: 2
  • CTWR 555 Pitching for Film and Television Units: 2
  • CTWR 557 Seminar in the Business of Writing and Producing Television Units: 2
  • CTWR 560 Advanced Business Practices for Writers Units: 2
  • CTWR 599 Special Topics Units: 2, 3, 4 max 8

Writing Intensive Electives

  • CTWR 410L Character Development and Storytelling for Games Units: 4
  • CTWR 433 Adaptations: Transferring Existing Work to the Screen Units: 2
  • CTWR 435 Writing for Film and Television Genres Units: 2, 3, 4 max 8
  • CTWR 468 Screenwriting in Collaboration Units: 4 max 8
  • CTWR 520 Advanced Scene Writing Workshop Units: 2
  • CTWR 522 Advanced Hour-Long Television Development Units: 2
  • CTWR 549 Advanced Rewriting Workshop in Hour-Long Drama Units: 4
  • CTWR 550 Advanced Story Development Units: 2
  • CTWR 553 Advanced Rewriting Workshop Units: 4
  • CTWR 585 Advanced Genre Writing Units: 2 or 4 max 8

Courses listed as writing intensive electives are considered heavy writing classes; students may take a maximum of three courses and 10 units of writing intensive courses per semester, required and/or elective.

Additional Requirements

Grade point average requirement.

An overall grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0) must be maintained in all courses. In addition, an overall grade point average of 3.0 in all units attempted is required to qualify for registration in CTWR 515a   , CTWR 515b   , CTWR 517a   , CTWR 517b    or CTWR 519a   , CTWR 519b   . Courses in which a grade of C- (1.7) or lower is earned will not apply toward a graduate degree.

In lieu of a thesis the student is required to either complete a full-length screenplay, which will be developed in CTWR 515a   , CTWR 515b   ; or a pilot script and a series bible for a half-hour television comedy, which will be developed in CTWR 517a   , CTWR 517b   ; or an original one-hour drama television pilot, mid-season episode and series bible, which will be developed in CTWR 519a   , CTWR 519b   ; this final work must be accepted by the Division of Writing Graduation Committee.

Students must maintain satisfactory progress toward their master’s degrees at all times. The time limit to complete all requirements is three years from the first course at USC applied toward the Master of Fine Arts degree. Course work more than seven years old is automatically invalidated and may not be applied toward the degree.

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USC English is one of the most vibrant, innovative and productive departments in the nation, with 41 full-time and joint faculty training a talented cadre of Ph.D. students whose work is theoretically sophisticated, broadly interdisciplinary and historically rich. Our Ph.D. program is composed of two tracks, one in  Literature  and one in  Creative Writing and Literature . The Literature track trains students in English, American and Anglophone literary cultures, criticism and theory and admits 10 to 12 students each year. The Creative Writing track admits 4 to 5 students a year.

Three qualities distinguish USC English from other top Ph.D. programs.

Signature Features

Ph.d. in creative writing and literature.

In addition to our Ph.D. in English Literature , USC English is one of a very small group of institutions in America to offer a combined  Ph.D. in Creative Writing and Literature . Students admitted to this track take a series of writing workshops taught by our internationally renowned creative writing faculty and graduate literature seminars with their cohorts in the literature track. Working together as scholars, students in both tracks find the collaboration a remarkably fruitful, mutually inspiring, and indeed unique aspect of our program.

Cross-Examination and Collaboration

Unlike traditional departments that organize themselves according to historical periods, USC English finds its intellectual coherence in a variety of interests that tend to overlap periods and fields. Literary history is vital to our endeavors but is filtered through a series of shared rubrics and strengths which include, but are not limited to:

Early Modern / Nineteenth-Century literature : With over ten faculty members who work between British and American literatures in this historical time period, USC’s English department represents one of the highest concentrations in these fields. Prospective study in these areas is augmented by nearby, world-class institutions such as the Huntington Library and the Clark, and USC’s own Institute for Early Modern Studies.

Poetry and Poetics : Recent years have seen a renaissance of cutting-edge work in the genre of poetry, especially in modernism but reaching out to earlier periods and encompassing the critical work of our poets.

Gender and Sexuality : Historically strong in feminist criticism, the department now boasts unparalleled depth in queer theory and studies in sexuality.

Media, film, and popular culture : The study of popular culture in the department reaches across all literary periods, from twentieth-century film to performance studies and studies in material culture.

Studies in race and minority literatures : Many of our Americanists specialize in minority and ethnic studies; associated concerns such as global, transnational, and postcolonial theory; or regional literatures of California and the West.

Narrative studies : One of the department’s strongest clusters involves the study of narrative, including the history and theory of the novel, film narrative, and non-fictional narrative.

Career Training

To a degree unprecedented in other programs, USC English’s curriculum incorporates a series of “professionalization” courses designed to introduce Ph.D. students in both tracks to current issues and debates in the profession, thereby preparing them to enter academia equipped with the best tools possible. These courses mark pivotal stages in the students’ progress from arrival to placement. See “ Career Training and Placement ” for more details.

The USC fountain formed by stone statues is surrounded by flowers in maroon and gold.

Featured Collaboration

See Professor of English and Comparative Literature  David St. John  discuss his collaboration with Thornton professors  Frank Ticheli  and  Lisa Sylvester , teaching classes in which graduate writer/poets, composers and singers come together for a semester to create and perform new works for voice/piano (some chamber works) with original texts from creative writing students.

Application Codes

Ph.D. in Literature Post code 382

Ph.D. in Creative Writing and Literature Post code 1087

Graduate Alerts

The Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation offers dissertation completion fellowships and is interested in questions concerning violence and aggression in relation to social change, intergroup conflict, war, terrorism, crime, and family relationships, among other subjects. Please see the link below for more information.

Guggenheim Fellowship

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Contact Details

Usc department of english.

3501 Trousdale Parkway Taper Hall of Humanities 404 Los Angeles, CA 90089-0354

Office Hours

Monday – Friday

8:30am- 5pm

Times may adjust in accordance with university holidays.

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COMMENTS

  1. - PhD in Creative Writing & Literature

    the Ph.D. in CREATIVE WRITING & LITERATURE PROGRAM is one of the few dual Ph.D. programs in the country that weaves the disciplines of literature and creative work into a single educational experience. Students complete coursework in both creative writing and literature. The dissertation project is comprised of creative and critical manuscripts ...

  2. Ph.D. in Creative Writing and Literature

    About the Ph.D. Track in Creative Writing and Literature. ... Requirements for admission to study in the Ph.D. program in Creative Writing and Literature include: B.A. degree in any area of study; GPA, undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) ... University of Southern California University Park Campus Los Angeles, CA 90089-0354 (213) 821-0477.

  3. Literature and Creative Writing (PhD)

    The program provides dual emphasis in literature and creative writing, culminating in the dissertation, which combines critical analysis with creative originality. Roughly half of the dissertation is based on original research, that is to say, research contributing to knowledge which enriches or changes the field.

  4. Undergraduate

    About the Undergraduate Program. We offer a broad range of courses in English, American and Anglophone literature of all periods and genres, but also in related areas such as creative and expository writing, literature and visual arts, ethnic literature and cultural studies, the history of the English language and of literary criticism, and literary and cultural theory.

  5. The Writing Program

    Writing Program courses are designed to help students develop practices of reading, writing and critical reasoning that are necessary for success in academic and professional discourse. Writing Program pedagogy emphasizes small classes and frequent conferences in order to provide the highly individuated instruction and careful feedback ...

  6. Programs, Minors and Certificates

    Undergraduate Certificate. • Food Industry Management Program. Minor. • 3-D Animation in Cinematic Arts Minor. • 3-Dimensional Design Minor. • 3D Computer Graphics and Modeling Minor. • Accounting Minor. • Advertising Minor. • American Popular Culture Minor.

  7. Best Creative Writing colleges in California 2024

    University of Southern California offers 2 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 37 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 37 Bachelor's degrees. University of California-Davis offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs.

  8. University of Southern California BA in Creative Writing

    Creative Writing is a concentration offered under the writing studies major at University of Southern California. We've pulled together some essential information you should know about the bachelor's degree program in creative writing, including how many students graduate each year, the ethnic diversity of these students, and more.

  9. How to Apply

    Step 3: Pay your Application Fees. The application fee is $90 for all graduate programs, except those offered by the Marshall School of Business ($155) and the International Academy's Pre-Master's program ($175). We accept payments via Visa, MasterCard and Discover card.

  10. Creative Writing at University of Southern California

    USC Creative Writing Bachelor's Program. Of the 45 creative writing students who graduated with a bachelor's degree in 2020-2021 from USC, about 31% were men and 69% were women. The following table and chart show the ethnic background for students who recently graduated from University of Southern California with a bachelor's in creative ...

  11. John Wells Division of Writing for Screen & Television

    USC University of Southern California. USC Cinematic Arts Search Menu. Programs. ... Division of Writing for Screen & Television teaches students how to create the kinds of scripts that excite creative collaborators, agents, managers, and investors and become real projects. ... Program Coordinator University Park, SCA 335 Los Angeles, CA 90089. ...

  12. Program: English (BA)

    University of Southern California ... Programs by School ... Majors emphasizing creative writing must take seven upper-division courses, including two introductory creative writing workshops in poetry and prose, and a third workshop at the 400-level. The remaining upperdivision courses must include one course in literature written before 1900 ...

  13. The Writing Program

    University of Southern California ... Writing Program courses are designed to help students develop practices of reading, writing and critical reasoning that are necessary for success in academic and professional discourse. Writing Program pedagogy emphasizes small classes and frequent conferences in order to provide the highly individuated ...

  14. Fully Funded PhD in Creative Writing and Literature at University of

    The University of Southern California (USC), located in Los Angeles, California, currently offers an all-encompassing and fully funded Ph.D. program that integrates creative writing and literature. This program is designed for students who aspire to explore both critical analysis and creative expression in their academic pursuits. PhD Program Requirements To be eligible for admission ...

  15. Department of English Language and Literature

    Here are the details of our admission criteria, application process, and funding. Applications are due by January 15. The MFA is a three-year, 45-hour program, culminating in a book-length creative thesis. Our signature creative writing outreach program sends MFA students to local public schools to teach poetry and fiction to kids.

  16. Home

    The Writing Program has principal responsibility for preparing USC students to write successfully in their academic and professional careers. Our pedagogical approach emphasizes process and rests on three pillars: dialogue and interaction as the core of a writing class; writing workshops as the primary mode of instruction; and individual or group conferences with instructors as a key vehicle ...

  17. Application

    Please upload all application materials electronically to the online application. Apply online: https://gradadm.usc.edu/apply/. Upload to your application the following required materials. Creative writing sample: Fiction or Nonfiction (approximately 25 pages) or Poetry (approximately 10 - 12 pages). Please do not send entire manuscripts.

  18. Writing for Screen and Television (MFA)

    Applicants must submit a supplemental application and materials to the Graduate Writing for Screen and Television Program. For specific instructions, contact the Cinematic Arts Office of Admission, University Park, Los Angeles, CA 90089-2211, (213) 740-8358 or online at cinema.usc.edu.A total of 44 units is required. A minimum of 30 units must ...

  19. 2025 Best California Colleges with Creative Writing Degrees

    #7 Best Colleges in California.University of Southern California. Blue checkmark. 4 Year,LOS ANGELES, CA,4092 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. Featured Review: Graduate Student says I'm in my second year of the Master of Public Health Program at USC. I originally applied to see if I could get in, and to my surprise, I did.

  20. University of Southern California

    University of Southern California. Los Angeles, CA. https://dornsife.usc.edu/cwphd. School notes ... Fiction, Poetry, CNF. Residency type. Full. Program length. 64 units (5 years) Financial Aid. Students admitted to the Ph.D. program in Creative Writing and Literature receive financial support and assistance in the form of Teaching ...

  21. 2024 Best Creative Writing Schools in California

    11.8% Growth in Graduates. San Diego State University is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in creative writing. SDSU is a very large public university located in the large city of San Diego. A Best Colleges rank of #141 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means SDSU is a great university overall.

  22. Writing for Screen and Television (MFA)

    Applicants must submit a supplemental application and materials to the Graduate Writing for Screen and Television Program. For specific instructions, contact the Cinematic Arts Office of Admission, University Park, Los Angeles, CA 90089-2211, (213) 740-8358 or online at cinema.usc.edu .

  23. Graduate

    The Graduate Program. USC English is one of the most vibrant, innovative and productive departments in the nation, with 41 full-time and joint faculty training a talented cadre of Ph.D. students whose work is theoretically sophisticated, broadly interdisciplinary and historically rich. Our Ph.D. program is composed of two tracks, one in ...