a warner bros building hosting the Azusa College of the Arts event

Screenwriting Major

Study BA in Screenwriting at Azusa Pacific University

You’ll graduate with a portfolio of original screenplays or pilots, as well as opportunities to pitch your work as student films by APU’s nationally recognized, award-winning production teams. Study next to Hollywood, the entertainment capital of the world, as you learn from active professionals and produced writers—ready to pursue your calling as a storyteller and succeed in your screenwriting career.

Program at a Glance

The School of Visual and Performing Arts develops students’ talents through rich artistic experiences and comprehensive training in their chosen artistic discipline.

Upcoming Events

APU One Day

  • March 8, 2024

Application Deadline

  • Fall 2024: February 15, 2024 (priority deadline)
  • Spring 2024: December 1, 2023 (priority deadline)

College of the Arts requires a secondary application via GetAcceptd.

Learn How to Apply

Program Units
46

Location

  • Azusa (Main Campus)

 

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Yellow Ribbon and Military Friendly School

Student smiling

Gain Hands-on Experience

  • Write and pitch original screenplays or pilots as student films.
  • Develop your storytelling skills as you learn the best of narrative dramatic structures.
  • Build your entrepreneurial and business abilities.
  • Explore the Christian’s role in the entertainment industry. 
  • Acquire the abilities needed to write for mainstream Hollywood films and television series.

By the Numbers

1 of 126 Best Western Colleges according to Princeton Review's 2023 Best Colleges Guide
13 :1 Student-to-faculty ratio
100 % of incoming students

Get Started

College of the Arts requires a secondary application via GetAcceptd.

 

Jollyfisher smiling

Jollyfisher Ekpye ’24 loves that APU is training him in acting for both the stage and screen, since he plans to land roles in both.

Program Details

Students with a passion for storytelling embrace the screenwriting major, which equips them to write for mainstream Hollywood films and television series. After learning the basics of production, students dive into an intensive sequence of courses taught by produced writers, active professionals, and scholars practicing the best of historic and contemporary narrative dramatic structure. 

Browse the tabs below—if you have questions, visit the Student Services Center page, and we’ll make sure you get the info you need.

How to Apply

Priority Deadlines

Fall 2024 Applicants

February 15, 2024, is the priority deadline for the Fall 2024 BA in Screenwriting Scholarship Application. Students must complete their APU Undergraduate Application and their Get Acceptd application by the deadline to ensure consideration.

Spring 2024 Applicants

December 1, 2023, is the priority deadline for the Spring 2024 BA in Screenwriting Scholarship Application. Students must complete their APU Undergraduate Application and their Get Acceptd application by the deadline to ensure consideration.

Cinematic Arts Scholarship Application Requirements

Plan a Visit

Applicants are encouraged to visit a class or meet with one of our professors. Please fill out a COTA Visitation Form to schedule a visit! We look forward to meeting you.

General Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Select an option below:

College of the Arts Cinematic Arts Scholarship

The Cinematic Arts Scholarship is a talent-based scholarship available to select incoming undergraduate students enrolled in the:

Learn more about the Cinematic Arts Scholarship and how to apply.

 

Although a private college education may seem out of reach for many, recent research from Kiplinger reveals that the actual value of some private universities may prove this assumption wrong. In 2010, Kiplinger selected Azusa Pacific University for its Top 100 Best Values in Private Colleges rankings. Read more about APU’s ranking in Kiplinger’s Best Values in Private Colleges.

APU students may take advantage of three types of financial aid: scholarships and grants, education loans, and student employment.

Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are considered “gift aid” and do not require repayment. They can come from federal, state, or private sources. Scholarships are typically merit-based, meaning they are awarded depending on demonstrated academic ability or other specific talents.

Scholarships are often available from sources outside of APU. You can search for these scholarships through websites such as finaid.org or fastweb.com. The Student Services Center is sometimes notified of scholarships available through APU departments or local organizations, and can provide information about any available scholarships on request.

Education Loans

Education loans are usually repaid after graduation, may be deferred until after graduate school, and often have very low interest rates.

Military Benefits

Military members—and in some cases their spouses and dependents—qualify for financial assistance covering tuition, housing, and books. Azusa Pacific is a Yellow Ribbon University and Military Friendly School, so you can be confident that you’ll receive the benefits and flexibility you need to complete your education.

Student Employment

On-campus student employment is available for students needing additional income to pay for education-related expenses. APU students also find work off campus in the surrounding community.

Net Price Calculator

We’re committed to helping families understand early in the college search process the value of the APU experience and options for affordable financing of a top-tier Christian university education.

Now that you’re familiar with the financial aid opportunities available to APU students, it’s time to estimate what your true cost may be to attend Azusa Pacific. Remember, estimations are only as accurate as the information you provide. Click on the Net Price Calculator button below to begin.


Net Price Calculator
 

To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog:

If you have questions, we’re here to help! Connect with a representative who can walk you through the program details and application process.
Contact Your Admissions Representative

Additional Program Contact

Alisa Barsegyan, [email protected], (626) 387-5725

Department of Cinematic Arts

Phone

(626) 815-6000, Ext. 5297

Mail

Department of Cinematic Arts
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
 

Student Services Center

Contact (626) 812-3016 or [email protected], and visit apu.edu/ssc for details on the admissions process, financial aid, and class registration.

International Services

International students should contact +1-626-812-3055 or [email protected], and visit apu.edu/international/.

Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Featured Faculty

Zachary Cheney

Zachary Cheney

Interim Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, College of the Arts; Chair and Assistant Professor of Screen Studies, Department of Cinematic Arts

Career Outlooks and Outcomes

Spotlight theater sign

College of the Arts Hosts Industry Spotlight at Warner Bros. Studios

The College of the Arts hosted the 2023 Industry Spotlight at the legendary Warner Bros. studios, giving students in cinematic arts, animation, screenwriting, theater, games, art, design, music, and journalism an opportunity to showcase their work.

Note: This information is current for the 2023-24 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Refer to the current Academic Catalog for more information.

 

Related Programs

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Available Concentrations:

English Education

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