Boston University - College of Communication

Current student in the screenwriting MFA program at BU.

There’s a lot to love in this program, I think overall it is one of the more underrated screenwriting programs in the nation, and I don’t say that because I go here, or maybe I do . Biases aside, the course work is really great, and it’s all done within very intimate settings. The cohort of the program is by design small, with the department capping the program at 12 students each year. As a prospective student, this does make your chances of getting into the program that much harder, but as an admitted student, trust me when I say it really helps. The small class sizes allow for you to really get to know your peers and their style of writing, to the point where you can easily recognize someone’s story and their voice, even if you didn’t know it was their piece. Beyond that, the course work is challenging, but it does expand upon your abilities as a writer, and the focus on storytelling not only helps your screenwriting, but fiction too if you are also versed in that.
Downsides to the program, the faculty has varying opinions on a number of different screenplay formatting rules, and storytelling principles. It leads to a confusing take on what should be an educational experience. You find yourself wondering how you should write depending on what a particular Professor is looking for. That being said, different perspectives truly help educate, so while it may be confusing at times, I think the overall effect of these different perspectives is a positive one.

Plus, who doesn’t love Boston?

A positive for BU is that it's only a three-semester program. Of course, it's a program that will set you back about $75,000. So, be ready to cough up some dough. On the bright side, you are receiving an education from one of the most-respected universities in the entire world. In fact, when you mention BU to most anyone, they are impressed. So, you have that going for you.

Another plus for the graduate program is they typically offer you a scholarship. Although it varies for each person, you can expect between $5,000 and $10,000 per semester. Additionally, BU is really good about offering TA work. Most grad students earn a pretty good amount. For example, I'm paid about $250 weekly. I typically work about 1 hour a week for my job. Moreover, the grad office does all the loan applications for you, so you don't have to do anything regarding that. Another plus is the location. Boston is a great area with plenty of bars and fun things to do. However, it can be difficult to meet people, because it's a very transient city.

The program offers the option for you to spend your third semester in Los Angeles. This was a selling point for me. However, I learned a few things about the Study Abroad Program in LA as this past semester progressed. Initially, I was told the price for LA was included in my tuition. As it turns out, it is included, but BU raises your tuition the last semester. I was not happy about that. Secondly, if you go to LA, you are pretty much required to live in student housing. Let me be clear, you must live in the same room with another person. They tend to leave that bit out anytime you are talking with the grad office about LA. Although, you can opt out of the housing, but let's discuss the costs: $2,000 EXTRA for your own room or $5,000 EXTRA if you choose to get housing elsewhere. That's extra on top of the $1,500 monthly rent they charge to live at Park La Brea. Also, if you move elsewhere, it can't be more than 30 minutes away. But, a positive is that BU finds you an internship while in LA, so that is one positive point. Additionally, you can opt to stay in Boston.