Stony Brook University (SUNY) Reviews & Admissions Statistics

I just completed my first year and cannot recommend this program more highly-- my TV writing (and writing in general) has improved by leaps and bounds. I'm still grateful to be among the chosen to get in and be among classmates who are all highly talented, motivated and supportive of each other (even when our debates about the merits of shows get lively and geeky).

The spirit at SBU is energizing, rigorous and very-fast paced, just like the TV industry itself. Know that you will work very hard in this program, but that vigor produces results. Have an open mind to new approaches to writing and breaking stories. Even if you've written teleplays or screenplays before coming here (as I have), the knowledge and methods that are enforced here will elevate what you think you know about storytelling and story structure. Need proof? Though this program is brand new, classmates are already winning teleplay competitions-- we're talkin' grand prize, finalists and semi-finalists.

If you're unsure of what your "distinctive voice" is, you will discover it here with the number of scripts you write, read and critique. I'm already confident that I'll graduate with a strong portfolio of work.

There's a lot of care that goes into curating the required TV guest speaker series (and if you take any elective in the film program, sign up for the Master Class with Christine Vachon and Simone Perro!). Between their shows' shoots and productions, show-runners and working writers generously share their writers room experiences, best practices and advice.

This school is invested in your success. If you love to write and love TV stories, you will love this MFA program.

Currently a student wrapping up the 4th semester. My writing has come a LONG way. Every semester builds on itself and you aren't the writer you were a few months ago if you keep up which everyone does because it's very much catered to class dynamics while also making sure that rigorous standards are being met. It's a wonderful combination of both.

I've been blown away by the teachers - all of them work in the industry and brought their own magic sauces to classes. I have learned from each and everyone of them and forged personal connections organically. I went from wanting to begin writing a pilot to being on my third in a short two years. I owe this to the systemic structure of the program that supports your artistic visions and holds them to an industry standard.

A plus is that Directing/Filmmaking grad students are on the same floor as you and there are some crossover in the classes you can take with them. I've taken really interesting electives that have been adjacent to tv writing as it's film related but from a different vector of analysis which was refreshing. I met people outside of my tv writing classes and those different friendships have also elevated the entire MFA experience for me. Overall there is a vibe of inclusivity and supportive creativity. A+

Brilliant professors currently working in the industry on shows you watch/have watched teach the majority of the classes and because it’s a state school, as students we only pay state school tuition (Sub 15k/year!!!). I have friends that went to the Ivys that are jealous because not only is Stony Brook cheaper (and has some of the same professors), they also have an MFA completely dedicated to TV writing. If you want to be a TV writer there is no other choice. This is the best program and it happens to be the best price (by over 100k!!!). It’s also a new program so not many people know of it yet making it a great time to tap into it; within the industry it’s making noise.
The teachers love it because they don’t have to conform to the stale teaching methods and bureaucracy of the expensive schools; instead they get to teach students who are 100% dedicated to TV writing the most modern theories and techniques in practice today. Students love it because they learn how to write from people who are currently writing in the tv industry. It’s an incredibly exciting atmosphere for all, along with heartfelt support that all the writers have for each other, which can only come from a program this size and this focused.

Now in its second year, this program has a deep focus on TV Writing. You write one spec, three pilots, work in a room with a showrunner, develop a mini series, work with actors, write and direct a webisode. Small classes and lots of one-on-one advisement.