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Screenwriting Degree

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Screenwriting

Conservatory of Performing Arts

B.F.A. in Screenwriting Trains New Generation of Storytellers

The B.F.A. in screenwriting program emphasizes a balance of hands-on work in the development of scripts along with the study and theory of storytelling for a wide platform of outlets.

Students will explore and write short screenplays, feature screenplays, television scripts and more. Writers participate in workshop settings, providing and receiving feedback from peers and instructors.

This degree requires all students to meet strict deadlines, communicate in class through critiques and discussions, and share artistic work in a public setting through readings, presentations and screenings.

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Inside the Writer's Room

A photo of the writer's room.

The screenwriting program provides opportunities for collaboration with other writers, filmmakers and animators.

Writers will see their ideas brought to life on a variety of mediums and gain intimate knowledge of the industry and its structure.

Writers will also have the opportunity to make films, and, by directing actors and composing shots, they can more fully realize the possibilities of visual storytelling.

The Writer's Room includes:

Two 60” Full HD Smart LED TV
HD Webcam Capabilities for Skype Sessions
Power-Outlets at Table for Laptops

Learn more: Course descriptions | B.A. cinema arts (screenwriting focus)

Student-Produced Video by Ryan Peters '23

Screenwriting Thesis Showcase

Meet Our Faculty

Elise D'Haene, senior teaching artist

"I am engaged fully in each student’s project. I LOVE analyzing and developing stories of all genres. I get super excited to work with students on developing their projects from the spark of an idea to its completion as a fully realized project."

Meet Elise D'Haene

Rick Hawkins, director of screenwriting program

"As an Emmy-winning screenwriter with three decades of writing and executive producing successful TV series, I helped to create a screenwriting program at Point Park that included all the practical and artistic opportunities that I wish had been available to me when I was a student."

Meet Rick Hawkins

Nelson Chipman, professor

"While the screenwriting program equips students with the necessary skills they need to find success as storytellers, we also help them gain what is needed for success in life, which is a foundational understanding of human nature and how their voices fit into the world."

Meet Nelson Chipman

Fredrick Johnson, professor

"Story is at the center of everything we do. All the technology, applications and equipment are just tools that we use in service of telling stories. Our art is storytelling and I love being surrounded by students who are passionate about it."

Meet Fredrick Johnson

Meet Screenwriting Students & Alumni

B.F.A. Screenwriting Major's Work Awarded at Pittsburgh Independent Film Festival

"The greatest experience I've had at Point Park is meeting so many people dedicated to the craft. It's one thing to know how to write a script, but it's another to have people to fall back on for input and support."

Student Spotlight: Nathaniel Holzer '22, Screenwriting Major and Pittsburgh Film Office Intern

"The program is so welcoming of everybody no matter what walk of life you are from. It is a breeding ground for creativity and the honing of the craft with a philosophy that everyone should implore: there are no bad ideas."

Screenwriting Major Gaining Professional Experience as Artistic Intern for Production with Pittsburgh CLO

"Point Park was the only undergraduate film program I applied to that focused solely on narrative filmmaking and storytelling. Being in a narrative program gives me the space to really flex my creativity, learn from my mistakes and grow as an artist."

Point Park University Freshman and Grandmother Organizes Wigs for Kids Fundraiser as Part of Class Assignment

"I needed to create a four-minute film for my screenwriting class and thought why not make a promotional film that an organization could use to increase awareness and donations."

Screenwriting Major Learns the Craft of Writing a Script and Storytelling at Point Park

"The screenwriting program at Point Park has taught me so many important, intricate details on not only the craft of writing a script, but the craft of storytelling as a whole, as well as how the cinema industry works."

Screenwriting Major Lands Internship at Pittsburgh CLO with Help from Professor

"My professors have come through for me time and time again. They helped me land my internships and are constantly invested in my development as a writer. Their input is invaluable and I am so thankful for their support."