Stephens is an institution on a mission: to increase the impact of women and other underrepresented voices in television and film.
Why Stephens?
Our program — with its bold, daring mission — has drawn the attention and the support of some of the most successful and well-known writers in Hollywood. Our faculty and mentors include some of the best working writers in the profession, and our curriculum includes an in-depth look at the business side of TV and screenwriting.
“This program changed my life by giving me a real understanding of what it takes to be a writer in this industry. But more importantly, it gave me colleagues to collaborate with. Currently, I am working on four projects with writers I met while getting my MFA. They have become dear friends and excellent partners!"
— Pam Winfrey ‘18
“My Stephens MFA made me a better artist-scholar. Its mission for radical inclusivity inspired my stories and shaped my teaching. I am more deeply committed to telling untold stories than ever. I received several job offers and promotions upon graduation. The emphasis on cutting-edge learning techniques has also shaped my teaching. This program took me to the next level in my career, and I’m not done yet."
— Laura Kirk ‘17
Our community of professors and professional working writers are available to help you develop your vision, your voice and your career. And they’ll do it on your schedule, on your time and between all the other demands of your busy life.
Learning the craft of writing is essential, but so is learning the business of selling what you write. We will provide you with access to prominent showrunners, writers from the film world, development executives, agents and managers.
Our graduates have a remarkable record of success, having written on shows such as "Ramy," "13 Reasons Why," "Seal Team" and Lena Dunham’s "Generations" on HBOMax. See more alumni accomplishments >
Featured Panel Discussions
Transitioning to TV Writing from Previous Careers
During every workshop intensive, Executive Director Dr. Rosanne Welch moderates a panel of female screenwriters discussing various topics. Our 2021 Writers Guild Foundation panel featured TV writers who transitioned to television from previous careers. Panelists included: an alumna of the Stephens College MFA in TV and Screenwriting, Rashaan Dozier-Escalante (Staff Writer, "SEAL Team"; former career: Senior Physical Security Analyst for federal agencies, U.S. Army Reserve veteran), Calaya Stallworth (a former college English professor who's a writer on "Fear the Walking Dead"), Zoanne Clack (an M.D. who's an executive producer on "Grey's Anatomy"), and Akilah Green (a former lawyer-lobbyist who's a writer on HBO's "A Black Lady Sketch Show" and Showtime's "Black Monday").
