BA in Digital Film: Screenwriting Emphasis
Dive Into Screenwriting Techniques With a Digital Film Degree
Films can be informative, entertaining or inspiring. They can both reflect and become part of cultural ideals and values. If you have a passion for film and screenwriting, you can build a strong foundation by fueling your creative aspirations and honing your storytelling skills with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Digital Film with an Emphasis in Screenwriting from Grand Canyon University.
Delve into film and screenwriting competencies and prepare to pursue a potential career in pre-production. Whether taking these screenwriting classes online, on campus or in the evening, you will explore effective strategies in story development, practice creating authentic dialogue, and build characters that audiences can connect with.
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
- 16+ years old
- High School Graduate
- 3.0+ Unweighted GPA
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
- ACT: 19
- SAT: 1000*
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
Earn Your Digital Film Degree at GCU
This bachelor’s degree in film: screenwriting emphasis is offered by the College of Arts and Media. The comprehensive film and screenwriting curriculum covers genre-specific screenwriting techniques, as well as other types of writing styles for a well-rounded education. You will explore the adaptation process for transferring a story from another medium into digital film.
The screenwriting classes can also provide opportunities for you to develop an in-depth understanding of the business side of film creation and the various movements within cinema throughout history. Additionally, you will explore aspects of film creation in the production stage, such as cinematography and directing.
Each screenwriting course integrates the Christian perspective and values into the curriculum. As a private Christian university, GCU encourages you to grow into a mindful servant leader who actively evaluates ethical dilemmas and searches for moral solutions.
Take Online Screenwriting Courses
GCU strives to make higher education accessible to all regardless of geographic location or learning modality preference. You can complete online screenwriting courses via our interactive e-learning platform and enjoy the same quality of curriculum and instruction as our on-campus students. With greater convenience and flexibility, online screenwriting classes may place higher education within reach for more students. Plus, you’ll still be able to enjoy stimulating discussions with peers and instructors online.
Examine Digital Film and Screenwriting Competencies
Become a student of human nature by transferring authentic experiences and genuine interactions to the written word. Immerse yourself in the world of professional film and screenwriting with classes that cover topics such as:
You’ll also explore strategies for writing meaningful dialogue that encompasses each character’s unique voice, as well as the process of adapting various forms of media to screenplays.
Gain Practical Screenwriting Experience
During your senior year, you will take a capstone course in which you will be asked to demonstrate your understanding, skills and creativity by cultivating a screenplay project.
The capstone screenwriting course can help bring together what you have been taught, including:
Upon completion, you may have multiple well-developed screenplays in your professional portfolio, which is intended to highlight your career qualifications as you pursue your professional ambitions.
Career Paths for Graduates With a Digital Film Degree
Screenwriters pursuing a career in the film industry may choose to be generalists or to focus on a particular genre of film. For example, some screenwriters prefer to write comedy, science fiction, drama or horror movies. Others may focus on adapting writing from other forms, such as novels into screenplays.
Screenwriters often work out of a home office, as most of them are contract-based, self-employed professionals. They may be commissioned by production companies or write scripts “on spec” (speculation) with the aim of getting the scripts picked up by production companies. Some screenwriters are represented by a talent agency or booking agent, who represents the screenwriter’s best interests and helps connect them to jobs.(See disclaimer 3)
Estimated job growth rate for many types of writers and authors (including screenwriters) from 2022 to 2032(See disclaimer 1,2)
Earn Your BA From an Institutionally Accredited University
Our Christian university is proud to be institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. The College of Arts and Media shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies. With a focus on guiding students toward achieving their dreams, GCU is pleased to provide a quality education via a comprehensive curriculum and engaged instructors who are knowledgeable in their fields.
BA in Digital Film: Screenwriting Emphasis FAQs
While you are reflecting upon your potential career pathway, it can be helpful to conduct some additional background research on your options. You can use the following frequently asked questions and answers as a starting point for your research to guide your decision-making process.
Is a digital film degree with a screenwriting emphasis worth it compared to other digital film options?
Do I have to be proficient or knowledgeable in screenwriting to be accepted in the BA in Digital Film: Screenwriting emphasis program?
Do I have to submit a screenwriting sample or portfolio with my GCU application?
Is there a significant difference between learning screenwriting online or in person?
Program Curriculum
General Education Requirements
Required General Education Courses
Core Courses
Pursue your passion for creative storytelling in screenwriting classes taught by experienced instructors. Apply today to earn your digital film degree online or on campus at GCU.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023, Sept. 6). What Writers and Authors Do. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved on Dec. 12, 2023.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Writers and Authors, retrieved on Dec. 12, 2023.
- The Art Career Project. (2021, July 20). Screenwriter. Retrieved on Dec. 7, 2023.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Producers and Directors, retrieved on Dec. 12, 2023.