Overview

The Playwriting programme at Emory University provides students with an immersive environment to develop original scripts alongside professional artists. This joint major integrates the academic rigour of creative writing with the practical demands of theatrical production. Students benefit from a curriculum designed to bridge the gap between initial drafts and staged performances.

Why Playwriting at Emory University?

The institution is home to the renowned Playwriting Center and Theater Emory, which serve as vital hubs for script development in the United States. Since 1989, these facilities have commissioned works from major playwrights, including Arthur Kopit and Wole Soyinka. Students gain unparalleled access to artistic collaborators, including faculty and professional theatre artists.

The biennial Brave New Works marathon offers a platform for developing new scripts, many of which have reached international stages. Additionally, the Lenaia Festival provides a student-run environment for staged readings of works-in-progress. The Creative Writing Reading Series also brings world-class playwrights to campus, allowing students to learn directly from industry leaders.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 70300 per year
National fee: USD 70300 per year
Local fee: USD 70300 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on the craft of dramatic writing and the collaborative nature of theatre. Modules may include:

Playwriting
Theater Studies
Creative Writing
Script Development
Dramatic Literature
Performance Theory

Careers with Playwriting

Graduates of this programme are prepared for diverse roles within the performing arts and literary sectors. Many alumni have seen their work produced at prestigious venues such as the Yale Repertory Theater and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. The programme fosters skills essential for professional playwrights, dramaturgs, and creative directors.

Beyond the stage, the analytical and narrative skills developed during the course support careers in television writing, film production, and arts administration. The university also recognises excellence through the Artistine Mann Playwriting Award, helping students build professional portfolios that stand out to regional and international theatre companies.

Programme Structure

Curriculum:

Students interested in finding out more about the joint playwriting major should talk to a faculty member in either Theater Studies or Creative Writing. Those conversations provide a good foundation for declaring the major.

After talking with faculty, an official declaration of the major can be completed in OPUS. Further instructions will be provided by the Theater Studies office.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

130

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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4.9/5 student rating

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Atlanta, United States

Disciplines

Creative Writing Drama View 1338 other Bachelors in Drama in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

130

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

The Common Application

$75 application fee or application fee waiver

Official high school transcripts and official college transcripts, if applicable

If English is your second language, TOEFL or IELTS results are also recommended

Secondary school report/counselor’s recommendation

Two teacher letters of recommendation from core-area academic teachers

For those applying EDII or RD: Midyear report and transcript

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

70300 USD / year

≈ 70300 USD / year
Out-of-State

70300 USD / year

≈ 70300 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

70300 USD / year

≈ 70300 USD / year

Living costs

Atlanta

United States

1213 - 2208 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Playwriting.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Atlanta

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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