The Rita and Burton Goldberg MFA Playwriting Program at Hunter College is a highly selective, rigorous, and affordable two-year playwriting program located in the heart of New York City. We seek writers eager to develop their craft and challenge assumptions about what theatre is and will become.
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Playwriting
Students must obtain a total of 36 credits to complete the MFA degree.
There are five students in each cohort, which allows our instructors to give students generous individual attention. Each semester, students take three courses that meet in the evenings, which enables students the flexibility to work during the day.
Learn more about Coursework and Structure on the MFA in Playwriting webpage.
Visit the MFA in Playwriting pageYou must meet the following minimum requirements in order to be considered for admission. Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance to the program.
The career paths for individuals with a MFA in playwriting can vary widely, and salaries can be influenced by factors such as experience, expertise, location, and the specific field within the arts. Here are ten potential career paths and salary ranges for MFA graduates in playwriting.
Arts administrators work in management and planning within cultural organizations. They may manage budgets, coordinate events, and handle organizational operations.
Salary Range: $45,000 – $70,000
Playwrights can work in content creation for media companies, developing scripts for television, film, or online platforms.
Salary Range: $60,000 – $100,000
Teaching playwriting or creative writing at universities, colleges, or workshops provides an opportunity to share expertise and mentor aspiring writers.
Salary Range: $50,000 – $80,000
Many playwrights work independently, creating original plays and scripts on a project-by-project basis for theaters, festivals, or commissioned work.
Salary Range: Highly variable; may depend on the success and frequency of productions.
Literary managers work with playwrights and authors, helping them develop their work, connecting them with producers, and facilitating the publication or production of their plays.
Salary Range: $50,000 – $80,000
Some playwrights pursue residencies at theaters or institutions, providing them with time, space, and resources to focus on their craft.
Salary Range: Stipends or project-based; may not be a consistent source of income.
Playwrights often transition into production management roles, overseeing the technical and logistical aspects of bringing a play to the stage.
Salary Range: $50,000 – $80,000
Working in publishing, particularly in dramaturgy, involves editing, evaluating, and selecting plays for publication, contributing to the literary side of the theater industry.
Salary Range: $45,000 – $70,000
Playwrights can leverage their storytelling skills in script editing roles for the film or television industry, providing feedback and revisions to enhance narrative quality.
Salary Range: $60,000 – $100,000
Playwrights with a passion for writing about theater may pursue careers in theater criticism or journalism, sharing insights and reviews with the public.
Salary Range: $40,000 – $70,000
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Hunter College may consider late applications on a rolling basis pending space is still available in the program.
| Fall | Spring |
| January 15 | N/A |
Some programs may extend their application deadlines beyond those listed above. Please contact Graduate Admissions for specific information. For information on how to apply, click the link below.
Applicants whose native language is not English and who have taken all or part of their undergraduate education in a country where English is not the native language are required to submit scores on the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The following minimum scores must be obtained: