Writing for Film and Television, B.A.

Mission

The mission of Biola University is biblically centered education, scholarship and service — equipping men and women in mind and character to impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ. While the whole of Biola’s mission is pursued in this major, special emphasis is on “impacting the world for the Lord Jesus Christ.” The Writing for Film and Television major prepares students to create compelling and redemptive stories for the media, as they’re educated by practicing writers within the entertainment industry who share a common faith.  

Students are trained to be parabolic storytellers in the tradition of the greatest parabolic storyteller, our savior Jesus Christ, pursuing excellence in craft and in character.  

Degree Program

Whether in the faith-based or mainstream arena, when developing a story, worldview is expressed through what is emphasized as important in the thoughts, words and deeds of the characters inhabiting stories. In turn, stories are metaphors for life, they help us to make meaning and have the power to illuminate larger truths. One cannot engage in story creation and not interact with a worldview. Thus, as Christian writers, we begin each story from the basis of our identity in Christ.

The journey of the writing student, from freshman year to graduation, emphasizes the discovery of their own identity and worldview. They look at the historical impact, audience trends, the auteur movement and vision in media, all as a part of one’s creative identity. Students are called to make a connection between their calling as Christians and the content that they create, focusing on the integration of faith, storytelling and effective communication through the page. Students will develop the necessary skills for analysis of the culture of Hollywood, as well as the expertise required for a writing career within the media industry.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Writing for Film and Television, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental components in writing visually for film, television and media to create compelling original stories (ULO 1).
2. Evaluate the telling of a compelling story with comprehension of how biblical principles are integrated into words, decisions and characters and how the page influences culture through film, television and media (ULO 2).
3. Assess professional competency and best practices of all writing formats with demonstrated mastery in a thesis project and the professional competency expected for entry level professionals (ULO 3).

Each Program Learning Outcome (PLO) listed above references at least one of the University Learning Outcomes (ULO 1, 2, 3), which may be found in the General Information section of this catalog.

Admission Requirements

The entertainment industry is a highly competitive, creative and demanding business. Admission into the Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts is separate from and contingent upon your admission to Biola University. Admission to Biola University does not guarantee admission into the Writing for Film and Television, B.A. To be admitted into the Writing for Film and Television, B.A., the following requirements must be observed:

1. Complete all portions of the application for admission.
2. Transfers should accomplish an overall cumulative GPA of 2.50 in all college level course work completed at the time of formal application.

After you have completed your application to Biola University, complete your online application to the Writing for Film and Television, B.A. by the appropriate deadline indicated on the website.

Prior professional media experience is not a prerequisite for admission into the Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts. During the application process we’re more interested in discovering your potential, creative thinking, problem solving and Christian character. Department faculty prayerfully review all applications. Notification letters will be sent out by the deadlines listed in the schedule. You will be notified of your acceptance, of non-acceptance, or if more information is required.

If you have any questions about the status of your application, please call the CMA office at (562) 777-4052 or email cma@biola.edu.

Current Biola Students

Admission to Biola University, or to the Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts in the Cinema and Media Arts, B.A., or the Game Design an Interactive Media, B.A., does not guarantee admission into the Writing for Film and Television, B.A. To be admitted, the following requirements must be observed:

1. Complete the Writing Sample portion of the Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts application for admission. The application should be filed the semester in which the student is in progress of completing any prerequisite curriculum requirements.
2. Complete, with a minimum of a C (2.0) grade in all major courses taken at Biola.
3. Accomplish an overall cumulative GPA of 2.50 in all college level course work completed at the time of formal application.
4. Meet approval of the academic faculty advisor of the Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts. 

Industry Career Management Requirements

Industry Internship

Students in the Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts must complete an entertainment industry internship as a requirement for graduation. As part of the internship approval process, students are required to first enroll in CNMA 210 Internship Seminar and then complete CNMA 440 Internship. Further information on the process for meeting the requirement, including the application form and instructions, is available from the department.

Industry Workshops

Students in the Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts will be required to complete a series of eight (8) industry workshops throughout their degree program. These workshops will be made available each semester. Students will receive regular communications from the department regarding the scheduling and availability of these workshops. 

General Requirements

Every year, all Writing for Film and Television majors participate in faculty advisor reviews to evaluate their progress in the department.

All Writing for Film and Television majors must achieve a minimum grade of C in all major courses taken at Biola. Anyone receiving a lower grade must repeat the course and receive a C or better.

Curriculum Requirements

Stories matter. You matter. You and your stories matter to us. The Writing for Film and Television, B.A. covers the fundamental elements of storytelling—from conception (the pitch and the outline), to execution (the script), to the all-important rewriting and polishing process.

The Writing for Film and Television, B.A. teaches you how to find your unique voice and learn the craft to write scripts that will attract attention in the entertainment industry. In this comprehensive program, you will learn every element of the screenwriting process from story idea to script. Through our lectures and workshops, your work will be further refined so that you will develop your own storytelling voice while receiving constructive feedback from your peers and instructors who are working, professional screenwriters.

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See Core Curriculum section for details.

NOTE: The course sequence table is designed by the major department and is one way that the classes will work out properly in sequence for your major. However, there are alternative or flexible ways to rotate some of the classes within the same year/level and sometimes between year levels. Please contact your major department advisor to discuss flexible alternatives in scheduling the sequence of your classes.

Taking coursework during the summer session may also be an option to accelerate your degree path.

See Core Curriculum Program section for a list of approved Core Curriculum courses.

Writing for Film and Television, B.A. 

NOTE: The course sequence table is designed by the major department and is one way that the classes will work out properly in sequence for your major. However, there are alternative or flexible ways to rotate some of the classes within the same year/level and sometimes between year levels. Please contact your major department advisor to discuss flexible alternatives in scheduling the sequence of your classes.

Taking coursework during the summer session may also be an option to accelerate your degree path.

See Core Curriculum Program section for a list of approved Core Curriculum courses.

Writing for Film and Television, B.A. 

Note: Certain CMA classes are not offered every semester. Please check with the Snyder School of Cinema and Media Arts for the most up-to-date schedule of required courses.