Online Certificate in Screenwriting

Upon successful completion of the certificate, you’ll be able to:

• Appreciate the basics of visual storytelling and recognize how it differs from stage plays and works of fiction and nonfiction
• Write pitches, proposals, treatments, and outlines for scripted films, television programs, and online narrative content
• Professionally format screenplays and teleplays using Final Draft, Celtx, WriterDuet, or a similar software program
• Understand classic and alternative plot structures, how to write a pilot for an episodic series, and the use of genre in modern screenwriting
• Know the basic business of screenwriting and what happens when talent agencies, studios, producers, directors, and actors become involved
• Formulate a marketing play to promote your work and launch your career

Curriculum & Schedule

You must successfully complete two courses for a total of 3.6 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), which is equivalent to 36 contact hours. The program must be completed in sequence. See detailed description of the course modules.

1. Introduction to Screenwriting
2. Advanced Screenwriting

What is Self-Directed Learning Plus?
Self-Directed Learning Plus (SDL+) courses are learning experiences designed by Georgetown University instructional designers to maximize flexibility for your weekly learning schedule, while also providing opportunities for real-time engagement and networking with our faculty and other professional learners.

There is a required Zoom class session each week. Professional learners who cannot attend the class session will have the opportunity to satisfy the course requirement by making arrangements with the instructor, watching the recorded video, or responding to discussion questions. In order to maintain flexibility, the dates/time of the weekly Zoom lesson will be confirmed at the start of the course and will depend upon the location of the professional learners in that cohort.

Each course module will have assignment and assessment deadlines to support students in progressing in a timely manner to the successful completion of the certificate

How to Register

Please review the refund policies in our Student Handbook before completing your registration.

Degree Requirement

You must hold a bachelor's degree or the equivalent in order to enroll in our certificate programs.

Registration

This certificate is an open-enrollment program. No application is required. Click the "Register Now" button, select your courses, and then click "Add to Cart". Course registration is complete when your payment is processed. You will receive a confirmation email when your payment is received. Please retain the payment confirmation message for your records.

You can combine on-campus and online courses (if available) to complete your certificate. Depending on the certificate program, we may suggest taking courses in a specific order, but this is not a requirement.

Most students register for all courses at the same time and complete their certificate within a few months. However, you may choose to register for courses one by one over time. Once you begin a certificate, you have up to two years from the time you start your first course to complete all required courses.

International Students

International students who enter the U.S. on a valid visa are eligible to enroll in certificate courses. However, Georgetown University cannot sponsor student visas for noncredit professional certificate programs.

A TOEFL examination is not required for non-native English speakers but students are expected to read, write, and comprehend English at the graduate level to fully participate in and gain from the program.

Students from most countries may register for our online certificate programs; however, due to international laws, residents of certain countries are prohibited from registering.

Tuition & Funding

Tuition

Total program tuition for all 3.6 CEUs (6 modules) is $1,750. Most course materials are included.