Aspiring Screenwriters Can Earn a 'David Lynch MFA' in Iowa

Maharishi International University offers an online screenwriting degree program with a Transcendental Meditation twist.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Maharishi International University (MIU) in Fairfield, Iowa, offers an online 'David Lynch MFA in Screenwriting' program that teaches aspiring writers the craft of screenwriting while also incorporating Transcendental Meditation techniques. The program features contributions from notable Hollywood names like Peter Farrelly, Susan Seidelman, and David Lowery.

Why it matters

The program provides a unique opportunity for screenwriters to hone their skills while also exploring the creative benefits of Transcendental Meditation, drawing on the legacy of acclaimed director David Lynch's own Midwest roots and meditation practice.

The details

The two-year online MFA program covers the fundamentals of screenwriting from industry experts, while also teaching students Transcendental Meditation techniques that are said to 'sharpen your writing skills and gain access to deeper levels of creativity.' Notable contributors to the program include Oscar-winning producer and director Peter Farrelly, filmmaker Susan Seidelman, award-winning creator Matthew Weiner, and several other acclaimed screenwriters and directors.

  • The 'David Lynch MFA in Screenwriting' program is currently available online through Maharishi International University.
  • The program was launched in 2024.

The players

Maharishi International University

A private university in Fairfield, Iowa that offers the 'David Lynch MFA in Screenwriting' program.

David Lynch

The acclaimed film director known for surreal works like 'Twin Peaks,' 'Blue Velvet,' and 'The Elephant Man,' who had a strong connection to the Midwest and practiced Transcendental Meditation.

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What’s next

Maharishi International University plans to continue offering the 'David Lynch MFA in Screenwriting' program online, providing aspiring writers across the country the opportunity to hone their craft while exploring the creative benefits of meditation.

The takeaway

The 'David Lynch MFA in Screenwriting' program at Maharishi International University in Iowa offers a unique blend of practical screenwriting instruction and Transcendental Meditation, tapping into the creative legacy of one of cinema's most renowned surrealist directors.