How to Apply to USC SCA’s Cinema & Media Studies BA for 2024 Entry
At USC SCA, Cinema & Media Studies BA degree program students study classic and contemporary film through a cultural, historical, narrative, and industrial lens. USC SCA’s BA program teaches budding filmmakers the ins and outs of the production process across four years of thought-provoking courses.
This BA film program is offered through USC Dornslife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences in conjunction with the School of Cinematic Arts. The admissions committee favors applicants with a strong academic background, a breadth of liberal arts and humanities courses, and exemplary writing skills.
Undergraduate students complete their general education requirements and pre-professional courses at USC Dornslife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.
Cinema & Media Studies students start taking film courses in year one, typically starting with CTCS 190: Introduction to Cinema (along with General Education requirements.
Undergraduates are required to take this core course, typically in the spring of their Sophomore or Junior year:
Prepare to submit the following materials taken directly from USC SCA's website:
Click here to fill out the undergraduate-specific program application.
This BA film program is offered through USC Dornslife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences in conjunction with the School of Cinematic Arts. The admissions committee favors applicants with a strong academic background, a breadth of liberal arts and humanities courses, and exemplary writing skills.
Undergraduate students complete their general education requirements and pre-professional courses at USC Dornslife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.
Years 1-2
Cinema & Media Studies students start taking film courses in year one, typically starting with CTCS 190: Introduction to Cinema (along with General Education requirements.
Years 3-4
Undergraduates are required to take this core course, typically in the spring of their Sophomore or Junior year:
- CTPR 290 Cinematic Communication: Get a comprehensive introduction to the relationship of visuals, sound, and editing in cinematic communication through directing and producing workshops. Budget $1,000 for lab fees and miscellaneous expenses.
How to apply
Prepare to submit the following materials taken directly from USC SCA's website:
- Cinematic Arts Personal Statement (PDF only): The Cinematic Arts Personal Statement should be a carefully prepared explanation of the applicant’s interest in joining the Division of Cinema and Media Studies that focuses on the unique elements the applicant will bring to our community. In 500 words or less, present a clear and accurate picture of the applicant, outline objectives in the area of cinema and media studies, and explain how attending the School of Cinematic Arts is vital to the applicant’s long-term goals. We are looking for a sense of you as a unique individual and how your distinctive experiences, identities, values, and/or views of the world have shaped who you are.
- Writing Sample (PDF only): The Writing Sample should be an analysis of some aspect of film, television, new media, or even a literary work. In 4-6 pages, provide a writing sample that illustrates your capacity for critical thinking and scholarly analysis. It is permissible to submit work completed in your high school courses.
Ready to apply?
Click here to fill out the undergraduate-specific program application.
