UCLA - Professional Programs Reviews & Admissions Statistics

UCLA's graduate-level, non-credit Professional Program has filmmaking courses taught by UCLA TFT staff. This film certificate program is more competitive than UCLA Extension.

Directing: Learn the art of directing by exploring emerging film industry technologies and current narrative techniques in small seminar-style classes. In 38 sessions across 10 weeks, train under industry professionals and attend lectures led by more than two dozen guest directors offering demonstrations and in-depth Q&A sessions. Master the pre-production, production, and post-production phases by taking courses in topics such as Director’s Workflow and Set Etiquette. Note: This is a knowledge-based certificate program, so you will NOT do hands-on directing work. Classes are held from 7-10 p.m. PST. The first half of the course is online, and the second half is on campus. To apply, submit your portfolio, a link to a 2-5 minute directing sample, a professional resume, and a one-page statement of purpose. Reels, short films, and web series are accepted. –$6,750

Screenwriting (Online/In Person): Learn to write engaging screenplays in classes taught by screenwriting faculty at UCLA TFT. In workshops of only 10 students taught across three quarters, learn the phases of the screenplay lifecycle in three-hour-long workshops. In fall, explore story concept development; in winter, apply your knowledge by writing a full-length screenplay; and in spring, work with a new workshop instructor to write a second full-length screenplay. Recorded lectures and live Q&A sessions help support your studies. Classes are held from 7-10 p.m. PST. To apply, submit a five-page original writing sample (written independently and in consecutive order) and a one-page statement of purpose. Original TV pilots and feature screenplay samples are accepted. –$6,750

Writing for Television (Online/Person): Prepare for a career in writing for television or expand on your portfolio in drama or comedy. In workshops of 10 students taught across three quarters, practice roundtable reading and script analysis while writing compelling original work. In fall, write a spec teleplay of an existing television series; in winter, write your original pilot; in spring, write a second original pilot. Recorded lectures and live Q&A sessions help support your studies. Classes are held from 7-10 p.m. PST. To apply, submit a five-page writing sample and a one-page statement of purpose. You must also declare the Drama or Comedy track. Original TV pilots, original TV spec scripts, and feature screenplay samples are accepted. –$6,750

Writing for Late Night Comedy (Online): Led by Emmy-nominated actress-writer-producer-director Holly Wortell, this unique Professional Program teaches joke and sketch writing of the highest caliber. In online workshops limited to 12 students, learn how to transform everyday observations and breaking news into hilarious writing material. You’ll leave the program with a complete talkshow packet and sketch portfolio that reflect your professional and creative goals. To apply, submit three “Thank You” notes inspired by The Jimmy Fallon Show (with the first two matching the tone of the show) and a one-page statement of purpose. This film certificate program is exclusive to students 21 and older. –$1,200

Producing (Online): Production techniques for independent and major motion pictures are constantly shifting, and the UCLA Professional Producing Program helps prepare you to weather ups and downs in the industry. In online workshops held on 38 weeknights across 10 weeks, learn skills critical to a successful producing career. The film certificate course is based on UCLA MFA Producers Program and taught by faculty at the UCLA TFT. Recent guest lecturers include Keith David (Nope, Armageddon) and Nate Moore (Black Panther, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever). No additional course materials are required. –$6,750

Acting for the Camera: Enhance your acting skills by attending the only non-degree acting program overseen by staff at the UCLA TFT. In workshops of 16 students across 10 weeks, attend guest lectures by world-famous actors, from Jennifer Anniston (Friends, The Morning Show) to Jason Bateman (Ozark, Arrested Development) and take scene Study workshops to deliver compelling performances across different mediums. Acting for the Camera workshops learn set etiquette and tips to win casting calls. Career Development connects you to respected casting directors and talent managers who help you understand your role in the industry. Learn self-marketing strategies culminating in a personal project pitched to an industry panel. Scene Study workshops vary by quarter. Spring explores acting in niche genres such as horror and sci-fi, winter explores acting in film and single and multi-camera comedies, and fall explores acting and audition development. Workshops are conducted three days each week, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. PST.

Advanced Workshops: If you successfully completed the Screenwriting or Writing for Television Professional Programs but aim to continue growing your skillset, consider the Advanced Workshop for high-level screenwriter and television writers. In workshops limited to eight students taught across 10 weeks, rewrite your feature screenplays or original television pilots. All genres are welcome. For the application, provide proof of successful completion of a prior Professional Program. –$1,750

International students must prepare to attend courses exclusively taught in English. For admission, they must show proof of a TOEFL score of 560 or better ( equivalent to 87 in the online version of the test) or an IELTS score of 7 or better. They must also apply for the F-1 visa.

Note: The UCLA Professional Program does not provide government financial aid, student loans, grants, scholarships, GI Bill/military waivers, and internship credit.