BFA

Cinematic Arts, Film and Television Production (BFA)

Learn more about studying Cinematic Arts, Film and Television Production (BFA) as an international student.

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Key facts

  • Degree type
    Bachelor's
  • Duration
    4 years
  • Delivery method
    On campus
  • Pace
    Full-time
  • Annual tuition fee
    75,384USD
  • Start date
    Sep
  • QS Ranking
    #153

Program overview

What the University of Southern California says about their program:

The Cinematic Arts, Film and Television Production (BFA) is a four-year program offered at the University of Southern California. This Bachelor of Fine Arts degree combines a liberal arts education with specialized training in film and television production.

The program provides students with an intensive production experience, along with courses from other areas such as Cinema and Media Studies, Writing, and Animation. Students complete a total of 128 units, with a significant portion dedicated to Cinematic Arts courses taken in a sequential manner.

This program is designed for individuals passionate about film and television, preparing them for various careers in the industry. Graduates can expect to enter a dynamic field, equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in cinematic arts.

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Admission requirements

Undergraduate academic requirements

  • Completion of high school/ secondary education

Postgraduate academic requirements

  • Completion of a bachelor's degree (four or five years) in a suitable subject from a recognised university with a minimum grade of Second Class Honours Lower Division (2

    2) or equivalent.

English proficiency

Postgraduate

  • TOEFL

    TOEFL: minimum total of 100, no less than 20 in each band.

English proficiency waivers

Documents required

  • Passport
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Degree certificate or diploma
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Statement of purpose or personal statement
  • Recommendation letters
  • Finance proof
  • Translations
  • Credential evaluations
Illustration of academic elements representing admission requirements, including a graduation cap, clock, documents, resumes, ID card, a calendar, and a clipboard.

Required grades

to see how attainable this program is.

  • Grade Point Average (GPA)

    3.77

    Holistic

All grade information on Studee is provided for guidance only. Always check the university's official program page for the latest information on required grades.

Additional requirements

Documents

  • Submit official transcripts of all high school and college coursework completed
  • Send external examination results and/or predictions (for example GCSE/IGCSE, predicted IB or A-levels)

Essays and statements

  • Complete the Common Application, including its essay and USC's short-answer questions
  • Submit a Cinematic Arts Personal Statement of 500 words or less, in PDF format
  • Submit one writing sample in PDF format

    either a description of a four-minute film containing no dialogue, or a dialogue scene between two people in screenplay format (400 words or less)

  • Answer the Creative Team Question

    describe how you handled a difficult situation that you have faced with other people in your creative life (500 words or less)

Recommendations

  • One letter of recommendation in no particular format is required from an academic source

Creative and performance

  • Submit a Creative Portfolio List in PDF format

    a written record of your creative materials giving a concise description of each project, the month and year completed, your creative role and the purpose of the project

  • Submit a 30-60 second video of yourself speaking directly to the camera, in a single take with no edits, introducing yourself
  • Submit a 2-minute short film created specifically for this application on the prompt "We are running out of time", performing at least 3 of the 6 jobs

    Director, Producer, Writer, Editor, Sound Recording and Design, Cinematography and Production Design

  • Submit a critique of your film of 150 words or less and a crew list, in PDF format

Selection

  • Submit a supplemental application and materials for the Film & Television Production BFA via the SlideRoom Application
  • Complete an admission interview/assessment for the School of Cinematic Arts via Kira Talent, within 5 business days of receiving the invitation

How to apply

  • Common App

    Fixed deadline
    Application feeFee not confirmed
    Fee waiver

    Eligible applicants can request a fee waiver through the Common Application Profile if the fee is a financial burden; details are on USC's first-year admissions page.

    Read the fee waiver policy
    Start applicationHow to apply

Scholarships at University of Southern California

  • International Student Scholarships

    Official page

    USC provides scholarship and aid guidance for international students. International applicants may be considered for selected merit scholarships where eligibility allows.

All scholarship information on Studee is provided for guidance only. Always check the university's official scholarship page for the latest information on eligibility, award amounts, deadlines, and application requirements.

Fees

University of Southern California provides fee information that can help students understand how study costs may be structured or may vary across options. University of Southern California encourages students to review official funding and financial-support information to confirm what cost guidance or support may be available.

Illustration of education and financial elements including a graduation cap, trophy, diploma, books, a piggy bank, stacks of cash notes, and coins, representing fees and funding.

What is the cost of living near University of Southern California?

Category Cost  (in United States Dollar)
Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre$2,352
Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre$1,867
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse)$139
Internet (60 Mbps unlimited)$66
Mobile phone plan (data + calls)$65· Los Angeles, California average
Monthly public transport pass$94
Monthly grocery basket$268
Books and study supplies (monthly)$56
Coffee shop drink$6
Cinema or cultural event ticket$18
Gym membership$77

Indicative monthly costs per person.

Data sourced from livingcost.org (Crowdsourced), numbeo.com (Crowdsourced) and financialaid.usc.edu (University published).

Visa requirements for the University of Southern California

Navigating the visa process is a crucial step in your study abroad journey. Make sure to seek guidance and support to ensure you meet all necessary requirements for your time at University of Southern California.

USA student visa requirements