BFA

Writing for Screen and Television (BFA)

Learn more about studying Writing for Screen and Television (BFA) as an international student.

Add application

Add an application for this program to manage progress and next steps.

Add this program to your longlist or shortlist to track your options.

Image reflecting the subject area of Humanities & Law, relating to the program.
University of Southern California university logo

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 Writing for Screen and Television (BFA) is a Bachelor of Fine Arts program offered at the University of Southern California. This unique four-year program prepares students for careers in screen and television writing through intensive professional training.

The curriculum emphasizes small, workshop-style classes and includes guest speaker presentations and high-level industry internships. Students are mentored by world-class professors, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience tailored to the demands of the industry.

This program is designed for aspiring writers who seek to develop their skills in a collaborative environment. Graduates are well-equipped for various roles in the entertainment industry, making them competitive candidates in the field of screen and television writing.

Illustration featuring a variety of academic and scientific symbols, including a graduation cap on top of a profile of Einstein's head, a book, a ruler, a lightbulb, a microscope, a DNA helix, and molecular structure, against a backdrop of a university building with trees and clouds.

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 an autobiographical character sketch in PDF format

    a creative essay or short story of 1-2 pages that evokes an understanding of how you became who you are

  • Complete both Creative Challenges in PDF format

    two scenes in screenplay format to the assigned parameters, each 2-5 pages

  • Convey in writing, in 1-2 pages, the greatest challenge you have faced and how you responded to it
  • Answer the commitment prompt in no more than 300 words

    when did you want to be a writer, why do you want to be a writer, and what keeps you writing

  • Submit one sample of your original creative writing in PDF format, maximum of 10 pages

Recommendations

  • One letter of recommendation in no particular format is required from an academic source
  • The Writing for Screen and Television BFA program prefers that applicants submit 2 letters of recommendation

Creative and performance

  • Submit a Creative Portfolio List in PDF format

    a list of all significant creative projects in which you have participated, noting the role you played and any formal recognition such as awards, publications and exhibitions

Selection

  • Submit a supplemental application and materials for the Writing for Screen & Television BFA via the SlideRoom Application

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