About Writing for Non-Majors

The Writing for Screen & Television Certificate is awarded for one year of study.

Applicants must be recognized writers outside of the field of screenwriting.

The course of study is no less than 16 units total, over two semesters. Writers, both U.S. and international, should appeal directly to the chair for admission in the fall semester.

Admission is granted to only one or two scholars a year, and is of the highest selectivity. Applicants must have earned an undergraduate degree with at least a 3.0 GPA. Additionally, candidates must show a compelling reason for not applying to a formal degree program.

Certificate Requirements

The Writing for Screen & Television Certificate program requires no less than 16 units total, over two semesters. The general course of study is as follows:

First Semester:
Course # Course Name Units
CTWR 513 Writing the Short Script 2
CTWR 514a Basic Dramatic Screenwriting, or 2
CTWR 515a Practicum in Screenwriting 4
CTWR 516 Advanced Motion Picture Script Analysis 2
CTWR 572 Practicum in Directing Actors for Film 2
Second Semester
CTPR 536 Editing for Scriptwriters 2
CTWR 514b Basic Dramatic Screenwriting, or 2
CTWR 515b Practicum in Screenwriting 4
CTWR electives   2-6