Application Procedures
Division of Critical Studies
The Division of Critical Studies is committed to the understanding of film, television and new media in relation to the world. By studying and analyzing these forms and the processes behind their creation, Critical Studies scholars gain insight into the power and aesthetics of moving image media. Critical Studies students also have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and experience of film and television by taking hands-on production courses.
The committee favors applicants with academic records and personal statements that indicate a diversified liberal arts and humanities background. The committee is also interested in experiences and activities that show a continuing or recent involvement in film and television studies, the arts, criticism and/or aesthetics. There are no admission interviews. The committee ensures that all applicants are judged equitably by limiting evaluation to the items listed.
Application Deadlines
Note: There is no spring admission for Graduate Critical Studies.
USC Admission Materials
Cinematic Arts Supplemental Materials
Undergraduates: The following materials must be submitted directly to the USC Cinematic Arts Admission Office (Attn: Undergraduate Critical Studies, CTV-G130, Los Angeles, CA 90089-2211) with the applicant’s name and student ID number (if available) indicated at the top of each page. All items must be typed or legibly handwritten on standard 8.5 x 11-inch paper.
Graduates: The following materials must be submitted online.
1. Cinematic Arts Supplemental Application Form (undergraduates only)
Available online here.
2. Photocopy or Printout of the USC Application for Admission (undergraduates only)
Send a photocopy or printout of the application you have submitted to the USC Office of Admission. Do not send the original application to the School of Cinematic Arts. It is not necessary to send the university essay, quick takes, or short answers to the School of Cinematic Arts. Transfer applicants should send the activity summary. Online applicants should print a copy of the application from their computer. A brief statement indicating submission of the online application is acceptable if you are unable to print the materials.
3. Cinematic Arts Personal Statement
The Cinematic Arts personal statement should be a carefully prepared explanation of the applicant’s goals, describing any film, television, scholarly, critical or other creative background, as well as career objectives. It should present a clear and accurate picture of the applicant, outline objectives in the field of critical studies and explain how attending the School of Cinematic Arts will help reach these goals.
4. Writing Sample
The writing sample should be a review or analysis of some aspect of film, television, or new media; a discussion or application of critical theory; or a published article.
5. Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation (no particular format) are required. Undergraduate applicants should send the letters to the Critical Studies Admission Committee at the appropriate address below. Graduate applicants are highly encouraged to submit their letters through the university’s online application. Applicants are responsible for verifying that the letters have been received.
Undergraduates (Freshman and Transfer applicants)
Send the above materials—Cinematic Arts Supplemental Application Form, photocopy or printout of the USC admission application, Cinematic Arts personal statement, writing sample and letters of recommendation to:
USC Cinematic Arts Admission Office
Attn: Undergraduate Critical Studies Program
University Park, CTV-G130
Los Angeles, CA 90089-2211
Graduates (M.A. and Ph.D. applicants)
Submit the university application, Cinematic Arts personal statement, writing sample and letters of recommendation electronically using the university’s online application. Recommenders who will not use the online process may send their letters directly to:
USC Cinematic Arts Admission Office
Attn: Graduate Critical Studies Program
University Park, LUC-405
Los Angeles, CA 90089-2211
Admission Checklist
Critical Studies Division
USC Office of Admission
213.740.1111
• USC Application for Admission
• Official Transcripts (from all schools attended)
• Official Test Scores (and TOEFL for international applicants)
USC School of Cinematic Arts
Office of Admission
213.740.8358 (undergraduates)
Critical Studies Division
213.740.3334 (graduates)
• Cinematic Arts Supplemental Application Form (undergraduates)
• Activity Summary (transfer applicants)
• Photocopy or Printout of USC Application for Admission (undergraduates)
• Cinematic Arts Personal Statement
• Writing Sample
• Letters of Recommendation
