General Information

General Information

Enrich your knowledge of filmmaking, screenwriting, computer animation, or film/television business from the oldest and most prolific film schools in the United States. If you wish to learn the craft or business of filmmaking, you are invited to apply in any of our many popular courses covering all aspects of the entertainment industry.

The USC School of Cinematic Arts Summer Program is a six-week program comprised of collegiate level courses. The program has a rolling admission and anyone ages 16 and above are welcomed to apply. After the application is reviewed, classes will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis upon acceptance. All classes receive elective credit units and can be transferred to any university. Transcripts are available through the University Registrar's office once the course is completed.

“The Summer Program should not be confused for a summer camp, rather it is an intensive program for dedicated individuals looking to gain or expand their knowledge in the world of entertainment.”

- David Weitzner, USC Summer Program Chair

Below are a few pertinent items regarding our Summer Program.

CLASSES

The USC School of Cinematics Summer Program offers classes in many different aspects of filmmaking, such as:

  • Filmmaking
  • Screenwriting
  • Computer Graphics
  • Animation
  • Gaming
  • Film & Television Business

All classes are:

  • For full college credit
  • 2, 3, 4, 6, or 8 credit units
  • Graded with a Letter grade
  • Provided with the same facilities and equipment used during the regular school year by full time SCA students.

The majority of our classes are taught by regular faculty members from the USC School of Cinematic Arts, who are also leading industry professionals.

For more details on the classes we offer, please go to the Classes page.

TUITION

The University determines tuition and it is based on the number of units in your desired class. Summer 2019 tuition at USC is $1,863.00 (USD) per unit. You can multiply that by the number of units you are going to sign up for, to determine your base tuition cost.

For example, a two-unit class would be $3,600.00 (USD) for tuition only.

2 units x $1,863.00 = $3,726.00
4 units x $1,863.00 = $7,452.00
6 units x $1,863.00 = $11,178.00
8 units x $1,863.00 = $14,904.00

At the beginning of each online detailed class description you will find the number of units for each class as well as the dates, days and times it meets.

HEALTH SERVICES

The USC Engemann Student Health Center is available for our students to use when any health concerns arise.

Any minor students seeking health services will be required to bring the Parental Consent form. This will be provided once the student has been accepted into the program.

MEAL OPTIONS

We do NOT recommend that our Summer Program students purchase a summer meal plan as they are very costly, restrictive and not conducive to the rigorous class schedules of the students.

USC has several dining options on and directly off campus, including the brand new University Village. These meals can be paid for with cash, credit/debit card, or by using the USC student ID card.

*Please note that meal costs are NOT included in the student tuition.

NON-CLASS ACTIVITES

ACTIVITIES AND SPECIAL SEMINARS

  • Access to the University's Lyons Fitness Center and the University Village Fitness Center
  • Access to the Uytengsu Aquatics Center
  • Special events with industry guests
  • Pre-release movie screenings
  • Special workshops and seminars
  • USC Lyons Fitness Center and University Village Fitness Center
    • A summer membership fee will need to be paid at the gym in order to gain access.
    • Price TBD

We do not schedule many activities for the minor student outside of their field of study given the rigorous academic schedule. When students are not in class they are prepping and filming projects, writing, producing and editing.

HOUSING

USC HOUSING
We offer housing for any students needing accommodations. Applying for housing is a different procedure for adults and minors.

*Please note that housing costs are separate and NOT covered in the student tuition.

  • Adult Housing
    • 18 years old and up
    • Upon acceptance, an informational pack will be sent out via email
  • Minor Housing
MINOR STUDENTS

The USC School of Cinematic Arts Summer Program accepts many high school students (minimum age of 16 years old) into the program every year.

For more information please view the Information for Minors web page.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

The USC School of Cinematic Arts Summer Program welcomes students from around the world.

For more information, please visit the International Students web page.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

INFORMATION PACKETS
Upon acceptance into the Summer Program, several information packets will be emailed to each students and parents/legal guardians before the start of the program. Each packet will contain important information and required forms.

The first information packet will be emailed approximately 2 - 4 weeks after acceptance.

MANDATORY STUDENT ORIENTATION
Orientation Date/Time: Sunday, June 23, 2019 at 2:00 pm. The location will be disclosed at a later time.

FITNESS CENTER WAIVERS
Accepted students will need to sign a waiver in order to access any of USC Recreational Facilities, such as the gym and swimming pool. Instructions on how to set this up will be given in the information packets that will be sent out upon acceptance.

SUMMER PROGRAM CONTACT INFORMATION
For more information please email the office at summer@cinema.usc.edu.

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you in Summer 2019.