General Information
The USC School of Cinematic Arts Summer Program is a six-week program comprised of over 24 collegiate level courses. The program has a rolling admission and anyone ages 16 and above are welcome to apply. After the application is reviewed and approved, classes will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. 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 SCA Summer Program is academically rigorous in which each student's active and supportive participation is highly valued. The program is intensive, involving a variety of classroom study, homework assignments, activities, and events that are intellectually demanding and time-consuming. Students will have the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from participation in a unique community of peers and must be respectful of others and thoughtful about the impact of their actions upon the community.
“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.
- IMPORTANT DATES
- APPLICATION
- CLASSES
- TUITION
- FINANCIAL AID
- HOUSING
- MINOR STUDENTS
- INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
- HEALTH SERVICES
- MEAL OPTIONS
- STUDENT ORIENTATION
- NON-CLASS ACTIVITIES
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- SUMMER PROGRAM CONTACT INFORMATION
- LINK TO RELATED PAGES
Important Date(s) for SUMMER 2021:
- Application Opens: November 1.
- Application Deadline: June 18.
To view available classes for the upcoming summer, please select "view classes" below.
APPLICATION
Summer Program applications opens on November 1 for the next summer. Once you select the course(s) you wish to apply for, the website will automatically move you in to the application section.
ACCEPTANCE NOTIFICATION
- If the application was submitted between November 1 and December 31, notifications will be sent out starting the second week of January once the university is back in session.
- If the application was submitted January 1 and on, notifications will be sent out approximately 2 weeks after the day of submittal.
For more detailed information about the application please visit the Online Application page.
CLASSES
The USC School of Cinematics Summer Program offers classes in many different aspects of filmmaking, such as:
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 2021 tuition at USC is $1,995.00 (USD) per unit. To determine your base tuition cost, multiply the collective number of units from your course(s) selection by the USC tuition value.
For example, a two-unit class would be $3,990.00 (USD) for tuition only.
2 units x $1,995.00 = $3,990.00
4 units x $1,995.00 = $7,980.00
6 units x $1,995.00 = $11,970.00
8 units x $1,995.00 = $15,960.00
* Please note that this amount does not include all mandatory/optional fees.
If accepted into the program, a full tuition calculation worksheet will be sent.
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.
FINANCIAL AID
The SCA Summer Program does not offer financial aid to non-USC students. However, outside loans, scholarships, and other institution's financial aid may be applied towards the program.
HOUSING
Housing is unavailable this summer due to safety concerns with the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
HEALTH SERVICES
The USC Engemann Student Health Center services are unavailable this summer due to safety concerns with the COVID-19 pandemic.
MEAL OPTIONS
Meal plans are not available this summer.
STUDENT ORIENTATION
Orientation is mandatory for all accepted students. Orientation usually lasts about 2 hours and is only for Summer Program students.
- Date: Sunday, June 27, 2021
- Time: 2:00 pm.
*Dates and times are subject to change.
NON-CLASS ACTIVITES
ACTIVITIES AND SPECIAL SEMINARS
- Special events with industry guests via Zoom
- Special workshops and seminars via Zoom
Please visit the School of Cinematic Art Events website at https://cinema.usc.edu/events/index.cfm for more details.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
SCA COMMUNITY
Upon acceptance into the Summer Program, more detailed information will be given with directions on how to set up the student's SCA Community intranet.
SCA Community is an online student resource that contains detailed information about the Summer Program policies, rules, documents, and other valuable resources.
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 the summer!