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General Information

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 DATE(S):
  • Summer 2023 Applications Opens: November 1st.
  • Summer 2023 Applications Deadline: June 9th.
  • International Student (with valid visas) Deadline: June 2nd.
  • International Student (without valid visas) Application Deadline: April 7th.
To view available classes for the upcoming summer, please select "view classes" below.

View classes »

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.

USC'S COVID-19 PROTOCOLS
For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 regarding USC's protocols, vaccinations and testing requirements, and declinations please visit https://coronavirus.usc.edu/

ACCEPTANCE NOTIFICATION

  • Applications submitted between November 1st through December 31st will be sent notification starting the second week of January once USC is back in session.
  • Applications received after January 1st will be sent notification approximately 2 weeks after submission.

For more detailed information about the application please visit the Online Application page.

CLASSES

The USC School of Cinematic 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 based on the number of units in your desired class(es). Summer 2023 tuition at USC is $2,137 (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. The unit count for each class can be found in the course description.

For example, a two-unit class would be $4,274.00 (USD) for tuition only.

2 units x $2,137.00 = $4,274.00
4 units x $2,137.00 = $8,848.00
6 units x $2,137.00 = $12,822.00
8 units x $2,137.00 = $17,296.00

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.

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

USC Housing

USC housing is available 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.

HEALTH SERVICES

The USC Engemann Student Health Center is available for our students to use when any health concerns arise. A required student health information form will be given out upon acceptance and must be turned in prior to arrival to the program.

A mandatory student health center fee will be applied upon registration into our program. Typically between $20 - $30 a week. This fee cannot be waived.

MEAL OPTIONS

A meal plan can be purchased separately after students have been registered for their classes through the USCard Services' website; however, we do not recommend that our Summer Program students purchase a summer meal plan as they are restrictive and not conducive to the rigorous class schedules of the students. If you plan on purchasing a meal plan for the summer, please note that once purchased, it cannot be refunded for any reason.

USC has multiple dining options on and directly off campus, including the 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.

STUDENT ORIENTATION

Orientation is mandatory for all accepted students.

  • Date: TBA
  • Time: TBA
NON-CLASS ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITIES AND SPECIAL SEMINARS

  • Special events with industry guests
  • Pre-release movie screenings
  • Special workshops and seminars

We do not schedule any extracurricular activities as this is an academic commitment and not a summer camp.

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.

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.

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

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
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