The University of Southern California (USC) is located in Los Angeles, California. Specifically, the main campus, known as the University Park Campus, is situated in the University Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, just southwest of Downtown Los Angeles. This prime location in the heart of a global entertainment hub is a significant draw for students interested in the cinematic arts.
USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, a world-renowned institution for film, television, and interactive media education, is also based on the University Park Campus. This school offers a wide array of programs catering to diverse interests within the entertainment industry. Whether you are an aspiring filmmaker, animator, writer, producer, game designer, or media scholar, USC School of Cinematic Arts provides pathways to hone your skills and launch your career.
Here’s an overview of the programs available at USC School of Cinematic Arts, all located on the USC campus in Los Angeles:
Cinematic Arts Online
For aspiring storytellers of all ages, USC offers online programs to learn the craft of scriptwriting and short film direction. These programs provide a Certificate of Completion from the prestigious USC School of Cinematic Arts, accessible from anywhere in the world, but rooted in the expertise of USC’s faculty and resources in Los Angeles.
Summer Program
Located on USC’s state-of-the-art campus in Los Angeles, the Summer Program offers intensive six-week sessions taught by leading industry professionals. Students can immerse themselves in various disciplines, including feature filmmaking, editing, animation, writing, computer graphics, interactive game design, and the business side of the entertainment industry. The program provides a taste of the USC experience and the vibrant Los Angeles film scene.
Expanded Animation Research + Practice
The Expanded Animation Research + Practice program, based at USC in Los Angeles, offers an MFA curriculum centered on animation from an artistic and directorial perspective. This program encourages experimentation and research in animation, fostering diverse ideas and pushing students beyond their artistic boundaries. It’s designed to innovate and explore the future of animation within a supportive environment at USC.
Business of Cinematic Arts Program
Unique to USC Marshall and the School of Cinematic Arts in Los Angeles, this program allows students to integrate business acumen with cinematic arts expertise. This four-year program culminates in a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Cinematic Arts, preparing graduates for roles bridging business and creative professions within the film and entertainment sectors. This program is specifically for incoming Marshall Freshmen at USC.
Division of Writing for Screen & Television
Located within USC School of Cinematic Arts in Los Angeles, the John Wells Division of Writing for Screen & Television focuses on the foundational element of all screen-based media: the script. This division teaches students the art and craft of screenwriting, preparing them to create compelling scripts for film, television, web series, and video games that will captivate audiences and industry professionals alike.
Producing Program
The Peter Stark Producing Program at USC in Los Angeles offers a comprehensive exploration of the entertainment business from creative inception to global distribution. Students learn every facet of producing, from idea development to international marketing strategies, gaining a holistic understanding of the producer’s role in bringing cinematic projects to life.
Media Arts + Practice
In today’s multi-screen media landscape, the Media Arts + Practice (MAP) program at USC in Los Angeles cultivates innovators adept at creating, developing, and managing digital media. This program blends the art and technology of digital design, cinematic media, and storytelling, nurturing students to become both creators and scholars of cutting-edge digital media forms.
Interactive Media & Game Design
USC’s Interactive Media & Games Division, based in Los Angeles, is a pioneer in game design and interactive media education. Students explore the dynamic world of playful and interactive experiences, learning the foundations of game development and pushing the boundaries of the field through innovative research and creative projects, all within the vibrant game development scene of Los Angeles.
Film & Television Production
The Film & Television Production Division at USC in Los Angeles is dedicated to teaching students how to create engaging content for all screens, from IMAX to mobile devices. The program emphasizes hands-on production skills and storytelling techniques essential for crafting in-demand content for the ever-expanding media landscape, leveraging USC’s location in the heart of the film industry.
Cinema & Media Studies
The Division of Cinema & Media Studies at USC in Los Angeles provides a deep understanding of media and entertainment, forming a strong academic foundation for various industry roles and scholarly pursuits. Students gain in-depth knowledge of media history, theory, and criticism, preparing them for careers as media scholars or informed professionals across the entertainment spectrum.
Animation + Digital Arts
The John C. Hench Division of Animation + Digital Arts at USC, located in Los Angeles, covers all aspects of animation and motion art. This program prepares students for diverse careers, from traditional animation to visual effects and experimental art, fostering creativity and technical proficiency in the dynamic field of animation and digital arts.
Division Website + Student Work
USC, and particularly its School of Cinematic Arts in Los Angeles, stands as a leading institution for those passionate about pursuing a career in film, television, games, and interactive media. Its location in the entertainment capital of the world, combined with its comprehensive programs and industry connections, makes USC a prime destination for aspiring media creators and scholars.
