Cinema and Media Studies (BA)*

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Cinema and Media Studies is granted by the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences in conjunction with the School of Cinematic Arts. Undergraduate students take their preprofessional courses in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, including the general education requirements. Major courses are selected from the curriculum of the School of Cinematic Arts. The degree requires 128 units, including 32 lower-division and 24 upper-division units in cinematic arts. A maximum of 40 School of Cinematic Arts upper-division units will apply to the BA degree. Before graduating, cinema and media studies majors are encouraged to take at least one small non-lecture class that emphasizes student critical writing or research papers. This category may include (but is not limited to): CTCS 402 , CTCS 411 , CTCS 412 , CTCS 414 , sections of CTCS 464 or CTCS 469 that require a D clearance, CTCS 494 , and CTCS 495 .

Required Production Course

Undergraduates admitted to the Cinema and Media Studies Program are required to take CTPR 290 Cinematic Communication . CTPR 290 introduces the interrelationship of visuals, sound and editing in cinematic communication. Students participate in directing and producing workshops as well as individual and group projects. Approximately $1,000 should be budgeted for miscellaneous expenses and insurance fees.

Additional Requirements

Grade Point Average Requirements

A minimum grade of C (2.0) must be earned in all required and prerequisite courses. A grade of C- (1.7) or lower will not satisfy a major requirement.

Honors Program

Cinema and Media Studies offers an honors track for advanced students. Admission to the honors track is made after students reach junior standing (at least 64 units completed) and requires a 3.5 overall GPA. Completion of the honors track is dependent upon successful completion of two 400-level CTCS courses for honors credit. Any 400-level courses with no more than 30 students may qualify for honors credit with the consent of the faculty member. In honors courses, students will work with faculty in a smaller class environment and produce an advanced term paper based on original research and analysis. To petition to be admitted into the honors program, please contact the Cinema and Media Studies front desk at mediastudies@cinema.usc.edu.

Limitations on Enrollment

No more than 40 upper-division units can be taken within the major without prior approval of the Dean, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.

Registration in graduate level courses (numbered 500) for undergraduate credit requires prior approval from the School of Cinematic Arts.

Curriculum Review

Cinematic arts majors are expected to meet with an academic adviser every semester to review their progress. Contact the Cinematic Arts Student Services Office, SCB 105, (213) 740-8358, for an appointment.