Navigating the Application Process for UCLA's School of Theater, Film and Television

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Theater, Film and Television (TFT) is a prestigious institution renowned for its comprehensive training in the art and technology of moving images and performing arts. This article provides a detailed overview of the application requirements for both undergraduate and graduate programs within UCLA TFT, drawing upon the specific information provided to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Undergraduate Programs: A Comprehensive Overview

UCLA TFT offers undergraduate majors in both Theater and Film and Television. Both programs provide a comprehensive introduction to the history, theory, and practice of these art forms within the context of a liberal arts education.

General Requirements for Undergraduate Admission

Applicants to the School must meet several criteria:

GPA: A minimum 3.2 GPA is required at the time of application.
Junior Standing: By the time of entrance, applicants must have attained junior standing, which is equivalent to 60 semester or 90 quarter units.
General Education: Completion of general education coursework is mandatory. This can be fulfilled through the School’s General Education requirements, the IGETC at a California Community College, or the General Education requirements while a student at another UC campus.
Foreign Language: While not mandatory, completion of the School of Theater, Film and Television’s foreign language requirement before arriving at UCLA is strongly encouraged.

Applying to the Theater Major

Undergraduate theater students delve into the history of world and American theater, contemporary theater issues, acting and performance, playwriting and analysis, design, directing, and theater production. They also complete a sequence of advanced courses in their chosen emphasis, culminating in a capstone project.

Emphasis Selection: Applicants interested in the theater major must choose one of the following emphases on the UC Application:

Acting
Design/Production (recommended for those interested in stage management)
Musical Theater
Integrated Studies (recommended for directing, playwriting, teaching artistry, and theater/performance studies)

Supplemental Application: In addition to the general UC Application, a supplemental application is required. This includes materials such as a headshot, writing samples, and transcripts. Applicants will be contacted ONLY if more information is needed and an interview or audition is required.

Important Note: Transfer students cannot change to the theater major after admission to UCLA.

Preparation for the Major: It is recommended that applicants have prior coursework in acting, design, play analysis, or theater history.

Applying to the Film and Television Major

Undergraduate students in film and television explore the history of film and television, screenwriting, animation, and film and television production, including cinematography, editing, directing the camera, and digital media and tools. They complete a senior concentration in one area of specialization and a professional internship.

Additional Admission Requirements: Applicants must submit a personal essay, a critical essay, a creative writing sample, a life challenge essay, and two letters of recommendation. Films, DVDs, and links are not accepted. Prior experience is not required.

Important Note: Transfer students cannot change to the film and television major after they transfer to UCLA.

Additional information: Additional information may be found at the film and television B.A.

The Application Process for Undergraduates

Complete the UC Application: This is the standard application for all University of California schools.
Complete the Supplemental Application: This application is specific to the School of Theater, Film and Television and requires additional materials.

Film, Television & Digital Media BA

The Film, Television & Digital Media BA at UCLA TFT trains rising filmmakers to grasp the historical and theoretical foundations of film while they develop industry-standard filmmaking skills. The undergraduate film program is open to freshmen and transfers; you do not need a film background to apply. Post-enrollment, undergraduates cannot switch to the Theater major. Instructors must approve enrollment in specialized courses.

Undergraduates learn the historical, critical, and theoretical foundations of the film industry. By junior year, the program shifts to developing craft skills and honing aesthetic prowess. In the final year of study, undergraduates concentrate in a specific area of interest and take a professional internship for credit.

Units Required

UCLA students must satisfactorily complete for credit a minimum of 180 units for the bachelor’s degree, which includes all University; School of Theater, Film and Television; and FTVDM department requirements. At least 64 of the 180 units must be upper-division courses numbered 100 through 199. A maximum of 216 units may be permitted. The Film and Television B.A. is a four-year degree, which includes seven Preparation for the Major courses and the Major courses. Transfer students will complete the preparatory courses (Film and Television 4, 6A, 10A, 33, 51, 84A and One Theater course) during their junior and senior years. Transfer students are expected to graduate within six (6) quarters (two years) and must complete all preparation for the major courses before graduation.

Film Minor

Undergraduates with a curiosity about the theoretical, political, economic, cultural, and artistic foundations of film can pursue the minor. The minor has seven upper and lower division courses that must be taken in residence at UCLA, including the summer quarter. At least 20 units must be exclusive to the minor.

Submit: Upload all supporting documentation in steps 1-5 in the Google response form.

Graduate Programs: Requirements for Advanced Study

UCLA TFT offers a Ph.D. program for students seeking advanced scholarly training.

Ph.D. Application Requirements

Applicants to the Ph.D. program must submit the following:

Departmental Application: A specific application for the department.
Statement of Purpose: This statement should indicate areas of interest appropriate to the doctoral degree.
Writing Samples: Submission of a thesis or other writing samples is required.
Evidence of Potential: Candidates should demonstrate potential as practicing scholars. This is indicated by the breadth and depth of advanced coursework in history, theory, and criticism, as well as the imagination and quality of scholarly writing and academic achievements. Awards, scholarships, and fellowships also contribute to this assessment.
Awareness and Experience: Candidates should demonstrate awareness and experience in one of the major fields of theater.
Educational Background: Applicants may be admitted with a bachelor's or master's degree.

General Graduate Admission Requirements

Before applying, applicants must have a 3.0 GPA or better and satisfy the University of California’s Graduate Admission Requirements. A bachelor’s degree or four-year equivalent is required.

Application Steps

Citizenship: Indicate your country of citizenship and English language proficiency.
Application Type: On the “Plans for Graduate Study” page, select what type of applicant you are under “Application Type.” If you applied within the last year and deferred admission, select “Renewal” from the dropdown menu at “Application Type” to bypass the application fee (valid for one resubmission).
Statement of Purpose: The statement of purpose is an integral part of your application for graduate admission and consideration for merit-based financial support. It is used to understand your academic interests, and to evaluate your aptitude and preparation for graduate work, as well as your fit with the proposed program of study. It is also used to assess your ability to write coherent and convincing prose. Address the following questions:
- What is your purpose in applying for graduate study in your specified degree program?
- What experiences have prepared you for advanced study or research in this degree program?
- What relevant skills have you gained from these experiences?
- What additional information about your past experience may aid the selection committee in evaluating your preparation and aptitude for graduate study at UCLA?
- Why is the UCLA graduate program to which you are applying is the best place for you to pursue your academic goals?
Personal Statement: The Personal Statement is an opportunity for you to provide additional information that may aid the selection committee in evaluating your preparation and aptitude for graduate study at UCLA. It will also be used to consider candidates for the Cota-Robles and Graduate Opportunity fellowships. Address the following questions:
- Are there any educational, personal, cultural, economic, or social experiences not described in your Statement of Purpose that have shaped your academic journey? If so, how?
- Describe challenge(s) or barriers that you have faced in your pursuit of higher education. What motivated you to persist, and how did you overcome them?
Letters of Recommendation: Upload 3 letters of recommendation from professional and academic sources. Letters of recommendation can be repurposed once if you are renewing your application.
Transcripts: Upload copies of your unofficial transcripts under “Academic History & Transcripts,” and provide official copies of all transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended - postmarked before or on the program deadline.
Fellowship Application: Complete the optional fellowship application to be considered for UCLA merit-based awards only in the Department of Film, Media and Television.

Fellowship Opportunities

Several fellowship opportunities are available for graduate students in the Department of Film, Media and Television:

Rose and Sam Glibert Award: For graduate students who attended UCLA as undergraduates for at least two years and participated on men’s or women’s NCAA athletic teams (club and intramural teams are not eligible).
Gordon Hein Memorial Award: For graduate students in any field of study who are blind or who have a severe vision impairment. Awards are made on the basis of the student’s financial need during the fellowship year, academic record, and the availability of funds.
Mangasar M. Mangasarian Award: Preference is given to graduate students who are of Armenian descent.
Charles F. Scott Award: For graduate students with baccalaureates from UCLA.

Application Submission

Ensure all areas of the application are complete, as incomplete areas will be listed in red font for submission.

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