FAQ for Film, Television and Digital Media

I applied to the graduate program in Film, Television ad Digital Media. How can I check whether your office has all the materials that I submitted?

Due to the very high volume of applications, we request that students not contact us directly to find out if we have received application material. The Film Grad program does NOT utilize the online system to inform students about the arrival and completeness of their application. Once we have finished opening mail and compiling all application files, we will contact you via email if any material is missing. Generally, these missing material emails will be sent about a 4-6 weeks after the application deadline. If you do not hear from us and you have a confirmation from the Graduate Division that the online application has been accepted and paid for, it is safe to assume that your application is indeed complete and will be reviewed.

Do I need to take the GRE if I am applying to a graduate program in Film?

Here are the GRE Requirements for the Graduate Programs in Film:

PhD applicants are required to take the GRE

MA applicants are strongly encouraged to take the GRE

MFA applicants are NOT required to take the GRE

(Note: The GRE is highly recommended for MA and MFA applicants with Undergraduate GPAs below 3.0.)

Are the deadlines for the Film, Television & Digital Media Graduate Programs referring to a “postmarked” date or a “received by” date?

Materials need to be POSTMARKED by the deadline date.

Is there a page limit for the Screenwriting MFA Creative Writing Samples?

For the most part, no. Most applicants submit 1-2 creative writing samples of various length. Full length feature submissions however, should not be over 120 pages, double-spaced.

Is it okay if my letters of recommendation or transcripts are mailed separately from the rest of my supplemental material?

Yes. We would prefer that we receive an entire application packet in full. But if recommendation letters or transcripts come separately, that is completely fine as well.

I am applying for a graduate program in Film and Television. Will my supporting materials be returned?

No, supporting materials will NOT be returned. If denied admission, may I apply again the following year? Yes. Students applying a second time are not given special consideration; they must compete with the new field of applicants. Undergraduates must go through the entire application process again. Graduate students must file a new graduate application and may use supporting materials from their previous application, which we keep on file for three years. (g, f, p)

What are the school and department codes for the GRE exam?

UCLA Code: 4837
Film, Television and Digital Media Code: 4505
Theater Code: 2403

Who teaches in the department?

Each faculty member in our Department has achieved significant national or international recognition in his or her field. Some instructors have permanent appointments while others are invited to teach for one term or one year. The combination of permanent and visiting instructors provides our students with a diverse and continuously evolving educational environment.

Can I change my major to Theater after I am admitted to Film?

No. Students in the Film major are not allowed to change their major to Theater.

What are my career prospects after graduation?

Individuals who intend to work in any artistic and highly competitive field should maintain a realistic perspective about the personal and professional demands one must face in choosing such a career. While no degree or school can guarantee a livelihood in this area, many of our graduates are working successfully as writers, producers, directors, editors, cinematographers, journalists, animators, educators, executives, etc.

Is it possible to see examples of student work?

All student productions are screened publicly in Melnitz Hall at the end of Spring Quarter during the final examination week. The screen schedule is posted in Melnitz Hall on Monday of finals week.

How many new students do you accept each year?

This varies each year and within each program.

1,400: Approximate number of yearly applicants

Approximate number of new students accepted in each program:

30: BA
20: MFA Production/Directing
25: MFA Screenwriting
15: MFA Producers Program
20: MFA Animation
15: MA
10: PhD

Who reviews my application?

Faculty who teach in each specific area review application for that area. In addition, undergraduate applicants must be approved by the UCLA Undergraduate Admissions Office; and graduate applicants by the Graduate Admissions Office.

Must I submit a film or videotape as part of my application?

Prior production experience in film and television is not a formal requirement for admission to any of our programs. Our Department seeks applicants from diverse backgrounds who are well educated, imaginative, creative, energetic, and determined.

When are applicants notified?

Due to the amount of time needed to review the large number of applications, applicants are usually not notified until March or April. Please do not call the Department to check on the status of your application. We notify all applicants by mail; we cannot give out information by telephone.

Will my supporting materials be returned?

Supporting materials from MFA applicants in the Screenwriting, the Producers Program, and Animation will be returned if a self-addressed envelope is submitted with the materials. If denied admission, may I apply again the following year? Yes. Students applying a second time are not given special consideration; they must compete with the new field of applicants. Undergraduates must go through the entire application process again. Graduate students must file a new graduate application and may use supporting materials from their previous application, which we keep on file for three years.

Can I earn a second Bachelor’s Degree in Film and Television at UCLA?

UCLA does not admit students for the purpose of earning a second Bachelor’s degree. Students with a Bachelor’s degree in any area must apply to one of our graduate programs. May I attend part time or in the evening? Part time study is not permitted for any degree programs in Film and Television at UCLA. The majority of our classes are taught during the day. UCLA Extension offers a wide range of classes in film and television that are taught in the evening and on weekends. Their program, however, does not lead to a degree.

What are tuition costs?

The current schedule of fees and tuition can be found at the UCLA Registrar’s Office: Fees. View an important legal notice regarding student fee litigation.

What are the additional costs?

Students in production programs are responsible for financing their own film and video projects. Production expenses will vary depending on the nature of the projects and the medium in which the student chooses to work. Total estimated expenses per program are: BA-$1,000-$10,000; MFA Production/Directing-$15,000-$50,000; MFA Animation-$3,000.

How do I apply for departmental awards and scholarships?

Incoming graduate students may apply for departmental fellowships and grants by checking the appropriate boxes on the application. Most other departmental awards and scholarships are distributed at the end of the academic year; our students submit a special application for these awards during Winter Quarter.

Do you offer tours of your production facilities?

Yes. Find out the details on our Tours page.

Do you offer summer programs in film and television?

Our Department offers a very limited number of courses in summer. To obtain a UCLA Summer Sessions Catalog, please write to: UCLA Summer Sessions, Box 951418, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1418; or call 310/794-8340; or see UCLA Summer Sessions and Special Programs. UCLA Extension offers many courses in film and television throughout the year, including summer.

What is the residence requirement?

For information on California residence requirements for both admission and tuition purposes, visit UCLA Registrar’s Office: Residence for Tuition Purposes or contact the UCLA Residence Deputy (310-825-3447). You can also visit their website, UCLA Housing.

How do I apply for housing?

Admitted students will receive a housing application with their admission letter. You must return your statement of intent to register and the housing application by the published deadline. More information is available at UCLA Housing.

Revised: Fri Oct 31, 2008
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