What Are Cinematic Arts Online and the USC Cinematic Arts Summer Program?

USC Cinematic Arts offers two non-degree study paths for people who want film and media training without enrolling in a full degree program. Cinematic Arts Online is open to storytellers of all ages: you create a script or direct a short film and earn a Certificate of Completion from the USC School of Cinematic Arts. The Summer Program is an on-campus experience taught by leading industry professionals across two separate six-week sessions, with classes in feature filmmaking, editing, animation, writing, computer graphics, interactive game design, and the business of the industry. Choose Online if you need flexibility or are younger/pre-college; choose the Summer Program if you want intensive, in-person, credit-style study on the USC campus.

Cinematic Arts Online

According to the school's program page, Cinematic Arts Online is designed "for storytellers of all ages." The core deliverable is concrete: participants create a script or direct a short film, and on completion receive a Certificate of Completion from the USC School of Cinematic Arts.

Who it suits

• People who want a structured creative project (script or short film) rather than a full degree.
• Learners of any age, including those who are not yet ready for college-level residential study.
• Anyone who wants a USC Cinematic Arts credential of completion without relocating.

What to verify before applying

The site describes the certificate and the script/short-film output but does not publish price, schedule length, or technical requirements on the page evidence available. Check the "More Information" link on the Cinematic Arts Online section for current dates, cost, and equipment needs before committing.

USC Cinematic Arts Summer Program

The Summer Program runs as two separate six-week sessions, taught by leading industry professionals, on what the school describes as its state-of-the-art campus.

Subject areas listed

• Feature filmmaking
• Editing
• Animation
• Writing
• Computer graphics
• Interactive game design
• The business of the industry

What makes it distinctive

This is a campus-based, immersive format: you attend classes in person rather than working remotely. The breadth of topics means you can sample production, post-production, animation, games, and industry business within one program structure.

How to proceed

The program page links to "How to Apply." Use that entry point for eligibility, session dates, application materials, and any costs. The available page evidence does not state tuition, housing, or whether college credit is awarded, so confirm those details directly through the application page rather than assuming.

Choosing Between Them

Pick Online if you want a defined creative output and a completion certificate with age flexibility. Pick the Summer Program if you want in-person, multi-subject immersion on campus and can commit to a six-week session.

Practical Next Steps

1. Open the Cinematic Arts Online "More Information" link to confirm dates, cost, and what you need to produce your script or short film.
2. Open the Summer Program "How to Apply" link to check session dates, eligibility, and application requirements.
3. Compare total time commitment: Online centers on one project; Summer requires a six-week on-campus block (and possibly two).
4. If you are considering a degree later, note that the site also lists MFA and bachelor's paths (e.g., Expanded Animation Research + Practice, the Business of Cinematic Arts program with USC Marshall) — but those are separate from these two short-form options.

The main caution: the page evidence confirms what each program is and what it produces, but not price, credit status, or exact schedules. Treat those as open questions to resolve on the linked program pages before you apply.