"Better than any class I had while getting my MFA." That's what one student had to say about the UCLA Professional Program in Screenwriting, the only non-degree screenwriting program that has oversight by the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, and the only viable alternative to the UCLA MFA screenwriting program. In the Professional Program, students focus on the theory and craft of professional screenwriting, without having to take the critical studies seminars and related electives that are required to obtain a degree. The goal of this graduate-level program, which takes place over three academic quarters, is for the student to start and complete two original feature length screenplays. Upon successfully finishing the Professional Program, students receive a certificate of completion. Like the campus program, the UCLA Professional Program in Screenwriting Online is modeled after the UCLA MFA screenwriting program. Online students receive the same quality of instruction as the campus students do. All of the online instructors are produced writers, some of whom also teach in the campus Professional Program, as well as in the MFA program. The Online Campus is a virtual campus where students attend a real-time workshop by logging into a dedicated chat room. Assignments are posted into the Homework Mailbox at the Online Campus the day prior to the workshop meeting. When the workshop meets in the chat room, the instructor and students will have read all of the homework assignments and will be prepared to discuss them…just as if the instructor and students were sitting around a table. On Monday evenings (5pm, Pacific Standard Time) there is a lecture for all online students, which is held in a designated chat room in text format. Students have the option of either logging into the chat room to attend the lecture "in person," or simply reading the lecture log at their convenience. Students who attend the lecture are encouraged to ask questions about the material being covered. The workshop -- which takes place on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, OR Thursday evening (6pm PST), depending on which one the student is placed in -- is limited to 8 students. This allows for significant time spent on each student’s work. Workshops are conducted in a live audio conference room using VoIP software. If there are enough students on the east coast of the U.S. or overseas, we normally schedule a workshop that meets at a more convenient time for them. Technical assistance is readily available. Complete instructions are given to enrolled students, telling them how to access and use the Online Campus, as well as how to download VoIP for participation in the audio workshop. In addition, the Online Administrator is available for assistance. Students who take the Online Program have the advantage of being able to post questions or comments to their instructor between class meetings. Students who have questions about their assignments need not wait until the next class meeting, or arrange office hours, but instead have access to the instructor outside of regularly scheduled class times. This allows for increased interaction between the student and instructor. In addition, students are encouraged to post comments to each other. The Online Campus mailboxes are open to all the students in a particular section. It is an additional environment for learning, where students not only receive help with their own screenplay, but are able to see how other students’ story problems might be solved. Students may also send private emails to their instructor and/or fellow students, should they wish to do so. Students in the online program are eligible for, and encouraged to participate in, the annual UCLA Professional Programs Screenplay Competition. Click here to see what alumni are saying about the Professional Program in Screenwriting. And check out our MySpace page to read about alumni accomplishments. To apply, you must have an undergraduate degree in any field. High-speed internet access Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer (versions 4.0 or higher), or a browser that supports Java A microphone with attached mono headset (inexpensive and available where computer supplies are sold) Movie Magic Screenwriter software (enrolled students will be able to purchase this at a heavily discounted price) To apply, mail or fax your completed Application Form along with your supporting materials and tuition deposit by the application deadline. Applications may not be emailed. Statement of Purpose (One page -- double-spaced OK; see FAQ's for further info) Writing Sample (5 pages; see FAQ's for further info) Copy of University Degree Certificate OR Undergraduate Transcript (non-official copy OK) Start Date: September 28, 2009 End Date: Week of May 31, 2010 (Certificate Ceremony on June 15, 2010) Application Deadline: August 7, 2009 Tuition: $4500 for the year ($1500 deposit due with application; balance due by September 4, 2009) Click here for more tuition information. The Advanced Workshops in Screenwriting are open to students who successfully complete the year-long Professional Program in Screenwriting. In an Advanced Workshop, students meet once per week in a live audio workshop, from 6-9pm PST. Workshops take place on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday night, and are limited to eight students. In order to participate in an Advanced Workshop, you must be committed to the goal of starting and completing an original feature-length screenplay within the ten-week quarter (adaptations and rewrites are not permitted). Students who successfully complete three Advanced Workshops (one per quarter) receive a certificate of completion. Workshops do not have to be taken consecutively in order to earn a certificate. The Advanced Program is open only to students who have successfully completed the year-long Professional Program in Screenwriting. High-speed internet access Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer (versions 4.0 or higher), or a browser that supports Java A microphone with attached mono headset (inexpensive and available where computer supplies are sold) Movie Magic Screenwriter software Start Date: Online advanced workshops will be available again in Fall 2009. Duration: 10 weeks, one meeting per week Tuition: $1100 for the quarter ($850 for students who have already received their Advanced Program certificate) In the UCLA Summer Workshop in Screenwriting Online, students meet once per week in a three-hour live audio workshop that stresses the theory and craft of professional screenwriting. Over the course of ten weeks, each student develops a concept, outlines a story, and completes the first act of an original feature screenplay. This workshop is a great introduction to UCLA screenwriting. The Summer Workshop in Screenwriting is available on campus and online. It is not a certificate program. Students who successfully complete the summer workshop and choose to enroll in the year-long program do not need to resubmit supporting materials such as a Writing Sample. Students who continue in the year-long program must begin a new script. To apply, you must have an undergraduate degree in any field. High-speed internet access Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer (versions 4.0 or higher), or a browser that supports Java A microphone with attached mono headset (inexpensive and available where computer supplies are sold) Movie Magic Screenwriter software (enrolled students will be able to purchase this at a heavily discounted price) The Summer Workshop in Screenwriting will not be available online in summer 2009. The online workshop will return in summer 2010. Statement of Purpose (One page; see FAQ's for further info) Writing Sample (5 pages; see FAQ's for further info) Undergraduate Transcript (non-official copy OK) or copy of University Degree Certificate Tuition: $1100 for the summer (due with application)