Television Writing
Television Writing
Write up to three spec scripts in either one-hour or half-hour TV formats.
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This program is perfect for:
What you can learn.
Write Sample Scripts for TV
The UCLA Extension Television Writing Certificate program is a focused, results-oriented course of study where enrollees can write up to three television scripts (both specs and pilots), either in the hour drama or half-hour comedy format.
Students can benefit from professional exposure and industry connections, and are eligible for other perks.
Courses are taught by produced writers and/or experienced entertainment industry professionals, many of whom are Writers Guild of America (WGA) members.
This certificate program can be completed entirely online, onsite or a combination of the two.
The full certificate curriculum is listed further down on this page.
For those who meet certain requirements, an intermediate or advanced level track is also available.
Required introductory courses may be waived upon departmental approval, however, to earn the certificate, candidates must still complete a minimum of the sum total of required core course units and elective course units listed for this Writers’ Program certificate.”
Previously completed courses in another UNEX Certificate program may apply in a limited quantity of units to a Writers’ Program Certificate if the course is eligible for the requirements. Please contact an advisor for more details at writers@uclaextension.edu.
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Cost and Fees
How to Get Started
Courses in this program are open enrollment, and each course is paid for individually.
Sequential courses should be taken in numerical order, starting from the lowest course number and progressing to higher numbers.
You may take Television Writing courses without committing to the entire program.* However, by establishing candidacy in the program, you will receive many benefits exclusive to our certificate students such as priority placement on waitlists and access to the UCLA Career Center's job board.
Need assistance? If you have any questions or need advice on course selection, feel free to reach out to us at writers@uclaextension.edu.
Benefits exclusive for Writers' Program certificate students:
- Advising: Receive a 30-minute, one-on-one goal-setting consultation with a Writers’ Program advisor. During this consultation, the advisor will customize a certificate program curriculum tailored to your experience, interests, and writing goals.
- Enrollment Advantages: Receive quarterly notice when Writers’ Program courses open for enrollment each quarter and receive preferential placement on wait lists.
Benefits exclusive to all UCLA Extension certificate students:
- Career Resources: Access UCLA Extension’s Career Resources including online career coaching, workshops, networking events, and other resources. Learn More.
- Handshake Access: Explore thousands of job and internship postings through UCLA Career Center’s online job board. Learn More.
- UCLA Alumni Association Membership: Upon completing your certificate, join the nationwide Bruin family as a member of the UCLA Alumni Association. Learn More.
- Graduation Celebration: Attend the annual UCLA Extension Graduation Ceremony on campus to celebrate your achievements. Learn More.
- UCLA Recreation Facilities: Enjoy access to UCLA Recreation facilities as a student affiliate. Learn More.
- Bruin ID Card: Obtain an affiliate/Guest UCLA Bruin ID Card for additional student-related benefits. Learn More.
How to Apply - Establish Certificate Candidacy
- Click the Apply Now button below
- Login or create a new student account
- Once you are logged into the student portal, you can select “My Applications” from the left side menu at any time to return to your application. Click the yellow “Start” button to proceed.
- On the Certificate Application page, follow the instructions and click save. Then submit your application.
- Proceed to checkout and pay the nonrefundable candidacy fee to finalize your application.
Required Courses
First Requirement
Half-Hour TV I
One-Hour TV I
Second Requirement
Half-Hour TV II
One-Hour TV II
Third Requirement
Half-Hour TV III
One-Hour TV III
Fourth Requirement
Half-Hour TV IV
One-Hour TV IV
Elective Courses
Electives - Feature Film or Television Writing
Students must complete an additional 6 units from Television Writing or Feature Film Writing. Browse courses by selecting the links below. Courses in Entertainment Studies are not eligible.
Beginning Television, Intermediate Television, or Advanced Television
Beginning Feature Film, Intermediate Feature Film, or Advanced Feature Film
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