certificate

Television Writing

Write up to three spec scripts in either one-hour or half-hour TV formats. This program can be completed online or in the classroom. 

This program is perfect for:

  • Aspiring television writers who want a thorough study of craft
  • Screenwriters looking to expand their skills to television
  • Entertainment professionals looking to expand their television knowledge

What you can learn.

  • How to develop and write spec scripts
  • How to write for a TV drama
  • How to write for a TV comedy
  • Insight from entertainment professionals and Writers Guild of America (WGA) members

What our students say about our certificates.

What our certificates have done for our students.

85%

feel a certificate helped them enhance their careers

1 in 4

received a salary increase after starting a certificate program

50%

switched careers after completing a certificate program

85%

recommend a certificate program to others

Source: UCLA Extension Certificate Graduates Survey

Expect more from your education.

Learn from Industry Leaders

MFA, fiction writer, author of the story collection Once Removed (UGA Press) and winner of the Flannery O’Connor Award for Short Fiction. 

Zac Hug

The Write Process Podcast

Hosted by the director of the Writers' Program, each episode tells the story of how one writer took one project from concept to completion, whether it be a book, movie, or TV episode.

Season 6 is out now!

LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE

Spotify I Apple I SoundCloud

A lot of people in different stages of the industry all came together because they wanted the time and a place to hone their craft.

Joshua Staman
Television Writing Certificate Graduate

Courses

Click below to view the required and elective courses, if applicable, for this program.

First Requirement
Complete one of the following courses.
SCRIPT X 421.1
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
SCRIPT X 421.3
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
SCRIPT X 421.1N
SCRIPT X 421.3N
Second Requirement
Complete one of the following courses.
SCRIPT X 421.2
SCRIPT X 421.4
SCRIPT X 421.2N
SCRIPT X 421.4N
Third Requirement
Complete one of the following courses.
SCRIPT X 422.1
SCRIPT X 422.3
Fourth Requirement
Complete one of the following courses.
SCRIPT X 422.2
SCRIPT X 422.4
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
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

Special Topics for Film & Television Writers

Exclusive benefits for Writers' Program certificate students:

  • Receive a 30 minute, one-on-one goal-setting consultation with a Writers’ Program advisor, who charts out certificate program curriculum based on current student’s level of experience, interests, and writing goals
  • Receive advance notice of upcoming Writers’ Program courses and enroll before the general public each quarter
  • Receive preferential placement on wait lists
  • Get valuable feedback through a 1-on-1 script consultation with a Writers’ Program instructor after completion of coursework (value up to $775)
  • Save money on application fees when entering the UCLA Extension Feature Film or Television Writing competitions

Additional benefits exclusive to UCLA Extension certificate students:

  • Access to Handshake, UCLA Career Center’s online job board, with access to thousands of job and internship postings
  • Become a member of the UCLA Alumni Association (upon completing your certificate) and a nationwide network of Bruin family
  • Join us for the annual UCLA Extension Graduation Ceremony on campus to celebrate all your hard work 
  • Get access to UCLA Recreation facilities as a student affiliate*
  • Open an affiliate/Guest UCLA Bruin ID Card* for a number of student-related benefits
  • PLUS, all UCLA Extension students have access to UCLA Extension’s Career Resources including online career coaching, workshops and networking events
*Nominal fee required 

Estimated Cost Breakdown

All courses in this program are paid for individually, unless otherwise noted. An application form is required to establish candidacy in this program. From the 'Apply Now' button, complete the online application and pay the application fee if applicable.

Application & Candidacy Fee

200.00

Estimated Program Tuition

4320.00

Estimated program textbook/materials

200.00

*The Application & Candidacy Fee establishes your candidacy in the program for a period of time covering normal progress toward completion and may allow you to access a variety of program benefits.

**Federal Financial Aid Gainful Employment Disclosures

The U.S. Department of Education requires colleges and universities to disclose certain information for any financial aid eligible program that, “prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation”. This information includes program costs; occupations that the program prepares students to enter; occupational profiles; on time completion rate; and for the most recent award year: the number of students who have completed the program, the number of students who complete the program within the estimated duration, the job placement rate, and the median Title IV and private loan debt incurred by those who complete the program. For gainful employment information for this program, visit our Financial Aid page.

Contact Us

Speak to a program representative. Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm.

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