I was wondering if anyone knows about the BCA joint program at USC. I specifically would like to know generally what kind of career paths/jobs this program could result in (just as an example, so I know what this program focuses on). I have thought long and hard about how exactly I fit into the film industry. I want to go into business, but it’s so hard for me to give up my creative side. So, does the BCA program ONLY open doors for careers such as advertising/sales in the film industry? Or is it also good for people who want to go into other areas of the industry as well (i.e. casting)?
Also, as a side note, how competitive is it really? Do you have to specify this major in your application? If you don’t get in, are you still considered for Marshall?
Current BCA student here. One reason I highly recommend the BCA program is that you can pursue a variety of career paths both while in the program (through internships) and beyond the program. The most encouraged career path within the BCA program is the talent agency/management route, especially as an entry point into the industry. However, the BCA students have diverse interests in creative producing, production management, TV programming, development, casting, digital media, business affairs, and many more. Most of the BCA classes also feature guest speakers from all different fields of the industry, including casting, talent representation, production, writing, business affairs, programming, and more.
To answer your second question, I am not exactly sure on the admissions statistics, but I do know that there are people who are rejected. If you put effort into your application and submit it in a timely manner, you should be able to get in. The application process may have changed since I applied a few years ago, but the way it worked for me was that I had to select Business Administration as my first-choice major on the Common Application. Then, once I was accepted into USC and Marshall, I had to reach out to the Marshall undergraduate advisement office to receive the BCA application. A few weeks later, I was admitted into the BCA program. Long story short, you have to first get into Marshall before getting into BCA, so yes, you are already in Marshall if you are not accepted into BCA.