For the first time, students applying to the Marshall School of Business for Fall 2022 were able to choose the John H. Mitchell Business of Cinematic Arts (BCA) joint-degree program on the Common App. It is USC’s first true joint degree program created in partnership with the USC School of Cinematic Arts (SCA).
“It takes a shared vision and philosophy to create a joint degree,” said RAMANDEEP RANDHAWA, vice dean for undergraduate programs and professor of data sciences and operations. “The John H. Mitchell Business of Cinematic Arts degree exemplifies how we can innovate, collaborate, and build significant value for our students.”
A joint degree is fundamentally distinct from a double major; it’s a singular diploma with intentional curricular integration from two schools as a 128-unit four-year program. Students will be admitted as freshmen and complete the program as a cohort. Upon graduation, students earn a diploma that features both schools formalizing the dual credentials.
Marshall tapped Professor of Clinical Business Communication MARION PHILADELPHIA to be the program’s academic director, working with her counterpart, Assistant Dean and Executive Director of the Business of Entertainment Programs at the School of Cinematic Arts BONNIE CHI to create a more integrated and seamless pathway for future cohorts.
“The BCA cohort model adds another dimension to becoming a member of the Trojan Family,” said Philadelphia. “BCA students take their courses at The School of Cinematic Arts lockstep as a group throughout the four years. This allows them to develop deep relationships that carry on into their professional lives.”
“The entertainment business thrives on a personal network base,” said Chi. “We tell our students that networking begins when your education begins.”