US: Storytelling, Technology, and Digital Media in Theme Parks
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Application Deadline
Program Type
- OHIO Credit
Academic Focus
- Communication, Journalism, and Media
Program Feature
- Gen Ed
Country/Region
- United States
Program Term
- Fall
- Semester
- Short-term
For more information contact
Beth Novak
Program Director
novakb@ohio.edu (opens in a new window)
John Bowditch
Program Director
bowditch@ohio.edu (opens in a new window)
Office of Global Opportunities
global.opportunities@ohio.edu
Apply for this OHIO Credit Program (opens in a new window)
Overview
This program examines media design, technology, and storytelling principles that are employed in the development of theme parks. Special emphasis is placed on the integration of different forms of media into one cohesive immersive environment.
The program is a semester-long course on the Athens campus and includes an off campus field experience in Orlando for a week.
Highlights and Excursions
Students will experience all access tickets, workshops and speakers at Walt Disney World and a day-long visit to Universal Studios.
Good to know
- This program is a semester-long course on the Athens campus and includes an off campus field experience in Orlando for a week.
- Participants are required to attend an information session or meet with the director before applying to this program.
- If you are nominated to this program, you will be required to pay a deposit to confirm your participation. The deposit is a down payment on the total costs to be billed by OHIO and is determined by the total cost of the program.
Information Sessions
Prior to applying, students are required to attend one information session from the following:
- February 24 (Monday) 11:00-12:00 Schoonover 380
- February 28 (Friday) 12:00-1:00 Schoonover 276
- March 5 (Weds) 4:00-5:00 Schoonover 380
- March 18 (Thurs) 4:00-5:00 Schoonover 380
If you aren't able to attend a meeting, please contact Beth Novak or John Bowditch for additional information. "
Living Arrangements
Students will stay in a Walt Disney World Resort during the off campus field experience. Two students will share a room.
Program Dates
The course takes place for the entirety of Fall 2025.
Travel Dates: Dec. 1 - Dec. 8, 2025.
*Students are required to complete a form as part of this program, as they will not be attendance for one week during the semester. This process is handled with guidance from faculty directors.
This program is offered annually and typically opens for application by the beginning of the spring semester.
Academics
Students will take COMM 4023 (T3) for a total of 4 credit hours.
Cost
The following information is intended to help participants understand the estimated costs associated with the program. For additional information regarding program costs, please refer to Understanding Program Costs for Ohio-Credit Programs.
The total estimated cost for Fall 2025 (as of 2/24/2025) is expected to be:
- Undergraduate estimate: $2,867 + 4 Credits of Athens-Campus Tuition/Fees*
This is divided across the following line items:
- Program Fee: $2,115 (Undergraduate)
- Includes: Student accommodations, admission to theme parks (Disney, Universal, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party), meals, transfer to and from airport, and farewell event.
- Estimated out of pockets: $752
- Includes: airfare ($592), extra baggage ($60), meals traveling to/from site ($50), and incidentals/personal expenses ($50).
- Tuition: Based on individual Tuition Guarantee or Graduate Program of Study (refer to Bursars for more information)
Non-program-related entertainment, souvenirs, and additional travel are not included in the cost estimate and should be budgeted separately.
Detailed student budget worksheets will be sent to all applicant nominated on the program and are available upon request from global.opportunities@ohio.edu (opens in a new window).
*Note: For programs completed during Fall semester, the credit-hours associated with the program are part of the Fall semester. Students taking between 12 to 20 Athens campus hours, including those associated with the program, will not incur additional tuition costs for the Fall semester. Students taking less than 12 or more than 20 Athens campus credits for the Fall term will see their tuition charge adjusted accordingly.
Looking for Funding Opportunities?
More information on financial aid and scholarships can be found on our funding pages. (opens in a new window)
*School of Media Arts & Studies students may apply for an internal scholarship through the Ralph J. Bitzer MDIA Opportunities Scholarship (opens in a new window).
Eligibility and Requirements
This program is open to undergraduate juniors and seniors (at the time of the class) with 15 hours of COMS or ITS or JOUR or MDIA or VICO. Applications and GPA will be considered.
As part of the applications students will need to submit:
- Contact information for 2 references
- A personal statement, which should address how this course will impact the student's education and what special skills or interests the student will bring to the class.
Students who will be on probation at any point during the program for a conduct offense that took place less than a calendar year from the program start date may not study abroad. Read the entire conduct policy. (opens in a new window)
This program does not accept NON-OHIO students.
Participants must have a at least a high school diploma or the equivalent (e.g. GED) by the start date of the program to be considered for eligibility. Students enrolled in College Credit Plus (CC+) are not eligible for study away programs.