US: OHIO in LA

Overview 

The Ohio University's OHIO-in-LA Program is designed to give students an intensive experience of living and working in Hollywood's media and creative industries. Students take classes for OU credit, intern at LA-based media companies, network with hundreds of professionals, tour studios and attend productions, and produce two short films.

Highlights and Excursions 

On previous programs, students have toured:

• Warner Bros
• Universal Studios
• EastWest Studios
• YouTube Space LA
• The Jim Henson Company
• Dolby Theatre
• Various production companies and suppliers
• Disneyland
• Attend productions (e.g., @Midnight with Chris Hardwick, The Talk, The Odd Couple)
• Hike to the iconic Hollywood sign
• Attend events/shows (e.g., LA Dodgers, The Groundlings, Hollywood Fringe Festival, American Music Awards, Creative Arts Emmys)

Good to know

• Students can apply for both programs for a given year. Please note that only Summer is available for 2024; in the future, Summer and Fall 2025 programs plan to resume.
• This program is HIGHLY competitive and candidates should make sure their application is quite strong. 

Living Arrangements 

All students will live in the Toluca Hills Apartments by Avalon, which is located between Hollywood and Burbank. This is an excellent location with access to major studios and top internships.

Program Dates 

Summer 2025: May 27 - August 9, 2025

Fall 2025: August 25 - December 6, 2025

This program is offered annually and typically opens for application by the end of fall semester.

Academics  

Courses vary by term of enrollment in the program.

Summer

Students will take the following three courses to earn a total of 9 credit hours. 

• MDIA 4600 Business of Hollywood (3 cr. hours)
• MDIA 4904 Special Topics in Integrated Media (3 cr. hours) 
• MDIA 4911 Internship in Media (3 cr. hours)

Fall

Students will take the following three courses to earn a total of 12 -15 credit hours.

• MDIA 4600 Business of Hollywood (3 cr. hours)
• MDIA 4900 The History of Hollywood (3 cr. hours)
• MDIA 4904 Special Topics in Integrated Media (3 cr. hours) 
• MDIA 4910 Internship in Media (6 cr. hours)

Cost

The program fee for this program includes: Student accommodations, some meals, excursions, and farewell dinner.

In addition to the program fee, students should plan for tuition*, administrative fee, and out-of-pocket costs.

Items that are not related to the program (ie. additional entertainment, souvenirs, extra travel, contingency funds) are not included in the cost estimates provided and should be budgeted for separately.  

Summer 2025: Undergraduate Student Budget Worksheet - Published 10/1/2024

Fall 2025: Undergraduate Student Budget Worksheet - Published 10/1/2024

*Note: 

• Non-resident surcharge waived for the credit hours associated with 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. 

Looking for Funding Opportunities? 

More information on financial aid and scholarships can be found on our funding pages.

Eligibility and Requirements 

Students can find the application in the OGO Student Portal.  This program is open to participants classified as juniors or seniors at the beginning of the program and is open to all majors.

As part of the application process, applicants must submit:

• a resume,
• a statement of purpose, and
• a list of three references with contact info.

All applicants are interviewed by the Program Director. 

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.

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.

Resources 

• Health and Safety
• Accessibility Requests and Accommodations 

Testimonials from Past Participants

“The OHIO-in-LA program was undoubtedly the best decision I made since attending Ohio University. This program brought me so many incredible hands-on experiences, unforgettable excursions and introduced me to so many unique people and OU alumni.” Alex Marchionda

“The OHIO-in-LA program helped ease some concerns I had for the future, allowed me to gain hands-on experience, and gave me greater confidence in my own abilities. Highly recommend for anyone who is interested in learning more about the industry!” Savannah Heller

"I left the OHIO-in-LA Program with more than I could have ever expected: connections, friendships, and experiences of a lifetime. It was truly an incredible, one-of-a-kind opportunity."  Lindsey Bowman

“The OHIO-in-LA Program is a once in a lifetime opportunity that develops the highest understanding of interpersonal communication and professionalism skills in the entertainment industry. This program not only guided me into building lasting relationships, but helped me gain an understanding of diversification and the importance of leadership represented among the Ohio University Bobcats in Los Angeles.”    Alexandria Molnar