US: South by Southwest

Overview 

The Ohio University SXSW industry immersion course provides students access to the largest creative media industry gathering of the year, offering an unparalleled convergence of the music, interactive, and film industries and fostering an engaging atmosphere for professional and educational growth.  

Students will hear personally from industry professionals in a variety of ways, including panel discussions, keynote addresses, interviews, workshops, as well as one-on-one mentoring sessions with professionals in their specific field of choice.  

Attendees will observe firsthand the scope and networks that exist within today’s current music and media industries and can build strategic partnerships for internships and network with potential employers, colleagues, and clients. 

Additionally, students have access to hundreds of events in their areas of interest, including music showcases with established and upcoming artists, film premieres featuring directors and cast members, technology demonstrations of the newest trends in traditional, VR, and emerging media, and countless opportunities to explore creative expression across multiple venues in the city. 

Highlights and Excursions 

Students will get to observe firsthand the scope and networks that exist within today’s current music and media industries. They will also have access to hundreds of showcases for established and upcoming artists in the evenings, getting to experience the best music of the year first hand. Students will hear personally from industry professionals in a variety of ways, including panel discussions, keynote addresses, interviews, workshops, as well as one-on-one mentoring sessions with professionals in their specific field of choice.  

Good to know

• Students may need to request permission from their spring instructors as they may miss courses depending on the dates of the conference. Students will be responsible for this process.

Living Arrangements 

Students will stay in a hotel in the entire duration of the program. Two students will share a room. 

Program Dates 

March 7 - 16, 2025

*Students may need permission from their spring instructors if they will miss courses due to the conference dates. Students are responsible for this process. 

This program is offered annually and typically opens for application by the beginning of September. 

Academics  

Students will take the MDIA 4903: South by Southwest to earn a total of 3 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 2026 is still being finalized and cost information will be updated when the next program cycle opens for application.

• Undergraduate estimate: $TBD + 3 Credits of Spring Athens-Campus Tuition/Fees*

*Note: The credit-hours associated with the program are part of the Spring semester. Students taking between 12 to 20 Athens campus hours, including those associated with the program, will not incur additional tuition costs for the Spring semester. Students taking less than 12 or more than 20 Athens campus credits for the Spring term will see their tuition charge adjusted accordingly.  

Funding Opportunities

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

*School of Media Arts & Studies students may apply for an internal scholarship through the  Ralph J. Bitzer MDIA Opportunities Scholarship. 

Eligibility and Application Requirements 

This program is open to all Ohio University students with a minimum GPA of 2.0 who are in good conduct standing. Preference will be given to undergraduate MDIA students.

Applicants are required to submit:

1. A resume/cv
2. A personal statement
3. The names, emails, and phone numbers for 2 references who may be contacted regarding your application. 

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). 

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 (opens in a new window)
• Accessibility Requests and Accommodations  (opens in a new window)