Strategic Professionalism in Los Angeles (Advertising Focus)

School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Course: MC 4342: Strategic Professionalism
CRN: TBD
Program Director: Dr. Clay Craig, cmc365@txstate.edu
Program Assistant: Jenny Buschhorn, buschhorn@txstate.edu
Course Dates: Summer II, dates TBD
Travel: July 27 - August 2, 2025
Program Fee: $2,250
Course Tuition: $1,068.24
*Financial Aid eligible

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Study in America applications for summer 2025 are open through January 24. Don't miss your chance to study beyond the classroom!

Submit Your Application

Program Itinerary

Join us in Los Angeles, CA, where you'll meet with leading professionals in the advertising industry. This experience will help you apply your skills in presenting ideas, business etiquette, and professional self-promotion. Engage with experts from top agencies, entertainment, sports, and gaming sectors, and gain practical insights into effective communication and job search tactics.

Date	Activities
Sunday, July 27	Travel to Los Angeles, CA
Monday, July 28	Agency visits Griffith Observatory
Tuesday, July 29	Networking event
Wednesday, July 30	Warner Brothers Studio tour Getty Museum
Thursday, July 31	Client visits Networking event
Friday, August 1	Client visit Angel City FC game
Saturday, August 2	Travel home

*Itinerary is subject to change.

Application Process

Follow these steps to enroll.

STEP 1

Complete SIA student application. Deadline is January 24, 2025.

STEP 2

Applications reviewed by Program Directors & OXP.

STEP 3

Pay $50 program deposit. Deadline is February 21, 2025.

STEP 4

Program FAQ

Expand FAQ List

General Information
- Who is eligible to participate in the program?
  
  All SJMC students are eligible to apply.
- Will I need to be in person at the San Marcos campus for the course?
  
  No, you do not need to be in San Marcos to participate in the program. Instruction before and after the program trip will be online.
Costs
- What is included in the program fee?
  The $2,250 program fee includes:
  - Lodging in Santa Monica
  - Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner
  - Some on-site transportation to scheduled itinerary events
  - Entrance to the Griffith Park Observatory
  - Entrance to Warner Brothers Studios
  - Entrance to the Getty
  - Admission to an Angel FC game (pending schedule)
  - Meetings and networking events with advertising professionals and alumni
- What is NOT included in the program fee?
  The program fee does not include:
  - Airfare to/from Los Angeles, CA.
  - 6 lunches and 6 dinners.
  - Some on-site transportation.
  - Any additional activities students participate in during program free time.
  - Course tuition.
  *Per OXP policy, airfare is purchased by the student is not refundable by the university. Students are encouraged to purchase flexible airfare or travel insurance in case of the event they are unable to travel.
- What is the program deposit?
  
  Students are required to pay a $50 nonrefundable program deposit to secure their spot in the program. The deposit is applied to the overall program fee.
- Is Study in America Financial Aid eligible?
  
  Yes, SIA programs are financial aid eligible; however, eligibility can vary by student award. Students should always confirm with TXST One Stop whether their financial aid will cover the course tuition and program fee.
Program Preparation
- Will I need to provide my transportation?
  
  Students are responsible for purchasing airfare to/from Los Angeles, CA, and some on-site transporation.
- Is there a dress code for specific visits?
  
  Agency dress code is business casual.
- Will there be downtime on the trip?
  
  Yes, students will have some downtime.
Drop & Refund Policy
- Course Tuition Refund
  
  Refunds for a dropped extension course are given according to university policy for regular university courses on campus. Refer to the TXST One Stop for more information.
- SIA Program Fee Refund
  Students may receive a refund for the program fee if they drop/withdraw within the refund schedule. The program fee refund policy is separate from the refund deadlines associated with course tuition costs.
  The following policy applies to students that drop/withdraw from the course/program:
  - 100% of the program fee is refundable 45 days prior to the course start date.
  - 70% of the program fee is refundable 44 days prior to the course start date.
  - 50% of the program fee is refundable after the first start date of the course.
  Students that cannot complete the program and would like to appeal the refund policy, please contact extension@txstate.edu for assistance.
  Please note the course start date is not the first day of travel.