Career Exploration in Seattle, WA (Public Relations Focus)

TXST students at Expedia HQ

School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Location: Seattle, WA
Course: MC 4342: Strategic Professionalism or MC 5311: Independent Study
CRN: TBD
Program Directors: Debra Price, debraprice@txstate.edu and Jennifer Scharlach, jscharlach@txstate.edu 
Course Dates: Summer II
Travel: July 27 - August 2, 2025
Program Fee: $2,530
Course Tuition: Undergraduate $1,068.24, Graduate $1,289.58
*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!

Program Itinerary

This week-long career exploration trip will take students inside the headquarters of global corporations and local landmarks in beautiful Seattle, Washington. Exposure to leading public relations and communications pros will keep students current on latest developments in the industry and provide insight on how to land a job in a major market. Networking with industry leaders and alumni solidify contacts and connections for our students seeking professional experience in prominent media markets.

DateActivities
Sunday, July 27Travel to Seattle, WA
Monday, July 28Visit Pike's Place Market, Amazon Headquarters, and Weber Shandwick.
Tuesday, July 29Visit with Public Relations professionals at Microsoft and Weyerhaeuser HQ. End the day with a Seattle harbor cruise.
Wednesday, July 30Day trip to Mount Rainier National Park.
Thursday, July 31Visit to Experdia HQ. Meet with the Mariners PR team followed by a Mariners game.
Friday, August 1Visit the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Enjoy a free afternoon in Seattle.
Saturday, August 2Travel home

*Itinerary is subject to change. 

Application Process

Follow these steps to enroll.

STEP 2

Applications reviewed by Program Directors & OXP.

STEP 3

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

STEP 4

Register for SIA associated course.

Program FAQ

TXST students at Pikes Place Market
TXST students in Expedia conference room
TXST students at Amazon Sphere
Expand FAQ List

  • General Information

  • Costs

    • The program fee includes:

      • 6 nights lodging in Seattle. 
      • Breakfast daily. 
      • 2 dinners. 
      • $50 ORCA pass (public transportation). 
      • Agency visits. 
      • Seattle Harbor Cruise. 
      • Tickets to Seattle Mariners game.  
      • Seattle CityPass, admission to three activities. 

    • The program fee does not include:

      • Airfare to/from Seattle, WA.
      • All lunches, 6 dinners.
      • 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. 

    • 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. 

    • 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

    • Students will be responsible for booking and paying for airfare to Seattle. All participants will be given a transit pass that will cover the cost of daily public transportation (trains, busses, monorail) during the trip, and the pass will also cover the cost of a train to and from the airport.

    • Students will need to pack business casual clothes for site visits made to major corporations in Seattle. Participants should also bring comfortable walking shoes, a jacket for cool weather, and casual clothes for sightseeing and hiking.  

    • Yes, students will have some down time on most days of the trip.

  • Drop & Refund Policy

    • 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.

    • 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.