School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Course: MC 3114: Career Exploration: Destination America
CRN: 41601
Program Director: Dr. Clay Craig, cmc365@txstate.edu
Program Assistant: Jenny Buschhorn, buschhorn@txstate.edu
Course Dates: December 17, 2026 - February 15, 2027
Travel: January 10 - 15, 2027
Program Fee: $2,420.04
Course Tuition: $356.08
*Financial Aid eligible
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, January 10 | Travel to Los Angeles, CA & Welcome Dinner |
| Monday, January 11 | Visit "Reach" and "Lighthouse" Agency |
| Tuesday, January 12 | Agency visit & AAF Activity IW group |
| Wednesday, January 13 | Agency Visit & Meow Wolf Excursion |
| Thursday, January 14 | Warner Brothers Studio |
| Friday, January 15 | Travel Home |
*Itinerary is subject to change.
Application Process
Follow these steps to enroll.
STEP 2
Applications reviewed by Program Directors & SIA.
STEP 3
Pay $50 program deposit. Deadline is November 1, 2026.
STEP 4
Register for SIA associated course.
Program FAQ
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General Information
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Who is eligible to participate in the program?
All undegraduate students in academic standing are invited to apply! Priority will be given to SJMC majors.
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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. Course instruction will be online MWF via Zoom.
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Costs
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What is included in the program fee?
The 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
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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 SIA 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.
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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.
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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.
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Program Preparation
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Will I need to provide my transportation?
Students are responsible for purchasing airfare to/from Los Angeles, CA, and some on-site transporation.
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Is there a dress code for specific visits?
Agency dress code is business casual.
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Will there be downtime on the trip?
Yes, students will have some downtime in the evenings.
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Drop & Refund Policy
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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.
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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. See full drop/refund policy.
Please note the course start date is not the first day of travel.
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