THE LAWRENCE HERBERT SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION
Experience Hollywood with the Hofstra LA Semester—live, work, and study in the heart of the entertainment industry.
California Dreaming
Students will connect with industry professionals, participate in internships within their area of professional interest, earn a full semester of credit through industry-related courses taught by Hofstra professors, and experience LA’s vibrant culture.
EXPLORE THE WEST COAST MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT SCENE
Thinking About a Career in Hollywood?
Hofstra LA Semester students will benefit from access to career development resources, exclusive networking opportunities and social activities throughout the semester, and a supportive network of accomplished alumni working in all areas of the industry.
Hofstra LA Application Information
JANUARY 22 TO MAY 7, 2027 (TENTATIVE) – The exact dates will be confirmed by the beginning of the Fall 2026 semester and may differ slightly from Hofstra’s on-campus semester calendar. Students will be required to arrive on check-in day, be present for orientation days, and stay in LA until the program is complete. Students will also be expected to participate in a one (1) credit course during the Fall 2026 semester. Additional details about the Fall 2026 course will be provided before the program deposit deadline.
All Hofstra University undergraduates pursuing a major or minor in the Herbert School, Zarb School, and Music Business program may apply. Preference will be given to rising juniors and seniors. A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA is recommended.
Students will stay together in suite-style dorms at Emerson College’s Los Angeles (ELA) campus. Located in the heart of Hollywood, ELA features a communal outdoor terrace complete with a firepit and gas grills; penthouse kitchen space with televisions; laundry room; underground parking; and views of the Hollywood sign and downtown Los Angeles. In-person Hofstra courses will take place on-site in ELA’s interactive classrooms. The ELA facility employs 24/7 security staff stationed inside the front entrance of the building. Students will have access to an LA-based program coordinator, as well as a network of supportive alumni mentors.
The following courses may be offered in Spring ’27 depending on majors participating, students’ degree requirements and class standings, and availability of instructors. Students accepted into the program meet with faculty in their department prior to the Fall ‘26 semester for individual advisement.
Course Offerings (subject to change)
Celebrity, Culture and Media • MASS 115 (required for all majors)
Screenwriting Seminar • RTVF 128
Film Genres: Hofstra LA • RTVF 157
The Television Industry and Media Landscape * RTVF 134
Documenting LA Practicum • RTVF 67Q
Entertainment Publicity and Promotion • PR 121
Internship • JRNL, PR, RTVF 170 (based on major)
Marketing • MKT 101
Management • MGT 101
Music Supervision • MUSB 150D
A&R • MUSB 108
Internship • 174/185 based on major
Internship * MUSB 106 (based on major)
Public Speaking • RHET 007
Ethics *or* Contemporary Ethical Issues • PHI 14 *or* PHI 90
Studies in Literature • CLL 151
and possibly others…
Billed by Hofstra University: Tuition, housing, and LA semester program fees are estimates and subject to change.
The LA Semester tuition will be the same as Hofstra University’s on-campus tuition for full-time students.
LA Semester Housing • $6,825
LA Semester Program Fee – Covers program-related costs including, but not limited to, administrative expenses, group activities, and events • $3,100
Other Estimated Expenses: Not Included in Billable Items: Students should set a realistic budget for their personal expenses during the semester. The following is an estimated budget, which is variable based on each student’s situation.
Estimated Ground Transportation • Up to $2,400
Estimated Groceries and Meals • Up to $2,500
Estimated Spending Money • Up to $1,000
Estimated Books and Supplies • $200
Estimated Domestic R/T Airfare • $500
Financial aid packages are applied toward billable costs. Selected students will receive detailed information about financial aid. Students may request consideration to receive need-based support to help offset costs associated with the LA Semester program. Accepted students will be able to request consideration for need-based sponsorship support. Deposit and balance deadlines, as well as course registration information and other important dates, will be provided to students once they are accepted into the LA Semester program.
Internship Opportunities
Los Angeles is home to major film and television studios, production companies, record labels, broadcast network studio operations, podcasting companies, news organizations and industry publications, sports franchises and events, entertainment marketing, booking agencies and concert promoters, public relations and strategic communications firms, financial services organizations, and talent agencies.
Alumni Success
Hofstra alumni are directors, studio and production executives, publicists, casting managers, writers, editors, cinematographers, talent agents, journalists, PR professionals, on-air talent, A&R representatives, business affairs professionals, digital marketers, music supervisors, artists managers, concert promoters, and more…
See Where Our Alumni Are
The faculty will be Hofstra faculty subject to all faculty policies of the University. The policies, requirements, course offerings, schedules, activities, mode of instruction, tuition, fees, facilities, services, operations, offerings, faculty, administrators, and calendar of the University, its schools, departments, and programs are subject to change without notice at any time at the sole discretion and judgment of Hofstra University. Such changes may be of any nature, including, but not limited to, the elimination of the school, programs, classes, or activities; the modification or cancellation of scheduled classes or other academic activities; and the relocation of or modification of the content, modality, format or location of any of the foregoing. Any such changes shall be made consistent with federal, state, and other applicable regulations or standards concerning accreditation and other regulated University and program requirements. Hofstra University shall not be responsible for the refund of any tuition or fees in the event of any changes. Hofstra University assumes no liability for the interruption, cessation, or modification of classes or other activities due to public health, safety, security concerns, fire, flood, weather, strike, war, pandemic, an act of God, or other unforeseen events or force majeure. Hofstra University will not refund the cost of any airfare or travel arrangements purchased; therefore, you should not make any prepaid travel arrangements before you are advised to do so by your Program Director.
THERE’S NO LIMIT TO WHAT YOU’LL CREATE
Develop your unique perspective and the professional skills to share it with the world. The Lawrence Herbert School of Communication provides the technical training, creative freedom, and industry connections to help your voice reach its intended audience.
