The Hofstra LA Semester offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the West Coast and all it has to offer. Live, work, and study in Hollywood — the entertainment capital of the world.
California Dreaming
Students will live together at Emerson College’s LA campus, take in-person Hofstra courses related to the entertainment industry, and participate in internships within their areas of professional interest.
NAVIGATE THE BUSTLING 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 access to a supportive network of accomplished alumni working in all areas of the industry.
Hofstra LA Application Information
Tentative Dates
January 24 to May 10, 2025 (16 Weeks) • Dates for the LA Semester 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 attend a series of mandatory group and individual preparatory meetings during the fall 2024 semester.
Eligibility
Open to Herbert School majors. Preference will be given to qualified rising juniors and seniors. A minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average is recommended.
Housing and Classrooms
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.
Sample Courses
Hofstra Los Angeles Semester Class
MASS 104 • Media and the Law
PR 121 • Entertainment Publicity and Promotion
RTVF 134 • The TV Industry
RTVF 148 • Producing the Motion Picture
Internship (Credit will depend on major, individual program, progress)
Approximate Cost of Attendance
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 • $3,900
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
Financial aid packages are applied toward billable costs. Selected students will receive detailed information about financial aid. The Herbert School offers donor-funded, need-based sponsorships to help offset costs of study-away programs. 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
LA is home to major studios, production companies, media streaming powerhouses, broadcast network studio operations, recording labels, sports franchises and events, public relations and strategic communications firms, and talent agencies.
Alumni Success
Hofstra alumni are directors, producers, writers, showrunners, editors, publicists, on-air talent, agents, managers, journalists, and professionals in development, public relations, marketing, business affairs, casting, and more.
Contact
Questions About Hofstra LA?
Adria Marlowe
Associate Dean, The Lawrence Herbert School of Communication
516-463-5217
Hofstra University has contracted with a professional employer organization called Kelly Services, Inc. to provide and employ Hofstra faculty for the Hofstra LA Semester. 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.