Newhouse off-campus domestic programs (Newhouse DC / Newhouse LA / Newhouse NYC) are open to visiting students from other colleges and universities with a major or minor in communications or related field of study. Students should have completed 60 credits by the start of their planned semester away and have an overall cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Visiting students must also be in good academic, financial and conduct standing with their home college or university.
Priority is given to seniors and communication majors currently enrolled in accredited programs.
As a visiting student, you will receive the following at a Newhouse center:
Résumé and cover letter assistance as well as support, resources and guidance to secure an internship within the communications/entertainment industry
Participation in a for-credit internship learning experience
On-site orientation to ease your transition into your study away experience
Cultural excursions
Fully furnished housing options shared with Syracuse University students participating in off-campus programs
On-site support
Enrollment in Newhouse School accredited courses, credits earned, and grades
Access to an invaluable network of professionals including instructors, guest speakers, mentors and accomplished alumni
A Syracuse University transcript
A life-changing experience!
Getting Started
Visit the Newhouse special opportunities page for more information on the specific program you’re interested in to review academics, internship and student life details.
Check with your college or university about your eligibility for the program. Acceptance by the Newhouse School is contingent upon official approval from your home institution.
The Application Procedure
Submit the online application for the program you are interested in attending. Please note that you may only apply to one program per semester. If you are unsure, please apply to your top choice.
Obtain home college approval from your home college Dean, Department Chair and/or advising office.
Submit college transcript.
Submit résumé.
Submit two professional references:
A faculty member, instructor or adviser within your academic program that can provide an informed assessment of your academic strengths and weaknesses.
A past or present employer, internship supervisor or campus activity supervisor that can vouch for your work ethic, skills and professional achievements.
Newhouse DC | Newhouse LA | Newhouse NYC Application Deadlines:
Fall semester: Feb. 15
Spring semester: Sept. 15
LA and NYC Summer programs: Jan. 30
Final acceptance is at the discretion of the Newhouse DC/LA/NYC program directors and based upon the following:
Academic recommendation and professional references
Academic program of study performance
Involvement in campus-based activities related to student’s career goals
Interview with the program director (via zoom)
Financial Aid for Visiting Students at Newhouse Programs
Syracuse University partners with many universities and colleges regarding billing for approved programs. Students can connect with their study away office to discover the benefits of our relationship with their home school.
The Newhouse School is committed to making domestic study away accessible for students seeking academic opportunities beyond their home campus. There are a variety of financial awards available for visiting students participating in off-campus programs.
For more information, please refer to our financial aid pages:
If you are currently receiving federal financial aid, you’ll want to confirm that such aid will continue while studying away from your home campus. Contact the financial aid office at your home school to determine if your school will process financial aid for your enrollment in a Syracuse University program.
Health and Safety
At Syracuse University, the health, wellness, and safety of all students are our highest priorities. Our study away pre-departure and onsite mandatory information sessions include health and safety information to help students maintain their health and well-being throughout their term of study.
Newhouse LA Scholarships and Financial Aid
In addition to Syracuse University tuition, Newhouse LA will entail a program fee and housing costs. Additional costs to consider are transportation (possible rental car or ride share services and/or a MetroCard), meals, groceries and entertainment.
Newhouse LA offers several merit based scholarships, along with information regarding other financial aid resources to help students to offset some of the costs of the program. Read more about the scholarships below:
Oakie Charitable Foundation Award
Jack Oakie was an Academy Award-nominated actor who worked in film, theater, radio and television from the 1930s-1960s. For this merit-based award, students must view a Jack Oakie film and write an essay summarizing, critiquing and evaluating the film.
IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE NEWHOUSE LA OPPORTUNITY AWARD, STUDENTS MUST APPLY FOR THE OAKIE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION AWARD
This award looks to extend a helping hand to students studying in Los Angeles so they are better able to meet their bursar bill obligations and/or other unforeseen financial circumstances. This award will be based on demonstrated financial need and the criteria set by the Newhouse LA award structure. Students will be provided with more information about needs based financial aid provided by the Newhouse LA program on a semester by semester basis.
Gerald R. & Vicki S. Benjamin Family Charitable Foundation Award
The Gerald R. & Vicki S. Benjamin Family Charitable Foundation, Inc. has provided us with a generous financial gift for the purpose of offering financial assistance to students who choose a study away experience with the Newhouse LA program. The award is designed to help with some of the increased costs, such as housing and transportation, and is based on academic merit, demonstrated financial need and the criteria set forth by the Newhouse LA Semester program.
In addition to Syracuse University tuition, Newhouse NYC entails a program fee and housing costs.
Existing financial aid, grants and scholarships will be applied to your Newhouse NYC semester. Additional costs to consider are books, supplies, personal expenses, transportation (i.e.: MetroCard for the subway), meals, groceries and entertainment. Limited additional scholarships are also available. Read more below:
Newhouse NYC Opportunity Award
This award looks to extend a helping hand to students studying in New York City so they are better able to meet their bursar bill obligations and/or other unforeseen financial circumstances. This award will be based on demonstrated financial need and the criteria set by the Newhouse NYC award structure. Students will be provided with more information about needs based financial aid provided by the Newhouse NYC program on a semester by semester basis.
Students who intern at Great Point Studios during their Newhouse NYC semester will receive a $500 commute stipend to put toward travel to and from Yonkers. It is automatically awarded and no application is necessary.
Newhouse DC Scholarships and Financial Aid
In addition to Syracuse University tuition, Newhouse DC entails a program fee and housing costs. Additional costs to consider are books, entertainment, groceries, meals, personal expenses, supplies and transportation.
When planning your budget for personal expenses, please remember that Washington is an exciting yet expensive city; the average movie ticket, burger or cab ride will be slightly higher than in Syracuse.
Existing financial aid, grants and scholarships will be applied to your semester in Washington, D.C. Limited additional scholarships are also available. Read more below:
Newhouse DC Opportunity Award
This award looks to extend a helping hand to students studying in Washington, D.C. so they are better able to meet their bursar bill obligations and/or other unforeseen financial circumstances. This award will be based on demonstrated financial need and the criteria set by the Newhouse DC award structure. Students will be provided with more information about needs based financial aid provided by the Newhouse DC program on a semester by semester basis.
This gift will support students with demonstrated financial need who are studying in the school’s Newhouse DC program, based at the new Syracuse University Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship Institute. All students participating in the semester program are automatically considered to win this award. No application is necessary. Preference will be given to students who advance the University’s interest in promoting the educational benefits of a diverse student body.
We encourage you to take full advantage of the vast museums, iconic monuments, shopping, culture, cuisines and many year-round events and festivals.
Through living in the city, students learn about work-life balance, budgeting and making smart decisions about their health and safety. Students meet countless professional contacts throughout the semester, and they leave with lifelong friendships they’ve made with classmates who also participated in the program.
HOUSING
Undergraduate students in the Newhouse DC program will live in housing options arranged by Syracuse University. If you are from the D.C. metro area, you may opt to live at home.
TRANSPORTATION
One of the perks of living in Washington, D.C. is that you don’t need a car. Mass transit (subway and bus/circulator) are the most common forms of transportation but there are also cabs, ride share, zip cars and bikeshare.
Syracuse University participates in the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) U-Pass program, providing full time students with unlimited rides on the Metrorail and Metrobus. Every student participating in the Newhouse DC program will be issued a U-Pass for the semester.
Newhouse DC Internships
Learn entry-level skills, experience professional environments, make connections and develop tools that will enhance your career as a young professional.
Your Newhouse DC experience will be built around a 20–25 hour weekly internship matched to your interests and abilities. Newhouse DC staff is dedicated to partnering with each student to secure an internship. Before the start of the semester, you will meet with the program director to discuss your career goals, skillset, and potential internship opportunities.
Past students have excelled in internships at companies including: thehill.com, the DC Public Defenders Office, Grassroots Analytics, Senators Coon and Warren, C-SPAN, Van Scoyoc Associates and Pro Sports Outlook.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Students participating in internships must comply with all health and safety rules set by external companies and/or organizations they work for. Failure to comply with a company or organization’s health and safety rules could result in the student being ineligible for the position and loss of a job offer.
Internships are a central part of the Newhouse DC program. They provide students with real-world experiences and valuable insight into the communications industry. Interns learn entry-level skills, become exposed to professional environments, make connections and develop tools that will aid them as young professionals.
Newhouse DC is built around an 20-25 hour-per-week internship aligned to a student’s interests and skill set. If you would like to submit an internship opportunity, please email newhousedc@syr.edu and someone will be in touch with you soon. Thank you in advance for supporting off campus experiential learning!
Newhouse DC Admissions
Newhouse DC is offered in the Fall and Spring semesters for undergraduates and during Summer Session II for the broadcast and digital journalism master’s capstone.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and currently being accepted through Spring 2026. Students are encouraged to apply early!
Dates and Deadlines
Fall 2024: Applications due by Feb. 15, 2024 Spring 2025: Applications due by Sept. 15, 2024
This professional development program is designed for seniors, juniors and advanced second semester sophomores that have completed their foundational coursework.
Good academic, citizenship and financial standing.
Students are required to meet with their Newhouse adviser to discuss an academic program plan for their semester in Washington, D.C.
Non-Newhouse majors with home college approval are welcome to apply.
Financials
In addition to Syracuse University tuition, Newhouse DC entails a program fee and housing costs. Additional costs to consider are books, entertainment, groceries, meals, personal expenses, supplies and transportation.
When planning your budget for personal expenses, please remember that Washington is an exciting yet expensive city; the average movie ticket, burger or cab ride will be slightly higher than in Syracuse.
Existing financial aid, grants and scholarships will be applied to your semester in Washington, D.C. Limited additional scholarships and work study opportunities are also available.
Duals, PC minors and non-Newhouse students should email home college approval to NewhouseDC@syr.edu.
Submit the Newhouse DC $60 application fee.
Newhouse DC Academics
The academic experience in Washington, D.C. supports Syracuse University’s goal of providing every student with a chance to study in one of the world’s greatest, most dynamic and diverse metropolitan areas.
As a Newhouse DC student, you will select from a variety of courses taught by professionals working in the industry. Blending practical experience in the field with a passion for education, our faculty foster a unique environment for students studying in Washington, D.C. Small class sizes lend itself to recognizing individual talents and continued development, fostering a positive and nurturing learning environment.
Students can also select from a variety of online courses offered by the College of Arts and Sciences. In addition, Newhouse/Maxwell duals can request permission to take Maxwell-in-Washington based courses.
COM 300: Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship (3 credits)
This course provides students with the tools to understand the erosion of public trust in democratic governance and the media and the connections between the two, and a roadmap to earn and maximize their own credibility with the public.
Using data, guest speakers, readings and individualized study, we’ll examine relationship between media coverage and the state of democracy — from elections to technology, sports, the military, race, gender, education and the workforce. We’ll study the ethical pressures and codes that shape political candidates, public officials, journalists, non-news broadcasters and PR practitioners — and the differences in expectations and obligations between each field.
COM 350: Media, Diversity and Politics (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to fundamental issues related to diversity and inclusion in the media industries as approached through the lens of specific topics, industries, and/or media products. This course will: Explain the concept of social identity and the role of media in the construction of social identities. Define and differentiate the relationship between stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination, and such concepts including but not limited to racism and sexism. Define and apply the concepts of representation and symbolic annihilation, as well as relevant communication theories. Define and apply the concept of hegemony and its role in the production of messages. Describe and apply the concept of the intersectionality of identities and its relationship to media reception and production.
COM 400: DC Industry Practicum (1-3 credits)
Practical experience in the Washington, DC communications industry. Includes media-based internship along with required in-person classroom sessions, field trips and guest speakers. Students will receive an internship grade that is determined by the internship supervisor performance evaluation, one-on-one meetings, class assignments, journal, and final paper.
COM 400.71: Psychology of Political Communication (3 credits)
In this class, we’ll explore the ways in which psychological processes influence political communication, as well as the ways that political events play into cognitive and emotional biases to persuade, motivate or discourage people. We will focus specifically on how psychology affects our ability to deliberate—to discuss politics with the intent to learn about others’ views or collaborate to generate policy solutions. We will also critically reflect on our own political knowledge and biases and how they play a role in communication and decision-making.
COM 509: Law for Public Communicators (3 credits)
This class will expose you to the elements of First Amendment and media-related law so as communications professionals or practicing journalists, you understand the legal implications of your work. Topics include defamation, privacy, newsgathering torts, access to court proceedings, confidential sources and open records. Additional topics include commercial speech, broadcast regulation, copyright, obscenity, indecency, and the internet.
This is an advanced reporting course designed to equip broadcast, print, and online journalism students with the skills necessary to cover campaigns, elections, and public policy. In this newsroom experience, you will write, edit, and produce content on deadline. You will cover local, state, and national races and significant political events. You will generate original reporting and cover a political race of your choice based on class discussion. You will gain a new perspective on beat reporting and how to develop, research and pitch news stories, You’ll also understand the role of various elected government officials on the state and federal level.
BDJ 675: DC Graduate Professional Experience (3 credits)
Master’s students will spend six weeks of their graduate program in Washington, D.C. During this capstone experience, they apply the hands-on and academic lessons they’ve learned from their previous semesters at another level.
Students cover Capitol Hill and the federal government as reporters for Nexstar television stations in markets as varied as Austin, Erie, Shreveport and Fort Wayne. As credentialed members of the Washington press corps, they develop, research, shoot, report and edit their own stories, which then air on their assigned stations’ newscasts. Students who are interested in producing the news work with a variety of organizations, such as CBS Newspath, Agence France Presse, NBC News, The Situation Room at CNN and the Cox News Washington Bureau.
Stay Connected as Alumni
Stay involved in the Newhouse LA semester by attending alumni events, participating in our mentor program and letting us know if you can offer an internship.
Update your contact information (current email and LA home address) in the university database to receive invitations to alumni events in Los Angeles and to participate in our mentor program.
