US: Scripps in DC

Overview 

The Scripps Semester in DC program is a collaboration between the School of Visual Communication and the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. 

The program gives students the opportunity to learn from industry professionals working in the nation's capital, focusing on journalism (print, broadcast, data and photojournalism), strategic communication, commercial photography, information graphics, data visualization, publication design for print and digital, and scripting a UX design. 

During the fall and spring semesters, the first four weeks of the term will be spent in a seminar setting, with each week focusing on different topics. (During summer, the first two weeks of the program are seminars.) Students will receive three credit hours for each week of classes. Those participating in the program will meet with a wide range of industry professionals from media outlets, tech firms, communication-related operations of government, public policy professionals and non-profit organizations working in the Washington D.C. area.

Additional topics will include:

• Multimedia storytelling
• Data journalism and visualization
• Ethics
• Strategic communication
• Photojournalism
• Public Policy

During the second part of the term, students will be immersed in a 10-week internship (practicum) in the D.C. area tailored to the areas of interest and study. All practicums will be 40 hours per week.

Living Arrangements

All students will live in furnished apartments at The Lansburgh in the District of Columbia and conveniently located to public transportation. Housing costs are included in the program fee. Any additional anticipated costs will be outlined in the student budget worksheet. Roommate assignments may include students from universities other than Ohio University.

Program Dates

Spring 2024 Semester: January 8, 2024 to April 20, 2024

Summer 2024 Semester: May 13, 2024 to August 9, 2024

Fall 2024 Semester: August 26, 2024 to December 9, 2024 

This program is offered annually each fall, spring, and summer semester.

Academics

FALL and SPRING: 12 credit hours from 4 classes listed below.

• Week 1: VICO/JOUR 4001 Covering D.C. 
• Week 2: VICO/JOUR 4902 Semester in D.C.: Seminar I
• Week 3: VICO/JOUR 4903 Semester in D.C.: Seminar II
• Week 4: VICO/JOUR 4904 Semester in D.C.: Seminar III

Each course will have an intensive week-long seminar during weeks 1-4 and will have grading and work products due throughout the remainder of the program dates.   

SUMMER: 6 credit hours from two courses listed below:

• Week 1: VICO/JOUR 4001 Covering D.C. 
• Week 2: VICO/JOUR 4902 Semester in D.C.: Seminar I

BOTH PROGRAMS: 4 credit hours for JOUR/VICO from the course listed below:

• VICO/JOUR 4926 Semester in D.C.: Practicum

During the Fall and Spring Semester programs, students begin their internship placements in Week 5, whereas students in the Summer Semester program begin internships in Week 3.  These placements are expected to be full time for the remaining 10 weeks (Fall or Spring) or eight weeks (Summer).  Students will work with the on-site director of Scripps in D.C. Hebah Abdalla, to prepare for the internship application process.

Cost

The program fee for this program includes: student accommodations, pre-loaded metro card, excursions, National Press Club Membership, welcome and farewell dinner. In addition to the program fee, students should plan for 10-16 credit hours of tuition*, administrative fee, and out-of-pocket costs.

The student budget worksheets for this program, outlining these costs, follows:

• Spring 2024 Student Budget Worksheet
• Summer 2024 Student Budget Worksheet
• Fall 2024 Student Budget Worksheet

Items that are not related to the program (ie. additional entertainment, souvenirs, extra travel, contingency funds) are not included in the cost estimates provided and should be budgeted for separately.  

*Note:

• Non-resident surcharge waived for the credit hours associated with this program. 
• If you are nominated to this program, you will be required to pay a deposit to confirm your participation. The deposit is a down payment on the total costs to be billed by OHIO and is determined by the total cost of the program. 

Looking for Funding Opportunities? 

Scholarships are awarded for academic achievement and/or financial need and do not have to be repaid. Common scholarships include OHIO Signature Awards (such as OHIO Promise) and others, like the Templeton or Cutler Scholarship.

More information on financial aid and scholarships can be found on our funding pages.

Eligibility and Requirements

Open to sophomores and higher with preference given to juniors and seniors. Students must also have a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Program open to all Scripps majors and minors. 

In the online application, students must include

• a personal statement explaining how participating in a Washington D.C.-based program fits their career goals,
• a resume,
• a list of three references (at least one being a faculty member from their department) 
• a copy of their DARS.

An interview with one of the Program Directors will also be required. 

Students who will be on probation at any point during the program for a conduct offense that took place less than a calendar year from the program start date may not study away.  Read the entire conduct policy(opens in a new window).  

Participants must have a at least a high school diploma or the equivalent (e.g. GED) by the start date of the program to be considered for eligibility.  Students enrolled in College Credit Plus (CC+) are not eligible for study away programs.

Resources 

• Health and Safety
• Accessibility Requests and Accommodations

Student Testimonials

Scripps in DC is a can't-miss opportunity! But don't just take our word for it. Hear from our former participants.

Alumni, students reflect on Scripps Semester in D.C. experiences (ohio.edu)

Follow Scripps in DC on social media for more student perspectives: