The VPA LA Semester is an immersive professional development program that provides students with a unique opportunity to work as interns in Los Angeles while taking academic courses taught by LA professionals with expertise in their given discipline. The program is designed to broaden students’ understanding of career opportunities and gain skills to network and succeed in their careers.
**See “Admission: Syracuse University Students” below for application details.
*See the Admissions section below to ensure you apply correctly. If you need assistance or have questions, email to get in touch with the program director and assistant.
The VPA LA Semester provides a robust and challenging academic program taught by industry professionals. Students will have an opportunity to learn from our dedicated faculty as well as current industry professionals who are invited in as guest speakers. Being in Los Angeles also affords our students the unique opportunity to participate in field trips to studios, production companies, post-production houses, animation studios, video game productions, marketing/ad companies, and much more.
Fall semester academic courses focus on film, exploring the skills it takes to launch into many aspects of film production from development, production, post-production, and distribution. Spring semester academic courses will explore topics related to communication and rhetorical studies, illustration, and animation. Students can explore the world of animation, gaming, marketing, and pop culture/sports/film communication.
Fall Courses
Classes will be held in person at the Syracuse University Los Angeles Center unless otherwise noted.
CRS 325/625 Presentational Speaking: Networking and the Art of the Pitch (3 credits)
Tuesdays 6-9 p.m.
Your career is dependent on your ability to network. It is critical to know how sell yourself and your ideas to others, both to get work and to create your team around you to make it all happen. This course will explore places, industries, social media, and other digital avenues to network today. This class will also explore online pitches, in person pitches and the effective way to present yourself to get what you are looking for. The class will bring in guest panelists to hear pitches and give feedback.
The student will secure an internship that will meet the minimum number of 135 hours. This practical internship experience in a professional environment, arranged with the help of the VPA Semester staff, will be at a company that is in line with the student’s learning objectives. The class will meet four (4) times throughout this semester to explore your experiences at your internships and discuss any challenges or concerns. There will also be one-to-one meetings with the Director which will take place twice during the semester. The purpose of these meetings is to make sure the student is meeting their goals and discuss any roadblocks to their learning outcomes.
FIL 500 Film Practicum: Professional Practices (3 units) Mondays 1-5pm
This course will prepare the students for professional practices and set protocols. It will expose them to the different aspects of production from production design, sound/foley, music/composition, acting contracts (SAG), grant writing and fellowship/labs, distribution, and marketing. It will bring in industry panelists/speakers and go onsite to see sets, sound recording studios, mills for production design, camera/lighting rental houses, etc. It will prepare them to enter the professional sets better prepared for industry practices, know their rights, and expose them to other aspects of film that might be a career possibility moving forward.
Senior Project is a two-semester course for majors intended to integrate knowledge from previous theory and practice courses into a coherent whole. In this course you are expected to produce an artistic film or video. The film should demonstrate aesthetic and technical merit that stands as evidence of your development as an artist and as a synthesis of all you have learned in the BFA Film Program. Each student is responsible and accountable for his/her film concept and rationale, visual and audio strategies, direction and editing. You may use collaborators in the script, cinematography, sound, music, post-production, special effects, credits and sound mix.
CRS325/625 Presentational Speaking: Networking and the Art of the Pitch (3 units) Tuesdays 6-9pm
Your career is dependent on your ability to network. It is critical to know how sell yourself and your ideas to others, both to get work and to create your team around you to make it all happen. This course will explore places, industries, social media, and other digital avenues to network today. This class will also explore online pitches, in person pitches and the effective way to present yourself to get what you are looking for. The class will bring in guest panelists to hear pitches and give feedback.
FIL 500 Intro to Reality TV: Producing A Reality Episode for Real (3 credits) Wednesdays 6-9pm
FIL 500 Episodic Writing (3 units) (2 sections – Comedy and Drama) (Hybrid) Thursday 6-9 in person/ Wednesday 6-7 asynchronous
The purpose of this course is to provide students with a forum to discuss ideas and examine existing narratives to engage with the principles of visual storytelling to better understand narrative and dramatic structures. Students will learn the art of writing a script for episodic television and streaming while learning to pitch their stories to appropriate agencies. Students will be expected to read books, scripts, and industry trades as they relate to writing and business of television production in addition to watching several television shows. At the end of the course, students will complete a written pilot of high quality that could potentially be submitted for production.
FIL 500 Hiking in LA (1 unit) Meets 4 Saturdays from 10am-1pm at different locations
Sept 24, Oct 8, Oct 22, Nov 12
Explore LA neighborhoods and Angelenos’ favorite pastime through hiking and see where LA’s different industries are located. Guests will join the hikes to discuss living in LA and making it in the industry through a more casual and fun experience.
FIL 500 Business of Documentaries Saturday 10am-1pm
Spring Courses
FIL 500 INTERNSHIPS 3 credits
The student will secure an internship that will meet the minimum number of 135 hours. This practical internship experience in a professional environment, arranged with the help of the VPA Semester staff, will be at a company that is in line with the student’s learning objectives. The class will meet four (4) times remotely throughout this semester o explore your experiences at your internships, and discuss any challenges or concerns. There will also be one-to-one meetings with the Director which will take place twice during the semester. The purpose of these meetings is to make sure the student is meeting their goals and discuss any roadblocks to their learning outcomes.
CRS 360 PRACTICUM: PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES 3 credits
Prepare to launch your career with a course that explores industry best practices and technology needs, branding and social media, networking and pitching ideas, and professional behavior in person, zoom and online.
CAR 430 COMPUTER SEMINAR: PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT 3 credits
This course will build a professional portfolio for Animation and Illustration students to prepare for career launch. Learn additional skills in social media, website design, and pitching ideas and self for employment.
For students interested in illustration/animation for visual development in entertainment, illustrating worlds with consistent story and concept designs. This course will have students work in teams to write a story outline, design characters and have at least three environments following the hero’s journey format.
Individual and collaborative projects will employ traditional and digital drawing and paint media creating characters and environments. Final projects could include storyboards, animation, game or book in its final format.
PREREQ: ILL 252 and ILL 254 (Prereq’s can be waivered by permission of instructor)
ILL 352 - Intermediate Illustration II : LA VISUAL JOURNAL 3 credits
Principles of visual communication: choice of subject, procedures, and the practice of illustration. Students will meet every other week at various LA locales to research and record their observations in a sketchbook or journal. The following week they will meet in class to share and critique their results. In addition to drawings and paintings, students could use collage, scrapbooking, photos and even video presentations to enhance their written work, which could be a report, a poem, or even a performance piece. This could be presented in a traditional form or electronically, or a combination of both. Studio class assignments.
PREREQ: ILL 351 (Prereq’s can be waivered by permission of instructor)
CRS 360 ANIMATION AND CULTURE 3 credits
Students will explore the history of animation and its cultural implications. The course will look at how animation both reflects the global society and how animation conversely impacts society and culture. The course will explore the power of animation as a storytelling medium and how it has evolved in reaching new and broader/global audiences.
CRS 360 FOOD IN LA: EXPLORATION OF FOOD, SUSTAINABILITY AND FOOD INSECURITY 3 credits
This course will survey the LA food landscape and how it is showcases the local and global impact of environmental and sustainability issues. Students will explore how Los Angeles is adapting to climate change, population changes and cultural factors to address both food insecurity and the politics of food in LA.
CRS 360 SPORTS BRANDING AND CULTURE 3 credits
A critical exploration of Los Angeles sports branding. This course will explore sports icons and how they address the complex and lucrative nature of branding to reach audiences and build a career. It will address how sports branding intersects with gender, race, labor issues and consumer activism.
FIL 500 Hiking in LA (1 unit) Meets 4 Saturdays from 10am-1pm at different locations
Explore LA neighborhoods and Angelenos’ favorite pastime through hiking and see where LA’s different industries are located. Guests will join the hikes to discuss living in LA and making it in the professional industry through a more casual and fun experience.
CAR 500: SPECIAL TOPICS IN ANIMATION: Focus on lighting for animation/Color Correction/VFX or editing for Animation 1 UNIT – 5 week course
ILL 500: SPECIAL TOPICS IN ILLUSTRATION: Foundations of drawing 1 unit – 5-week course
Internships are a central part of the VPA LA Semester program. Internships provide students with real-world experiences and valuable insights into career paths. Interns learn entry-level skills, become exposed to professional environments, make connections and develop tools that will aid them as young professionals.
Email your VPA LA Home College Approval Form and unofficial transcript to . To obtain an unofficial transcript, log into MySlice and follow the links for Student Services > My Academics > View My Advising Transcript. Save this pop-up as "YOURLASTNAME.pdf."
Incomplete application materials will not be considered. Late submissions will be waitlisted.
Admissions: Non-Syracuse University Students
Non-Syracuse University students must meet the following requirements:
Visual and performing arts major, minor, or related program of study
Enroll as a full-time, non-matriculated student of Syracuse University for the semester of participation
Fall and spring: juniors and seniors
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
Good conduct standing with your school. You cannot have any open sanctions or be on disciplinary probation during the semester in which you are applying for.
Home college approval
Interview with the VPA LA Semester director
Selection Criteria
Limited spaces are available for non-Syracuse University students. Priority is given to seniors, visual and performing arts majors, and students from accredited film-based programs. Final decision is at the discretion of the VPA LA Semester director and will be based on:
Interview with the director (Zoom)
Recommendations
Grades
Involvement in campus-based activities related to student’s career goals
Upon acceptance you must enroll in Syracuse University for the semester in which you were accepted as a non-matriculated student. Syracuse University does not support financial aid awards from your current home college or university.
Mail your completed application materials to:
VPA LA Semester Program
4312 Woodman Ave., Suite 302
Sherman Oaks CA 91423
Once you have been accepted into the VPA LA Semester program, you will be emailed instructions regarding logging into the Syracuse University system to complete your enrollment.
Dates and Deadlines
Application Deadlines
Fall 2023 Semester: February 15, 2023 Spring 2024 Semester: September 15, 2023
Financials
Fall/Spring
Student Program Fee
$1,500
Application Fee
$60
Syracuse University
Undergraduate Tuition
$27,135**
$25,350***
LA Housing
See ourhousing section
**Estimate. Actual tuition cost TBD in March 2022
*** Published tuition for students enrolled before Fall 2018 for AY 2020-2021
Airfare, car, course materials, food, gas, parking, personal expenses, and transportation are estimated expenses and provided for budgetary purposes. Expenses will vary depending on a student’s individual circumstances and are not billed to a student’s bursar account.
Summer expenses are based on a 12-week program. The semester expenses are based on a 15-week program.
Additional Costs to Consider Transportation (car/gas/airfare) and meals are the responsibility of the student. The expenses below are an example of expenses incurred by students who have participated in the program. These expenses are not billed to the student from the Syracuse University Bursar’s office. These expenses should be taken into consideration when deciding if the VPA LA Semester Program is right for you. Actual charges will vary depending on student circumstances.
$1,800 to $2,400 for shipping fees (round trip)
$2,500 to $4,000 for rental fees (varies w/ car preference and student age)
Gas and parking
$1,500 ($100/week)
$1,200 ($100/week)
Public transportation (MetroCard)
$300 (30-day pass x 3 mos.)
$400 (30-day pass x 4 mos.)
Scholarships
The VPA LA Semester offers merit-based scholarships due to the generosity of the Jack Oakie and Victoria Horne Oakie Charitable Foundation. For more information, contact .
In addition to coursework and your internship, the VPA LA Semester offers many social and cultural opportunities to enjoy. We encourage you to have some fun while you are here and take full advantage of the California sunshine! You can find out more about Los Angeles and our neighborhoods at DiscoverLosAngeles.com.
Syracuse University’s Los Angeles office organizes many special events to engage alumni. Our VPA LA students have the unique opportunity to attend these events while they are here in California.
Housing
We have made arrangements with Kapi Residences so students can arrange for short-term fully furnished apartments, if desired. Students will choose their own housing and sign an individual lease with Kapi Residences. Students may also find alternative housing.
Please visit the Syracuse University Los Angeles (SULA) page on the Kapi website. You will find housing accommodations at Ava Studio City. There is also a welcome packet with further information as well as a list of what is included in each apartment.
Transportation
Los Angeles is very much a car-centric city. Access to a car is the best way to navigate between home, an internship and the SULA Center. Some students each semester use a ride share company like Uber or Lyft instead of arranging for a car. There is a public transportation system in LA but it is limited geographically. Using public transportation may increase commute time and may also require several transfers between trains and buses. Both ride share and public transportation may limit the internships to which students can apply as some internships require that the student have a car.
All transportation options should be researched thoroughly to understand the costs involved and the challenges each mode presents.
VPA LA Emergency Plan
VPA LA is dedicated to the safety of our students, and as such, we have emergency plans in place as a precaution due to the increased risk of wildfires and earthquakes in the Los Angeles area.
Below are guidelines to help you prepare for an emergency while participating in the VPA LA Semester. Earthquakes and wildfires are a part of living in the LA area. While unlikely, the possibility remains that an event serious enough to require your evacuation from your residence may occur with little advance notice. Thus, we recommend that all students prepare a “Go Bag” including at least three days of clothes, medications, critical documents, cell phone charger, bottled water, protein bars or other snacks. We also recommend purchasing a flashlight and leaving a pair of shoes under or close by your bed. Included below are guidelines for both earthquakes and wildfires. Please review and keep handy while studying in the LA area.
Wildfires
If wildfires are reported, be sure to follow the local news and reports on social media for the latest information on the location of the fires and their possible impact. Be sure to check with your internship before travelling there to make sure they will be open for business. If you believe that there is no safe route to your internship, then let them know that you will not be able to get there that day. You are responsible for evaluating your own situation and deciding on a course of action with your safety first as a priority.
The VPA LA Semester staff will also be following the progress of any wildfires and will advise all students accordingly by email, text or Rave Guardian with available public information. Please promptly read any messages and reply to check-in requests received via Rave Guardian or text. Please note that our staff does NOT have access to special information not otherwise available to the public. We will, however, use our experience as residents of LA to provide you with the best available public information.
If a students’ housing accommodation is impacted by a wildfire and the LA Fire Department or the Police Department determine that residents are required to evacuate, that student will be asked to contact VPA LA Semester staff and proceed to the SULA Center with their “go bag,” provided the area around the SULA Center is not also impacted. In the unlikely event that the SULA Center is also impacted, we advise students to proceed to the nearest evacuation facility as designated by the city.
VPA LA Semester staff also reserves the right to order your evacuation if authorities recommend (but do not mandate) an evacuation. Under these conditions, we will evaluate all available public information and determine a course of action. As with mandated evacuations, if we ask you to leave your residence you are asked to come to the SULA Center with your “Go Bag.”
Please be aware that VPA LA Semester staff will be in regular contact with support personnel from main campus in Syracuse during a crisis. The University will work diligently to promote your safety and to afford the opportunity to continue your academic work.
Earthquakes
Los Angeles does have the occasional earthquake that can be unsettling but does negligible damage. However, if there is a serious earthquake take steps to evaluate your immediate safety and act accordingly. If the building you are occupying has suffered extensive damage then vacate right away to an open space away from any buildings.
If you are away from your residence you should consider sheltering in place until the scope of the damage is known and you can determine whether it is safe to return home.
In the event of a major earthquake, students will be asked to promptly read any messages and reply to check-in requests received via Rave Guardian or text.
Please refer to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for procedures before and after an earthquake.
Emergency supply kits will be supplied to students.
The University will support the immediate needs of anyone who needs to evacuate due to earthquake damage. Once your immediate safety is addressed, please contact SULA Semester staff (if you have not already “checked in” via Rave Guardian or text) and we will assist as conditions allow.
Communication
The VPA LA Semester program utilizes Rave Guardian software to send notifications during emergency events. Students may receive notifications via text, email and/or push notification. All students participating in the VPA LA Semester program are expected to:
Promptly read any messages received via Rave Guardian or text message.
Promptly respond to “check in” notices received via Rave Guardian or text message.
Maintain a working smartphone throughout the program and keep the device charged and accessible throughout the program.
Notify the program director in the event their mobile device becomes permanently inaccessible (i.e., lost or stolen)
Notify the program director in the event that their mobile phone number changes.
Act in the best interest of their safety upon receiving notice of a critical event in their area.
It’s easy to see the advantages a Los Angeles learning experience brings to our students. Opportunities to learn from the world’s leading experts, interaction with the world-renown entertainment industry, visits to diverse cultural institutions, the challenges of living in a major metropolitan environment—all of these give students unique real-world insights that simply can’t be gained anywhere else. You can make such experiences possible in two ways:
Become a mentor. All Syracuse University alumni who are willing to share their experience as working professionals are invited. Sign up via our mentor form.
Designate your gift to the VPA LA fund. Many of these activities rely on ongoing funding, and your gift can be a source of crucial support.
Anna Proulx is the director of the VPA LA Semester. She has an extensive background in both arts and higher education management. Previously, she was the director of admissions for the American Film Institute Conservatory, a top-ranked master’s film program, and at Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film and Television. She also managed the Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program, creatively supporting and working with international and domestic documentary filmmakers. Her passion throughout her career lies in finding, developing, and supporting artists through education.
Jack Eddy is the administrative specialist for the VPA LA Semester. He assists Visual and Performing Arts Director Anna Proulx in developing new programs for the students attending Syracuse University’s Los Angeles Semester. In his free time he enjoys painting and traveling.
is the director of the VPA LA Semester. She has an extensive background in both arts and higher education management. Previously, she was the director of admissions for the American Film Institute Conservatory, a top-ranked master’s film program, and at Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film and Television. She also managed the Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program, creatively supporting and working with international and domestic documentary filmmakers. Her passion throughout her career lies in finding, developing, and supporting artists through education.
Jack Eddy is the administrative specialist for the VPA LA Semester. He assists Visual and Performing Arts Director Anna Proulx in developing new programs for the students attending Syracuse University’s Los Angeles Semester. In his free time he enjoys painting and traveling.