FAQ

What if I don't have an internship secured before I get to NYC?

We hope it does not come to this, and make every effort to avoid it. However, if this situation occurs, your job search will be graded. You will be required to spend the required internship time looking for, researching, and interviewing for internships. If an internship has not been secured within the first month, the internship will transform into an industry research assignment, with required interviews of industry leaders and professionals, assignments, etc.

How much academic time should I plan?

The classes will be challenging. We'll have class for about 6 hrs. per week (3 hrs. for each class), and there will be about 3-4 hrs. of additional activity some weeks (e.g. field trips, film screenings). As for homework, expect about 100-120 pages of reading every week (that's the total of all your classes combined). In addition, you'll be writing papers and working on other assignments.

What about majors other than Film & Digital Media and Communication Studies participating?

Anyone involved in Film & Digital Media or Communication Studies (including Comm Spec majors) will find it incredibly valuable. The nature of communication studies is such that it tends to be pan-disciplinary because communication is key in every field. Likewise, every Baylor student, regardless of major, would benefit immensely from the study of communication and contemporary culture. We are working on ways to open up the application process to virtually every student in the university.

Can I repeat the program?

Possibly. If slots are available after the initial deadline for the next semester, you may be considered for those slots. You will be chosen only if you are in good standing with the program (disciplinary, academic, etc.), AND if you are wishing to return in an opposite season from your original semester in New York (e.g. Fall students may return for a spring semester, but not another fall semester).

Can I take an internship or independent study outside of FDM or CSS?

Possibly, but the sponsoring department (e.g. Journalism) must issue a permit to take the course with the corresponding BCNY numbers, such that BCNY receives the tuition dollars from the course. This is critical for the financial health of the program, and most Baylor academic departments have agreed to this arrangement, as it benefits their students. Contact Dr. Kickasola with any questions and he will attempt to help you with this.

What does a typical week look like?

In many respects, the schedule is like that of a person with a part-time job, with classes and rich cultural events thrown in. Most days students will go to work: they will report to their internship. Their time served there each day depends on the job, but most students will work about 4-6 hrs. per day. Classes are planned around the students' internship schedules, which will likely mean that some evenings will be filled with class time. On the weekends, and sometimes during the week, trips to museums and cultural events will take place, in support of the ideas discussed in class that week.

About every two or three weeks individual meetings with students and Dr. Kickasola will take place, to discuss internships, independent studies, and anything else the students wish to discuss. About once a month group activities will be scheduled to reinforce the community we are building with each other.