Quinnipiac University

School of Communications Quinnipiac University in Los Angeles

The Quinnipiac University in Los Angeles program gives you the opportunity to live, work and learn in the heart of America’s entertainment industry. Los Angeles is home to the “Big 5” film studios, 10 professional sports franchises, major broadcast news network bureaus — including ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC — and a media market that reaches more than 5 million people daily.

Program Overview

Quinnipiac students have the unique opportunity to spend a semester in Los Angeles learning from industry professionals and interning at leading companies in film, television, new media and more.

Opportunity from coast to coast

A hub for communications

The city of Los Angeles is more than a sunny, sprawling West Coast metropolis; it is an experience unlike any other for students and young professionals in the communications field, and the QU in LA program positions you in the center of that experience.

Gain industry experience

You’ll immediately begin an internship — chosen before your arrival — and start learning from veteran industry professionals and mentors. During this challening yet rewarding experience, you'll gain not only industry knowledge and tangible skills, but access to a strong network in the area.

Discover the essence of LA

Outside of work, your growth only continues against the diverse cultural and artistic backdrop of sunny Southern California. The greater Los Angeles area offers a wealth of unique opportunities for cultural enrichment. Past cohorts have taken group trips to the J. Paul Getty Museum, attended USC football games, hiked in Laurel Canyon and visited famous landmarks like the Hollywood sign.

Get personalized support

While QU in LA is a fully immersive experience, you are not without a support system. You’ll be housed in one central location with your program peers, and have access to a full-time program director. With a regularly expanding library of contacts at their disposal, the director will put you in touch with all of the personal and professional resources you may need.

Brand Partners

Since the program’s inception in 2014, students have had internships at companies across LA in several disciplines, including script writing, film production, finance, marketing and public relations. Companies where you might one day intern include:

In Their Words

Ephemia Nicolakis in front of the Hollywood sign

Ephemia Nicolakis ’23, MBA ’24

Graphic Design and Public Relations Double Major

“QU in LA was the best experience ever. My friends and I got to live in Los Angeles but also partake in weekend trips to Venice and San Diego and all over. The director of the program, Andres Rosende Novo, made the experience all that it was and it is safe to say I met my closest friends through this experience.”

Alyssa Baker in front of the Hollywood sign

Alyssa Baker ‘23

Film, Television and Media Arts

“My time in the QU in LA program definitely helped me stand out in the interview process. My internship with General Hospital taught me many transferable skills that I knew would be helpful in this new role."

Jenna Westfall portrait.

Jenna Westfall, MA ’23

Cinematic Production Management

“Quinnipiac allowed many doors to open for me while staying in LA, which includes visiting major film studios such as Universal, Warner Brothers and Paramount Studios. I was also fortunate to meet many employees who were Quinnipiac alumni who were affiliated with the film industry and had different and diverse backgrounds.”

Shey Killay posing in front of the Television Academy Hall of Fame red carpet

Shey Killay ’21

Film and Advertising Double Major

“Interning at the Television Academy gave me the opportunity to work up close and personal with top talent in the television industry, like those who were honored at the Hall of Fame, while networking with the amazing professionals I get to work with everyday.”

Photo of journalism student Isabelle Agricola at Fox Sports Radio

Isabel Agricola ’21

Journalism

“Working at Fox Sports Radio was one of the best experiences of my life. I got so much hands-on experience working in the sports media world, and I even got to go on air a couple of times! The fact that I was excited to go into work everyday makes me confident that I’m pursing the right industry, and I wouldn’t know that without this internship!”

Linda Vilay writes a message in chalk on a large blackboard

Linda Vilay ’19

Coordinator, Branded Partnerships, AwesomenessTV

“A big part of why I wanted to go to Los Angeles was to experience living in the entertainment capital of the world. I felt there would be a lot of opportunities for me there — and there were. During my semester in LA, I was able to gain experience at two very different places — AwesomenessTV and the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce. I could not have asked for a better overall experience.”

Program Requirements

Students walk up the stairs of the Griffith Park Observatory.

Students visit the Griffith Observatory on the south-facing slope of Mount Hollywood at Griffith Park. 

The Quinnipiac University in Los Angeles program isn’t about “getting your feet wet” — it’s about diving into an opportunity to gain experience and exposure in the largest media and entertainment hub on the West Coast. 

Currently enrolled Quinnipiac juniors and seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA are eligible to attend the QU in LA program after their sophomore year. Students have the choice of attending during the spring, summer or fall semesters. All students interested in studying in Los Angeles must attend an information session to learn about the requirements and application process for the program.

If you’re ready to make the jump and bring your East Coast drive out west, we’re with you. What you take back with you will set the pace for your future career.

We'd love to hear form you! If you have questions about the QU in LA program, please email Andrés Rosende.

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