A visit to Ithaca College

Ithaca College, founded in 1892, began as a small institution dedicated to teacher education. Established initially as the Ithaca Conservatory of Music, it focused on music education and performance. The college's mission quickly expanded to include a broader liberal arts curriculum, leading to its rebranding as Ithaca College in 1961. Located in the scenic Finger Lakes region of New York, the college has built a reputation for its strong programs in the arts, communications, business, and health sciences. Throughout its history, Ithaca College has remained committed to providing a comprehensive and innovative education, fostering both academic excellence and a vibrant campus community.

Ithaca's downtown area is a hub of activity, featuring a variety of eclectic shops, local restaurants, and cafes that cater to both students and residents. The town has a strong emphasis on local and sustainable food, with farmers' markets and farm-to-table dining options being popular. This is a charming, suburban college town, it is also the home of Cornell University. During the academic year, the population of Ithaca swells by about 20,000 to 30,000 people.

The college's athletic teams, known as the Bombers, compete in the NCAA Division III Empire 8 Conference, excelling in a wide range of sports, including football, basketball, soccer, and track and field. Students engage in a variety of activities, with over 200 student clubs and organizations. Additionally, Ithaca is home to a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking trails to kayaking on the nearby lakes. The town's natural beauty and recreational opportunities make it an appealing place for students to enjoy their leisure time.

Roy H. Park School of Communications

The Roy H. Park School of Communications houses the film program and several allied majors. The curriculum covers all aspects of filmmaking, including production, screenwriting, and film studies. The program emphasizes experiential learning, offering numerous opportunities for internships, collaborative projects, and participation in professional productions. Students can take advantage of the Ithaca College Los Angeles Program, which provides a semester of study and internships in the heart of the film and television industry.

• Program Overview: The film program at Ithaca College offers comprehensive education in film production, screenwriting, and film studies. The curriculum is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in all aspects of filmmaking, from pre-production to post-production. They offer the following degrees:

  • Advertising, Public Relations, and Marketing Communications (B.S.)

  • Communication Strategy and Design (B.S.) includes courses in the business school

  • Documentary Studies and Production (B.A.)

  • Film (B.F.A.)

  • Journalism (B.A.)

  • Sports Media (B.S.)

  • Television, Photography, and Digital Media (B.S.)

  • Writing for Film, Television, and Emerging Media (B.F.A.)

• Facilities: Advanced production studios, editing suites, and screening rooms. Students have access to professional-grade equipment and resources to support their projects.

• Experiential Learning: The program emphasizes experiential learning through internships, collaborative projects, and opportunities to work on professional productions. Students can participate in the Ithaca College Los Angeles Program, which provides a semester of study and internships in the heart of the film and television industry.

• Creative Supplement: None is required though they do suggest meeting with admissions to learn more about the program, and for them to learn more about you.

School of Music, Theatre, and Dance

The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance is one of the premier programs in the country and houses about 360 undergraduates in the following departments.

• Department of Music: BM offered in Music Education and Music Education and Performance

• Department of Music Performance: BMs offered in Performance, Jazz Studies, and Sound Recording Technology

• Department of Music Theory, History, and Composition: BMs in Composition, Music and Music Combination with outside field (of music)

• Department of Theatre and Dance Performance: BFAs in Acting and Musical Theatre 

• Department of Theatre Production and Management: BFAs in Stage Management, and Theatre Production and Design, and BS in Theatre Administration

• Department of Theatre Studies: BA in Theatre Studies

• Minors in Dance, Music and Theatre

• Program Overview: Students in all of the MTD programs benefit from a conservatory based training with the social and academic benefits of being part of a larger college. There is an extensive archive of past programs available here.

• Facilities: The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance boasts excellent facilities, including recital halls, practice rooms, and recording studios. The James J. Whalen Center for Music is a hub for musical activity, providing students with spaces for practice, performance, and recording.

• Performance Opportunities: Students have numerous opportunities to perform in ensembles, orchestras, and bands. The school regularly hosts concerts, recitals, and masterclasses with renowned musicians and composers.

• Creative Supplements: All students are required to audition for these programs, audition information is found here. Note that all MTD students must apply by December 1, as regular decision applicants.

If you need help with applying to Ithaca schedule an appointment today.