Ithaca College: Bridging Education and Practical Experience

Nancy Adis
Sep 9
2 min read

Nestled in the picturesque Finger Lakes region of New York, Ithaca College is home to roughly 5,000 students. These students share the charming college town of Ithaca with Cornell University, which enrolls around 25,000 students. The area offers students the perfect balance of academic rigor and outdoor activities, such as kayaking on Cayuga Lake, cycling along scenic trails, and exploring local natural wonders.

Ithaca College places a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, ensuring that students are well-equipped to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. A prime example of this is the Roy H. Park School of Communications, where students have access to top-tier facilities and gain firsthand experience in media production. Whether it's producing a documentary, editing a short film, or managing a live radio broadcast, students are actively involved in projects that simulate industry practices and build professional skills.

Internships also play a pivotal role in the student experience, with 80% of Ithaca College students completing at least one internship before graduation. The college has developed extensive partnerships with a diverse range of organizations, from major media outlets to non-profit groups. These internships provide invaluable opportunities for students to hone their professional abilities, put their academic learning into practice, and build connections that often lead to post-graduation employment.

As part of the focus on holistic development, Ithaca College prioritizes creative expression through performances and public showcases. With facilities like the Dillingham Theater, students can present their work in a professional environment, whether it’s a theater production, a music recital, or a film screening. Students also have access to a variety of cultural events, such as film festivals and live performances, giving them opportunities to engage with the arts and share their talents with a broader audience.

Offering more than 140 undergraduate majors and minors, Ithaca College provides a wide range of programs, including health sciences (like Exercise Physiology and Physical Therapy), communication and media (such as Radio and Television, Public Relations, Cinematography, and Film/Video Production), and business (including Business Analytics, Finance, Marketing, and Sports Management).

Regardless of their field of study, Ithaca College students are encouraged to dive deeply into practical applications of their learning. Whether through research projects, case studies, simulations, or service-learning initiatives, students are challenged to tackle complex problems in real-world scenarios, preparing them for the demands of their future careers.

This is just one of many colleges and universities that students can consider as they plan for the future. At Confident College Planning we work with students and families to match up their unique interests and goals with the numerous options. We provide support throughout the entire college selection process, including exploring majors, making college lists and campus visits, reviewing and tracking applications, essay inspiration and editing, reviewing funding strategies and researching scholarships, and advising for successful college transitions. Contact me at confidentcollegeplanning@gmail.com to discuss how I can best support your family in this important journey.