The mission of the Media, Marketing and Communication (MMC) Scholars Program is to create a supportive, close-knit residential community while providing students with hands on opportunities to learn digital media skills and to explore career options.
In the MMC Scholars Program, students have the unique opportunity to enhance their tech skills in their chosen career fields, utilizing innovative digital tools that prepare them for the demands of the modern workforce. Through engaging in informal workshops, participants can acquire essential digital literacy and computational thinking skills. They also gain invaluable experience in collaboration and problem-solving. As they explore their career interests, students are encouraged to delve into the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, equipping them with the forward-thinking abilities necessary for future success in a tech-driven world.
Academics
MMC Scholars have the unique opportunity to connect with faculty, staff, and community leaders both inside and outside the classroom. The programs offered enhance students' academic experiences by complementing their classroom learning and fostering personal connections that are often unavailable to other students.
Seminar Course
In their first semester, MMC Scholars will participate in a Scholars Seminar class, where they will engage deeply with the vibrant MMC theme. The first half of this seminar encourages students to explore their career aspirations and envision how these paths may evolve in an ever-changing world. In the second half, students will collaborate on innovative projects that challenge them to address pressing global issues. They will leverage innovative technologies and creative thinking to develop solutions that have the potential to change the world.
First Year Requirements
In the first year, our focus is exploration and discovery. Students are encouraged to look into career interests while they get hands on experience learning new digital media.
Second Year Requirements
In the second year, MMC students have more options for how they can participate in the program. They can continue to learn in project groups, but they can also teach project groups, do an internship, or focus more on career discovery.
Third and Fourth Year Requirements
We know that students needs are changing in the 3rd and 4th years, because most are more focused on their majors and get internship and co-op experience. We support students with professional development workshops where they can learn how to improve their resume, how to begin their job search and how to use LinkedIn and other social media appropriately.
Events and Activities
The MMC Scholars program offers students an unparalleled opportunity for professional development through our Digital Sandbox workshops. We also host numerous community-based events that allow students to connect with each other and with alumni, such as our Meet the Alums event held every February.
The MMC Digital Sandbox
The main focus of the MMC Scholars program is to provide hands-on experience with various digital media, equipment and software applications. These opportunities allow for students to explore possible careers including advertising, public relations, web design, media production, business management and more.
MMC Scholars can explore the following media:
- Graphics
- Students learn to use Adobe Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop
- Students will get to experience making posters, publications and identities/logos
- Web Design
- No experience necessary
- Web 1: students can learn to make their first webpage
- Web 2: students with previous experience will learn to use WordPress and PHP applications
- Animation
- Students learn the basics of programs like Lightwave, Maya and 3D StudioMax
- Students learn the basics of programs like Lightwave, Maya and 3D StudioMax
- Video
- Shoot, direct and edit short films
- 3 act plots and documentaries
- Learn software such as Adobe Premiere, Final Cut and After Effects
- Audio Production
- No experience needed
- Play/record music using Protools
- "Remix" using Fruity Loops and Garageband
- Mobile Apps and Programming
- Basic programming skills required
- Students can learn C++ programming basics
- Students can learn to make apps for Android mobile devices
- Students can learn to make apps for iPhones and iPads
- Marketing/Public Relations - For Upper-class MMC students
- Student teams will get practical experience by creating entire PR and/or Marketing strategy for a local company
Signature Events
Building a close-knit community is a goal for all Scholars programs, so in addition to the Digital Sandbox, MMC Scholars also participate in traditional events where they meet older MMC Scholars, do community service and sometimes, just have fun.
- MMC Video Scavenger Hunt - A fun group building event where students video themselves doing different tasks around campus
- End of Semester Project Showing - A biannual event that allows MMC students to show off media projects from their Digital Sandbox project groups.
- Meet the Alumni Event - An event where MMC Alums return to meet with students in small groups to talk about their respective careers
Community
As an MMC Scholar, you will be part of a close-knit residential community where creativity and innovation thrive. Live alongside fellow first-year students who share your passion for digital media, marketing, and communication in Morrill Tower. This supportive environment fosters lasting friendships and valuable connections that extend beyond the classroom. Engage in exciting group projects, participate in the unique Digital Sandbox program, and attend exclusive events that bring the MMC community together. The MMC Scholars Program isn't just about academics – it's about building a network of friends, mentors, and future colleagues who will inspire and support you throughout your time at Ohio State and beyond.
Mentorship Program
Students have an opportunity to be grouped with upperclassman with similar majors and career interests.
Leadership Council
Student leaders are interviewed and chosen early in fall semester so they can begin planning activities and events for fellow students.
Service
MMC Scholars has several opportunities for service throughout the year. Some of those include Community Commitment, MLK Day of Service, and Buckeyethon Dance Marathon.
Residential Requirement
First-year Media, Marketing, and Communication Scholars students live together in Morrill Tower.
The residential community is an important element of the Scholars experience, and is required for all students with the exception of commuter students. Space in the prescribed residence hall is subject to availability, and while Scholars are given housing priority, space is not guaranteed and students may be placed in other accommodations due to program demand if necessary.
All Scholars
While each of the 16 Scholars Programs builds experiences for students around its unique theme, students benefit from shared Scholars experiences. All Scholars Programs:
- Are open to students of any major.
- Feature a first-year residential community.
- Have a first-year seminar course.
- Are led by an experienced full-time professional Program Manager.
- Are academically-driven communities with a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 to participate.
- Have a student leadership council, offering leadership opportunities, community programming, and service projects.