Radio and Television
Overview
Programs in radio and television prepare people to produce, direct, and manage news and feature broadcasts.Radio and television programs include topics such as:
- Planning and producing audio and visual broadcasts
- Media aesthetics
- Media scheduling
- Writing and editing
- Performing and directing
- Media regulations
Concentrations
In radio and television program, students may be able to specialize in:
- Radio and television
- Digital communications
Internship
Internships allow students to develop skills at companies or organizations. Some radio and television programs require students to develop a portfolio or complete an internship.
Schools
Several community colleges offer associate degree programs in radio and television. An associate degree program usually takes two years of full-time study. Upon completion, a student may choose to enter the workforce or transfer to a college or university for further study.
Several colleges and universities offer a bachelor's degree in radio and television. A bachelor's degree usually takes four years of full-time study to complete. This program may be offered as a concentration in a larger mass communication program.
A few universities offer graduate degrees in radio and television. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Broadcast Journalism
- Communication and Speech Studies
- Communications Operations Technology
- Creative Writing
- English Composition and Writing
- Journalism
- Mass Communication Studies
- Public Relations
- Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
- Announcers
- Editors
- Film and Video Editors
- News Reporters
- Producers and Directors
- Professional Bloggers and Podcasters
- Writers
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Advertising Managers
- Advertising Salespeople
- Agents and Business Managers
- Camera Operators
- Technical Writers
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
For this program, schools recommend that you know how to use a computer and the Internet.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Creative Writing
- Economics
- Forensics and Debate
- Humanities
- Journalism
- Mass Media, Communication
- Photojournalism
- Political Science
- Public Speaking
- World History
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, good test scores, and a developing portfolio.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Portfolio review and personal interview
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Broadcast Law and Regulation
- Broadcast Management
- Broadcast Newswriting
- Broadcast Operation
- Broadcast Performance
- Broadcast Production
- Broadcast Program Building
- Broadcast Sales
- History of the Mass Media
- Introduction to Mass Media
- New Communication Technology
- Writing for Mass Media
Graduate Program Courses
Graduate study in radio and television typically includes:
- Required courses
- Thesis (master's degree)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
Things to Know
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) sets standards for radio and television announcers and technicians. Broadcast technicians may also need to be licensed by the state they work in.
Not all broadcasters must have a college degree. Some can learn the trade on the job in supporting roles at radio or television stations. However, most announcers, producers, directors, and managers study radio and television, journalism, or mass communications in college.
Schools
East Side Area
Walla Walla University
- Communication--Film, TV, and Media
Washington State University - Pullman
- Communication--Journalism & Media Production
King-Snohomish Area
Green River College
- Broadcasting
Spokane Area
Gonzaga University
- Integrated Media--Broadcast and Electronic Media Studies
Tacoma Area
Pacific Lutheran University
- Communication--Film & Media Studies
West Side Area
Centralia College
- Media Studies--Film
- Media Studies--Sports Announcing & Production
Grays Harbor College
- Speech and Theatre Arts Pre-Major