Things you need to know
Bachelor of Science Degree
120 credit hours leading to the BS degree
Small class sizes in radio and television production; typically less than 15 students
Faculty has advanced degrees and extensive network and major-market experience
Students must meet a minimum GPA requirement to enter the program
Opportunity to work in Jackson County’s only FM radio station
Opportunity to work in network-quality television studios and field units
Only UNC campus to require professional internships
Opportunity to earn nationally recognized professional certifications
Graduates can work regionally and nationally in their chosen specialty
Careers with this Degree
- Television
- Lighting Technicians
- Camera Person
- Master Control Operators
- Video Editor
- Production Assistant
- Stage Managers
- Video Tape Operators
- Studio Operations
- Audio Operators
- Radio Station
- Production Coordinator
- Disc Jockey
- Account Executive
- Music Director
- News and Sports Person
- Promotions
- Production Person
- Traffic Reporter
- Program Director
What makes this program special?
The Broadcasting Concentration offers students the opportunity to work in an advanced
network-quality digital television studio or in Jackson County’s only FM radio station
that is comparable to any major market radio station. The broadcasting faculty all
have extensive professional experience to guide students in building “real-world”
communications and broadcasting skills for their career. Western is the only campus
in the UNC system requiring professional internships in broadcasting; students work
in the media prior to graduation. Western’s program in Broadcast Sales is recognized
by the broadcasting industry as one of the very top in the field.
Are there any additional admission requirements?
To enter the Broadcasting Concentration a student must have, and maintain, an overall
GPA of 2.5. Students are strongly urged to declare communications/broadcasting as
their major early so that they can be partnered with a faculty advisor/mentor. There
are a number of courses that must be taken in sequence for success in the program.
What scholarship monies are available?
All students are considered for merit-based scholarships at the time of admission.
Additional scholarships are available based on FAFSA information.
The Patrick Lee Carmody Fund Scholarship: Eligible candidates for the scholarship include all WCU students who have declared a degree in Communication (concentration in the field of broadcasting) and lack at least one term of full-time study to complete the degree program. The scholarship is based on (a) the student’s academic achievement, (b) potential civic and social activity, and (c) participation in and contributions to student programs and activities at WCU.
What will I be able to do with this degree when I graduate?
The communications and broadcasting skills developed at Western are valuable in today’s
diverse market economy and can take a student in many directions. Our graduates are
in positions such as a television videographer, radio station program director, radio
and television advertising sales representative, media director for a major hotel,
and a media buyer for the largest advertising representative firm in the United States.
Graduates are also in allied fields such as broadcast computer system solutions and
lightning protection system design for broadcasters. Western’s broadcasting students
typically start their careers in larger markets like Charlotte, Knoxville, Asheville-Greenville-Spartanburg,
and Atlanta.
What are the professors like?
The broadcasting faculty at Western have years of professional broadcasting experience
and advanced degrees in their fields. They are also active in many industry related
organizations and attend national conventions such as the National Association of
Broadcasters with students. The faculty holds some of the highest level professional
certifications and encourage students to attain industry-recognized professional certifications
prior to graduation. The broadcasting faculty is always available to assist with career
planning and answer questions.
What are the students in the program doing?
Recent graduates have accepted positions ranging from a promotions assistant in a
major-market radio station to an advertising account executive at the NBC TV affiliate
in a top 30 television market. Each year a select group of students accompany faculty
to the National Association of Broadcasters convention; the world’s largest gathering
of industry professionals. Additionally, this year two of Western’s broadcasting students
were among 25 students selected nationally to participate in the elite National Association
of Broadcasters Educational Foundation Media Sales Institute. Media sales students
are often offered positions prior to their graduation. WCU’s graduates are hired by
some of the biggest names in the broadcasting industry and routinely start their careers
in larger markets.
Will I be able to participate in internships, clubs and other extracurricular opportunities?
Broadcasting students who declare communications/broadcasting early can become involved
in the radio station and crewing on television projects as they learn. Western’s broadcasting
faculty and students often accept professional projects providing valuable professional
experience before graduation. Upper-level students are often given opportunities to
work in commercial radio or on local and regional television projects. Broadcasting
majors are required to complete a full-time internship in broadcasting in which the
student works at a radio or television station during one semester of the year. Students
are actively encouraged to become involved early in their profession.
Contact
Don Connelly, Director of Broadcasting
E-mail: dconnelly@wcu.edu
phone: 828-227-3851
Visit the Broadcasting Concentration Website
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