Degree Overview: Associate of Video and Radio Production Technology
Majors Overview August 18, 2013Typically, college programs in broadcasting will teach students the fundamentals of audio and video production as they prepare them for careers in various media. Students who have earned their associate’s degree will be able to work for media companies, broadcast outlets, and other businesses that require production services.
Associate Degree Program in Video and Radio Production Technology
These associate degree programs are also referred to as broadcasting production technology programs or radio and television production programs, among other variations. Audio and video production are combined in a single program by some schools, while in others, students are allowed to opt for degree tracks offering specialization in media disciplines such as radio, television and others.
Students can become adept at using production software and hardware while developing proficiency in production techniques, and learning how to edit, stage and write for media. Coursework is mainly hands-on and is conducted in broadcast outlets, editing suites and on-campus production facilities. Admission criteria typically require applicants to hold a general educational development (GED) certificate or a high school diploma.
Program Coursework
Certain coursework may vary depending on whether a student selects to combine degree program or want to specialize in either video or audio. An associate degree program with both video and audio production technologies usually includes coursework in:
•Multimedia concepts
•Broadcast management
•News writing
•Media performance
•Video and audio editing
•Video and audio production
•Script writing
•Studio production
Career Options
With a degree related to production technology, graduates usually have the knowledge and skills to pursue employment in a wide range of broadcasting careers. Production facilities, private and public broadcast companies, and other companies might hire graduates to work as:
•Camera operators
•Production assistants
•Broadcast engineers
•Video and audio technicians
•Sound engineers
Continuing Education Information
Some employers in the broadcasting industry expect candidates to hold educational qualifications that could range from a bachelor’s degree in broadcasting, at the high end, to a high school diploma, at the low end (source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)). Graduates from an associate degree program in broadcast technology may further their education by transferring to a four-year bachelor’s degree program or choose to join the workforce immediately upon completion of the associate degree program. The Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) offers certification to production personnel, technicians, and broadcast engineers, in broadcast, engineering, broadcast networking and operations specializations.
