Degree Overview: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Media and Communications
Majors Overview February 7, 2015Those interested in studying where news originates, finding out how news is reported and compiled, and researching different forms of news should look into bachelor’s degree programs in media and communications. Related undergraduate degree fields include communication, creative media, and journalism.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Programs in Media and Communications
Students enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs in media and communications can choose from a broad array of career options, such as radio announcer, broadcast news analyst, and correspondent or news reporter. Requirements for these occupations may differ by employer and job title, but a bachelor’s degree is generally needed by candidates for these jobs.
Students in media and communications programs are taught about radio, television, websites, magazines, and newspapers. During the final stages of the program, a student may choose to specialize in various mediums.
Editing and news writing skills form the basis of some bachelor’s degree programs in media and communications, while marketing and advertising are the focus of other programs; some programs focus on creative media arts, such as visual art/design and creative writing.
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or a high school diploma.
Coursework
Coursework within bachelor’s degree programs in media and communications may include courses in ethics and media history. Students are also given hands-on experience working with various communication medias.
They are taught about writing error-free, creative blogs, stories, and scripts. They can also expect to become adept at editing for radio, television, web, and print, in addition to honing interviewing skills. Coursework in a media and communications bachelor’s degree program may include these topic areas:
•News writing and editing
•First amendment
•Creative writing
•Broadcast media and production
•Marketing communications
•Media ethics
•Media and society
•Multimedia
Job and Wage Outlook
Graduates of the program may seek work in higher education, non-profit management, human resources, public relations, advertising, and media. They may choose from general job positions, such as:
•News analysts
•Radio announcers
•Program directors
•News reporters
•Marketing and advertising assistants
In May 2012, while news reporters and correspondents banked an average annual wage of $37,090, the corresponding wages for broadcast news analysts, marketing research analysts and marketing specialists, and radio and television announcers were $55,380, $60,300, and $28,020, respectively (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Continuing Education Choices
Graduates of the bachelor’s degree program may opt for continuing education by earning master’s or Ph.D. degrees, thereby ensuring the refinement of media writing and editing skills. Students enrolled in master’s and Ph.D. programs are taught about the impact of news on society. They are also taught about the methods to run statistical analyses, media theory, and analysis.
Before they are admitted into a graduate-level program, students are required to have completed an accredited bachelor’s degree program. Students seeking admission to most graduate-level programs are also required to demonstrate evidence of an undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of “C” or above.
 Degree in Media and Communications on http://educationcareerarticles.com "Pin It")
