Bachelor of Arts or
Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Department of Telecommunications
School of Media and Communication
College of Arts and Sciences
Electronic media, such as radio, television and the Internet, are playing an increasingly important role in today’s world. News and information are relayed with greater speed than ever before, allowing for closer contact between nations and people. In fact electronic media have become the major sources of public information and entertainment today. A central mission of the Department of Telecommunications is to produce well-rounded graduates to be future decision-makers in the electronic media and allied professions.
Graduates obtain such positions as television producer, radio or television programmer, scriptwriter, radio announcer, promotions director, audio and video editor, web page designer, and media researcher. Career opportunities are available in public and commercial radio and television, cable television, telephony, multimedia, advertising and education. While the job market in the electronic media industry is competitive, there is an increasing demand for graduates skilled in specific areas.
BGSU’s Telecommunication major has produced graduates who have been successful despite strong competition. Many are well known to television and radio audiences in Ohio and other parts of the country. In addition to those working in front of the cameras, there are many other graduates employed behind the scenes in television, radio and interactive media production, advertising, sales, research and management. Some graduates have found the training excellent preparation for graduate study.
The core curriculum is a balance of social science courses and professional skill training in each medium with a multi platform emphasis. Students build a strong but highly flexible foundation through appropriate general studies courses coupled with a specialized program in telecommunications.
Each student, with the aid of an academic advisor, plans a general education program that provides the necessary background in the social and behavioral sciences, language and culture, science and mathematics, and the arts and humanities. Because there are many courses to choose from, each student can develop a general education background that provides a solid basis for personal specialization.
Students choose their own five-course focus area within the two tracks of the department: Media Studies and Media Production. A minor or support field is incorporated into the focus are program consisting of courses that add breadth and perspective.
Media Studies Track
(1) Media Business focus- Students learn all business aspects of media such as management, audience research, advertising sales and promotion, event planning and strategic media communication, and media industry economics. (2) Media Culture focus- Students learn about critical and cultural studies of media, media history and criticism and specialized content such as sports and documentaries.
Media Production Track
(1) Interactive Media focus-Students learn to produce interactive and social media content online and understand social and policy issues regarding media technologies. (2) Radio focus-Students learn from an introductory course and advanced courses from production to sales and promotion. Students in advanced courses produce shows for the University-licensed radio station WBGU-FM and online/cable radio station WFAL. (3)Television/Video focus-Students are exposed to concepts and practice in technical,electronic, artistic and logistical aspects of television and video production. Classes are divided into lectures and laboratory sessions with hands-on experience in the professional multi-camera studio production facility
Students interested in broadcasting have excellent opportunities for combining actual station experience with academic training. Students fill major behind-the-scenes and on-air positions at WBGU-FM, WFAL, BG Radio Sports, BG Radio News, BG24 News, BG Reel Production, BG on TV and WBGU-TV.
WBGU-FM broadcasts progressive, jazz, folk and rock music in addition to news, sports and public affairs features to the city of Bowling Green and Wood County. WFAL, a non-profit commercial radio station carried on cable and the internet, features contemporary music, news and special programs. The national award-winning WFAL also offers opportunities for those interested in advertising and sales. BG Radio Sports, the largest organization of its kind in the United States, broadcasts BGSU football, men’s and women’s basketball, hockey, baseball and softball. BG Radio News provides daily news updates on WBGU-FM and WFAL. BG Radio Sports and BG Radio News offer opportunities for announcing, reporting, producing and sales. WBGU-TV is a public television station that provides students with the opportunity to work with professionals producing a variety of programs for audiences both in northwest Ohio and throughout the country.
BG24 News is a live newscast prepared and delivered by volunteer students. Under the supervision of faculty from the telecommunications and journalism departments, students gain valuable experience writing, reporting, editing and presenting television news.
No other program in the state of Ohio offers as many extracurricular opportunities or encourages more early participation as BGSU.
The department is further distinguished by its multimedia labs which contain state-of-the-art Final Cut Pro digital video editing stations and a professional university TV station with high definition facilities making it an exceptionally well-equipped program.
An internship is required on either a full- or part-time basis. Typically, the internship is completed toward the end of the student’s junior year. In addition to jobs at campus and local stations, work can be arranged at advertising agencies, corporate and hospital television facilities, cable television and telephone companies, and stations located throughout the country.
Completing the requirements for high school graduation is necessary for admission to BGSU, but finishing the minimum coursework will leave you unprepared for college. Consider taking four years of mathematics, including trigonometry instead of the three that are required. Two, three or even four years of the same foreign language is excellent preparation for college. You will also benefit from competency in computer use. Courses that provide exposure to or training in the visual and performing arts are excellent choices.
Students transferring into the telecommunications program can transfer up to 12 semester hours of coursework in telecommunications from junior colleges. No more than 15 semester hours of coursework in telecommunications will be accepted for transfer from any four-year institution.
BGSU's website for future students contains University highlights, admissions procedures, financial aid information and many department profiles. It can be accessed at www.bgsu.edu.
Bowling Green State University is a vibrant university that engages, challenges and prepares students for meaningful futures. At BGSU, students enjoy an education that integrates personal growth, academic excellence and an environment that expands their thinking and potential. A mid-size residential university, BGSU has an enrollment of approximately 20,000 and a full-time faculty of more than 900 on its main campus. More than 200 undergraduate majors and programs are offered as well as master's and doctoral level programs.
NOTE: Information in this guide is subject to change without notice. To learn more about the official program of study for Telecommunications, please check the undergraduate catalog online at www.bgsu.edu/catalog/A_S/A_S80.html.
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