Broadcast Engineering Degree Programs and Schools
Broadcast engineers install, repair and operate the equipment used in radio and television broadcasts, such as transmitters, mixing boards and editing machines. Learn about education programs in broadcast engineering as well tips on what to look for when selecting a school.
What You Need to Know
<p>Most training for the technical profession of broadcast engineering is offered at the associate's degree level. Some schools offer an academic degree program that provides transferable credit to a bachelor's degree program in a related major. Certificate programs may offer relevant coursework.
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<table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Degrees</b> </td><td> Associate of Applied Science in Broadcasting and Video Production, Associate of Science in Digital Media Technology, Bachelor of Arts in Visual and Sound Media, Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications Engineering</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Certificates</b> </td><td> Certificate of Completion in Broadcasting/Video Production, Audio Production Certificate</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Courses</b> </td><td> AC/DC circuits, playback devices, analog and digital systems, advanced broadcast formats, audio/video engineering, internet broadcasting</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---WhatKindOfUndergraduateDegreeCanIEarnInBroadcastEngineering">What Kind of Undergraduate Degree Can I Earn in Broadcast Engineering?</h3>
<p>You might find associate and bachelor's degree programs that include broadcast engineer training within a relevant field of study, such as video production or electronic media. Since broadcasting typically refers to radio or television industries, some schools allow you to concentrate your studies in one medium or the other. Due to the intensive hands-on nature of the training, broadcast engineering degree programs are usually not offered online.
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<p>Undergraduate degree options include an Associate of Science in Digital Media Technology, an Associate of Applied Science in Broadcasting and Video Production, a Bachelor of Arts in Visual and Sound Media and a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications Engineering degree. Certificate programs also exist in similar areas of study, like an Audio Production Certificate.
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<h3 id="section---WhatGraduateDegreeProgramsAreOffered">What Graduate Degree Programs are Offered?</h3>
<p>Some graduate degrees in broadcast engineering do exist, although they might not be as plentiful as undergraduate programs. A Master of Science in Media and Broadcast Engineering may be available with concentrations in Software Infrastructure for Media and Broadcast Engineering or Signal Processing and Data Communication.
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<h3 id="section---WhatWillILearn">What Will I Learn?</h3>
<p>In an associate degree program in broadcast engineering, you'll learn how to install, operate and maintain broadcasting equipment, such as soundboards and industrial video cameras. Mechanical courses cover functions of electronic equipment, and professional courses give you a thorough overview of compliance practices for federal regulations. You'll learn audio and video editing and might participate in a production project. Other topics you'll study include:
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<ul><li>Broadcast electronics theory
</li><li>Applied electronics
</li><li>Electronic principles
</li><li>Control room equipment
</li><li>Principles of lighting
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatShouldILookForInASchool">What Should I Look For in a School?</h3>
<p>Hands-on experience is important to provide practical application to your studies. Many schools have on-campus, student-run radio stations, cable television channels and production studios that let you practice on actual broadcasting tools. To make the most of this experience, you might want to ensure that the school uses updated technology and equipment. Additionally, you can usually participate in internship opportunities that give you both hands-on training and allow you to develop employment contacts in the field.
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<p>A few schools establish affiliations with professional organizations, such as the Society of Broadcast Engineers. This type of an association may offer broadcasting engineer students the chance to network with television and film professionals, acquaint themselves with other faculty and collaborate with peers. These schools offer broadcast engineering degree programs:
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<ul><li>Seton Hall University (South Orange, NJ)
</li><li>Stevens Institute of Technology (Hoboken, NJ)
</li><li>The University of Texas at Dallas (Richardson)
</li><li>Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (Green Bay)
</li><li>Valencia College (Orlando, FL)
</li><li>Bates Technical College (Tacoma, WA)</li></ul>