Online Broadcasting Schools and Degree Programs
You can find many online broadcasting degrees offered in conjunction with the study of mass communications or journalism. Read on to find out more about what's available and career options.
What You Need to Know
Many online broadcasting programs exist with a majority of them available as journalism or mass communication degrees. A career in broadcasting can take many forms, including behind the scenes roles such as production or camera operation as well as more visible responsibilities like reporting or announcing.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Schools</b></td><td> University of Missouri, Arizona State University, University of Nebraska</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Programs</b></td><td> Bachelor's degree in broadcasting and mass communications; Master of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications with an emphasis in broadcasting</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Future Career Options</b></td><td> Producer, radio operator, technical director, reporter, announcer, camera operator or newscaster</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---AreOnlineBroadcastingProgramsAvailableToMe">Are Online Broadcasting Programs Available to Me?</h3><p>You can pursue an online bachelor's degree in broadcasting and mass communications; this is generally a degree-completion program, which means you'll need an associate's degree in a related field to enroll. At the graduate level, you can pursue a Master of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications, which offers an online specialization in broadcasting. A bachelor's degree is required to enroll in this master's degree program; although preferred, a related undergraduate major isn't necessarily required.
</p><h3 id="section---WhereCanIEnrollInThesePrograms">Where Can I Enroll in These Programs?</h3><p>There are numerous online broadcasting degree programs available through bachelor's and master's degree programs. You can find these programs at four-year universities in fully-online formats. Internships might be required for degree completion. The following schools offer online broadcasting degree programs:
</p><ul><li>Arizona State University
</li><li>University of Nebraska
</li><li>Loyola University New Orleans
</li><li>South Dakota State University
</li><li>University of Missouri
</li><li>State University of New York at Oswego
</li><li>Southeastern University
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatCoursesWillITake">What Courses Will I Take?</h3><p>At the bachelor's level, your broadcasting and mass communications curriculum may focus on the evolution of mass media industries, such as radio, cable and the Internet. A master's degree program with a specialization in broadcasting may include courses in mass media theory and research and media in the government. To earn a master's degree, you may also need to complete a professional project and a thesis. These topics might also be explored:
</p><ul><li>Film
</li><li>Multimedia
</li><li>Radio
</li><li>Ethics in mass communication
</li><li>Media writing
</li><li>Media management
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatCareersCanIPursue">What Careers Can I Pursue?</h3><p>With a degree in broadcasting and mass communications, you might pursue careers in traditional or electronic broadcasting. A broad range of positions exists in broadcasting, including producers, radio operators, technical directors, reporters, announcers, camera operators and newscasters.
</p><p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for reporters, correspondents and broadcast news analysts is expected to decrease by nine percent from 2021-2031 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>) and, therefore, considerable competition is expected for many jobs in this field. As of May 2021, an average annual wage was reported to be $101,950 for producers and directors. The average annual wage was reported to be $63,230 for news analysts, reporters and correspondents and $51,280 for broadcast technicians. Corporate communications, journalism, public relations, business and advertising are additional career options for graduates with degrees in broadcasting and mass communications.
</p><h3 id="section---HowDoOnlineCoursesWork">How Do Online Courses Work?</h3><p>To complete an online broadcasting degree program, you'll need access to a computer with a high-speed Internet connection. Your online courses may be offered in real time, requiring you to meet once per week at scheduled times and interact with on-campus students through Web conferencing. Other online broadcasting courses may be more self-paced. You'll interact with instructors and other students through Blackboard or another content management system, phone conferencing and e-mail. For Web conferencing, you may need a headset and USB camera with a microphone. Supplemental course materials may be provided via video or CD.</p>