Radio Broadcasting Courses and Schools
Radio broadcasting schools can help you develop the skills you need to enter the broadcasting industry; you might be a radio DJ or run a broadcasting studio, for example. Continue reading to learn more about educational programs and careers in radio broadcasting.
What You Need to Know
<p>Certificate and diploma-level radio broadcasting courses prepare students for specializations such as production, operations and program management, while undergraduate degrees are geared to help you develop an on-air presence and master technical skills. Upon graduation, students are qualified for an entry-level on-air or behind-the-scenes broadcasting position.
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<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Courses</b></td><td>Voice Instruction, News Broadcasting, News Writing, Electronic Media, Studio Recording</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Programs</b></td><td> Certificate, Diploma, Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Future Career Options</b></td><td>Talk Show Host, Announcer, Voice-Over Talent, Traffic Manager, Producer, Program Director</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---WhatCoursesAreAvailableInACertificateProgram">What Courses are Available in a Certificate Program?</h3>
<p>You may find radio broadcasting courses through a variety of certificate programs. Your certificate courses may depend on the type of specialization you are pursuing. Coursework may consist of classes similar to the following:
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<ul><li>Audio production techniques
</li><li>Broadcast audio production
</li><li>Broadcast radio announcing
</li><li>On-air radio broadcasting
</li><li>Writing for radio
</li><li>Beginning voice for actors
</li><li>Traffic reporting
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatWillIStudyInAnAssociateSDegreeProgram">What Will I Study in an Associate's Degree Program?</h3>
<p>Associate's degree programs prepare you to enter the workforce upon graduation or transfer into such bachelor's degree programs as communications or broadcast production. Your associate's degree curriculum will focus on audio production and on-air announcing. You may also develop digital editing skills. Your courses may be similar to the following:
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<ul><li>Media writing
</li><li>Advanced post-production
</li><li>Broadcast journalism
</li><li>Broadcast law and ethics
</li><li>Video production
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatWillIStudyInABachelorSDegreeProgram">What Will I Study in a Bachelor's Degree Program?</h3>
<p>Your bachelor's degree curriculum includes many of the same classes as the associate's degree program with the addition of courses in gathering and presenting information for oral, written and electronic communication. You'll also study the history and theory of media communication, use digital broadcast equipment, study performance and learn to direct. Most programs require a senior capstone project. Some bachelor's degree programs offer the opportunity to select a specialization within general broadcasting, broadcast journalism or production.
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<h3 id="section---CanIEarnMyDegreeOnline">Can I Earn My Degree Online?</h3>
<p>The hands-on requirements of a radio broadcasting degree make it impractical as an online program. Online degree completion programs are available, though they are rare. These degree completion programs are designed for students who have already earned associate's degrees in radio broadcasting or similar.
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<h3 id="section---WhatSchoolsOfferRadioBroadcastingCourses">What Schools Offer Radio Broadcasting Courses?</h3>
<p>These schools offer radio broadcasting courses, most of which are campus-based programs:
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<ul><li>Oswego State University of New York (Online)
</li><li>Sanford-Brown Institute (Feasterville-Trevose, PA)
</li><li>SUNY Adirondack (Queensbury, NY)
</li><li>Santa Monica College (CA)
</li><li>University of Central Missouri (Warrensburg)
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithMyDegree">What Can I Do With My Degree?</h3>
<p>After graduating from a radio broadcasting program, you will be qualified for an entry-level broadcasting position, such as talk show host, announcer, board operator or voice-over talent. You could work behind the scenes in the many areas of production or editing. Other positions include sales manager, account manager or traffic manager.
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<p>With experience, you may become a program director, producer or station manager. The increasing use of digital technology may mean that experience or training in broadcast technology, such as computer networks and software, is particularly important for potential employees.</p>