What Are the Courses in a Radio Broadcasting Degree Program?
You'll need to complete the requisite education to pursue a career in radio broadcasting. Most degree programs include certain required core courses. Below is a list of the topics that are generally part of radio broadcasting degree programs.
Radio Broadcasting Core Course Overview
Typical radio broadcasting degree curriculum includes an introductory unit and covers related subjects like audio production, broadcast writing and announcing to equip students to work in the field.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisFieldOfStudy">Important Facts About This Field of Study</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td>Possible Careers</td><td> On-air talent, newscaster, and digital content creator</td></tr>
<tr><td>Certificate/Degree Levels</td><td> Associate and bachelor degree programs</td></tr>
<tr><td>Online Availability</td><td> Not available online</td></tr>
<tr><td>Common Courses</td><td> Mass communications, reporting, digital media</td></tr>
<tr><td>Median Salary (2018)</td><td>$64,600 <i>(for broadcast news analysts working in radio and television broadcasting)</i>*</td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2016-2026)</td><td>Little to no change <i>(for all broadcast news analysts)</i>*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---IntroductionToRadio">Introduction to Radio</h3><p>An introductory course is usually one of the first courses that students take in order to receive a broad overview of the field. These courses are designed to teach the structure of radio broadcasts and to provide knowledge of the work that goes into radio shows. Students have opportunities to learn about studio terminology, legal requirements and programming formats. The history of radio broadcasting and developments that have helped move radio broadcasting into the 21st century may also be studied.
</p><h3 id="section---AudioProduction">Audio Production</h3><p>Audio production discusses analog and digital techniques, audio programming, and audio playback and recording equipment. Participants learn how to use mixing software, such as Cool Edit, and gain an understanding of sound and its basic components.
</p><h3 id="section---BroadcastWriting">Broadcast Writing</h3><p>A course in broadcast writing aims to teach students how to compose scripts for on-air radio shows. While enrolled, students might hone their skills in writing engaging and interesting commercial copy, promotional material, news and sports stories, as well as public service announcements. Students are encouraged to write for specific audiences in a manner that conveys a clear message.
</p><h3 id="section---SpeechAndAnnouncing">Speech and Announcing</h3><p>In this course, students learn how to pronounce and articulate words in order to clearly communicate information over the radio. They practice breathing exercises to help them enunciate words perfectly and to speak fluently during radio broadcast shows. Students are taught how to ad-lib, read announcements, host on-air shows, introduce music selections and read news stories.</p>