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Radio Broadcasting Majors
Radio Broadcasting Majors
Radio broadcasting is a major pursued by those looking to become on-air personalities, radio journalists, producers, radio sales managers and numerous other positions in the radio industry. These bachelor's degree programs often include classes in journalism and production as well as hands-on experiences at radio stations.
What Degrees Can I Pursue For a Career in Radio Broadcasting?
You will find that some colleges and universities offer a radio broadcasting major, or a broadcasting major with a radio concentration. A related major you may pursue is radio production, which focuses on many of the same topics, though with a particular focus on the technical aspects of the radio industry. Other colleges and universities offer majors including television and radio studies, communications and audio production; these degrees provide you with many comparable skills to a radio broadcasting major. Most of these degrees are not available online, as they involve experiential learning with broadcasting equipment.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Available Majors</b></td><td> Radio broadcasting, radio production, radio studies, communications</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Program Components</b></td><td> Required work at a radio station on-air, in production, and in business aspects of the radio industry</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Classes</b></td><td> Radio production, news writing, radio advertising, journalism</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Annual Salary (May 2020)*</b></td><td> $41,950 (<i>for Announcers</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)*</b></td><td> 1% (<i>for Announcers</i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatTypeOfExperienceWillIGetWithARadioBroadcastingMajor">What Type of Experience Will I Get With a Radio Broadcasting Major?</h3><p>While pursuing a bachelor's degree in radio broadcasting, you will gain significant hands-on experience with radio production technology. This will come through time spent working at the college or university's radio station or at a local community radio station. You will become comfortable working behind the microphone in an on-air setting. You will also work with behind the scenes technology performing tasks such as show production, news editing and commercial development.
</p><p>In addition to gaining experience with the technical aspects of broadcasting, you will likely also participate in the business side of the radio station. This includes sales, financial management and negotiations with vendors. This experience is intended to provide you with career-focused skills that will be useful upon graduation.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCoursesWillITake">What Courses Will I Take?</h3><p>Your coursework may include lecture-based courses in which you learn about the radio industry, including the history of the medium and current legal issues affecting the field. You could also take courses that involve practical, skills-based training in broadcasting. In some cases, you may be required to pursue an internship with a professional radio station as a component of your degree. Common courses with this major include the following:
</p><ul><li>Radio production techniques
</li><li>Radio journalism
</li><li>Public speaking
</li><li>Introduction to news writing
</li><li>Radio marketing and promotions
</li><li>Radio advertising</li></ul>
