Broadcast & Cinematic Arts Major
Why study broadcast and cinematic arts at CMU?
The School of Broadcast and Cinematic Arts at CMU offers one of the largest electronic media programs in the country. In the past six years, CMU's television and radio stations have won more first place finishes and total awards than any other university in Michigan. Consider these key features distinguishing this program at CMU:
- Production facilities recently enhanced with more than $1 million in new equipment
- Theoretical and applied courses to prepare students for a wide variety of media-related careers
- Practical on-campus electronic media opportunities with radio station WMHW-FM, community cable station MHTV, and multimedia design, development, and production laboratory M2D2
- Professional development through chapters of Alpha Epsilon Rho/The National Broadcasting Society, and the Radio-Television News Directors Association
Career outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, for all occupations through the year 2014:
- Employment in broadcasting is expected to increase 11 percent, and employment of camera operators and editors is expected to grow nine to 17 percent.
- Rapid expansion of the entertainment market, especially motion picture production and distribution, will spur growth of camera operators. In addition, computer and Internet services will provide new outlets for interactive productions.
- Job prospects will be best for applicants with a college degree in broadcasting or a related field, and relevant experience, such as work at college radio and television stations or internships at professional stations.
Career options
Graduates of the broadcast and cinematic arts program at CMU will find a variety of career opportunities. Some of these may require additional education.
- Anchorperson
- Business manager
- Copywriter
- Media Researcher
- News Producer
- Radio Producer
- TV Director
- Public Relations Specialist
- Production Director
- Music Director
Program Overview
The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires.
For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin
AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education
courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.
(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)
Broadcast & Cinematic Arts Major
( Total: 35 semester hours
Students following the B.A.A. degree:
Three hours of electives from ART or MUS are also required and these three hours can not be used to satisfy University Program requirements. )
(23 hours)
Required Courses
4
BCA 210 Survey of the Mass Media
Examination of historical, political, economic, social and legal evolution of mass media. Emphasis on mass media and their content in a social and cultural context.
3
BCA 222 Audio Production
The art and science of sound acoustics and basic audio and radio production. Prerequisite: BCA 210 with a grade of "C" or better.
3
BCA 223 Video Production
Introductory course in video studio systems. Emphasis on structuring and integrating the various production elements that comprise video presentations. Prerequisite: BCA 210 with a grade of C or better.
3
BCA 310 Broadcast History and New Media Technology
History of U.S. broadcasting with emphasis on industrial, social, public policy and technological changes in electronic media, and examination of careers related to the media industry. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format. Prerequisite: BCA 210 with a grade of C or better.
3
BCA 311 Electronic Media Copywriting
Practice in the pervasive short forms of audio and video writing: commercials, continuity, public service announcements, and campaign evolution. Prerequisite: ENG 101 with a minimum grade of B or ENG 103/099 with a minimum grade of B or ELI 198 with a minimum grade of B or ENG 201 with a minimum grade of B.
1
BCA 499 Senior Seminar
Capstone assessment of the student's professional strengths and weaknesses plus refinement of strategies for establishing a successful post-graduate career. Prerequisites: Signed BCA major or minor and senior standing. Must be taken in one of the last two semesters prior to graduation.
3
BCA 503 Critiquing Mass Media
Critical appraisal of mass communications systems and their content with special attention to the electronic media's aesthetic properties and economic, political, and societal effects. Prerequisites: BCA 210 with a grade of C or better; or graduate standing.
3
BCA 510 Electronic Media Law
Regulation of the electronic media. Examination of legal and administrative materials and cases. Prerequisites: BCA 310 with a grade of C or better; limited to juniors or above; or graduate standing.
BCA course work selected by the student. Six of these 12 hours must be at the 400 or 500 level. BCA 490 and 529 do not fulfill this 400-500 requirement.