Media Production, B.A.
Media Production
Media Production course requirements
Media Production is one of the most popular majors at Buffalo State. This major focuses on the the production and technical side of the media, with emphasis on media convergence, digital applications, and new forms of media distribution. Note that broadcast reporting is part of the Journalism major. Media Production is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications.
This major includes a range of courses that prepare students for careers both in the traditional media of radio and television and in new media associated with cable, satellite and interactive video systems. Students learn the technical, legal and aesthetic aspects of contemporary broadcasting. They also are given the opportunity to develop expertise in production and programming and in sales and management.
About the Program
This major (formerly called broadcasting) allows students flexibility to tailor a program based on production of audio and/or visual messages using various electronic media. It meets the needs of students preparing for a career integrating many elements: research, planning, writing and other aspects of preproduction; studio and field experience in technical production; postproduction activities, such as editing; and media management areas. Compare this major with communication studies, journalism, and public communication.
This is the only program in broadcasting and production at any SUNY school that is affiliated with the Accrediting Council for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication. Only four other undergraduate programs in New York State are accredited.
Career Opportunities: Students in media production prepare for careers in radio or audio production, television or video production, Web design, music production, media sales and management, related technical areas, and other fields that require a liberal arts education enhanced with production skills. Specific job titles associated with this major include writer, producer, director, videographer, editor, Web designer, and production manager.
The profile of a successful media production graduate is a person with strong skills in using computers, cameras, and other technical equipment, writing and speaking proficiency, keen ethical insight, analytical and creative competence, and management abilities.
Admissions Requirements
Incoming freshmen and transfer students can declare the major. A 2.6 GPA in the major is needed to register for required upper-division courses (300- and 400-level).
See www.buffalostate.edu/communication for application forms and additional information, including a list of equivalent core courses at community colleges. Transfer students from two-year schools may apply only core courses toward this major for a maximum of 12 credits. Students generally require four semesters of study after completing communication core courses.
Academic Standards: Only grades of C or higher may be applied toward requirements for any communication degree; courses with lower grades must be repeated. Consistent with standards of the Accrediting Council for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, the number of communication courses that students may take is capped, encouraging a broad-based liberal arts education. The department encourages students to take minors or second majors, and requires evidence of an academic concentration or area of expertise outside the Communication Department.
Career Information
The information age and its technological advances have expanded career opportunities in broadcasting, as cable, satellites, and interactive video systems are growing. The job market for those with media production training is even greater than it was during the 1960s and 1970s when network television was on its upsurge. Now, commercial and public television stations and cable systems continue to demand more qualified people. Business and industry are seeking those capable of media production or broadcast journalism, and radio continues to thrive as an information and entertainment medium.
As might be expected in such a dynamic field, competition is intense, and most graduates who go into traditional radio and television find there is a period when they must "pay their dues" by working in a small market, at times for as low as minimum wage. The higher salaries are found in the major market cities or with broadcast and cable networks, but it may require years of experience before a graduate is qualified to take on those responsibilities. Salaries and advancement opportunities are often better for those working with production companies or specialized program services such as CNN, ESPN, MTV, or religious broadcasting.
Many recent graduates from Buffalo State's media production program have found employment with radio and television stations in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and the smaller communities of Western New York, as well as in major cities in other parts of the country. The voices of some of our students can be heard on local radio even while they are students; internships at stations often turn into jobs before graduation. Others have found work in advertising or in the recording industry. Although the field is competitive, an extensive internship and extracurricular program give our students an edge when they enter the job market.
Program Requirements
Intellectual Foundations Requirements 39–66 cr
Total Required Credit Hours in Media Production 42 cr
A. Communication Core (12 cr)
COM 100 Media Literacy
COM 210 Introduction to Media Writing
COM 215 Introduction to Visual Communication
SPC 205 Introduction to Oral Communication
Note: Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.6 in the major to register for certain upper-division courses (300- and 400-level).
B. Major Requirements (21 cr)
COM 304 Writing for Broadcast
COM 312 Basic Media Production
COM 317 Media Management
OR
COM 400 Communication Law
COM 328 Intermediate Audio Production
COM 329 Intermediate Video Production
Two of the following six courses:
COM 428 Advanced Audio Production
COM 429 Advanced Multicamera Studio Production
COM 431 Advanced Field Production
COM 432 Advanced Postproduction
COM 433 Advanced Television Documentary Production
COM 434 Advanced Video Production Practicum
C. Senior Seminar (3 cr)
COM 450 Communication and Society
D. Communication Electives (6 cr)
300- and 400-level courses in the department (selected by advisement).
All College Electives 12–39 cr
Total Required Credit Hours 120 cr