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Electronic Media/Broadcasting (BS)

About

Hands-on experience in the classroom. Applying what you learn in classes by working with App State’s award-winning, student-run media organizations. Creating a digital media portfolio to share with potential employers.

Sound interesting? Consider the Electronic Media/Broadcasting (EM/B) major offered by the Department of Communication at App State.

Here you will learn the skills needed to launch your career in the electronic media/broadcasting field. The EM/B curriculum provides a well-rounded introduction to the history, principles and practices of digital media production.

As an EM/B student, you will gain hands-on experience in all aspects of the digital storytelling process — from idea development to finished work. Before you graduate, you will create digital media content and an online portfolio to showcase your work.

Opportunities for practical and applied production experience include student-run media outlets 90.5 WASU-FM, known as “The App”; AppTV, which offers a wide range of programming and production opportunities, including the Appalachian Weekly News broadcast program; The Appalachian newspaper organization; and The Peel Literature and Arts Review.

After Graduation

Employment: EM/B graduates have gone on to work work for a variety of employers, including: HBO, Marvel, Saturday Night Live, CNN, Extreme Home Makeover, Ole Miss Athletics, NASCAR, Clear Channel, Sun Belt Digital Media, Blue Ridge Broadcasting, WCNC Charlotte, WBTV/Charlotte WKYC TV in Cleveland and other outlets. Other alumni have moved to New York, Atlanta or Los Angeles to work in the feature film industry.

Career Exploration website

People

  • Alumnus Profile: John Park ’20
    Alumnus Profile: John Park ’20

    John Park ’20 is a news producer at Spectrum News 1 in Louisville, Kentucky. He starts each day asking, What’s happening in the world today? He uses skills he learned at App State to turn the answers into news programs.

  • Student Profile: AppTV staff
    Student Profile: AppTV staff

    Meet some of the people behind Appalachian’s student-run television station AppTV — named the 2020 Best College TV Station at the 80th annual IBS International Media Conference held in New York City. AppTV was named a finalist for the award in 2019.

  • Alumnus Profile: Maleek Loyd ’18
    Alumnus Profile: Maleek Loyd ’18

    Maleek Loyd ’18, who started a media production company while in college, said he chose Appalachian because the editing rooms and TV studios in its Beasley Media Complex were unlike anything he’d seen at other universities.

Courses

  • Program of Study
    Program of Study
  • Four Year Guide
    Four Year Guide
  • NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide
    NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

Related Programs

  • Advertising (BS)
  • Communication Studies (BS)
  • Digital Journalism (BS)
  • Public Relations (BS)

Minors

A minor is required for this degree.

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

AppTV offers a full range of original programming, produced by App State students.

The Appalachian is App State’s student newspaper. Participation on the newspaper’s staff is open to full-time undergraduate and graduate students.

Second Story Media, App State’s student-run communication agency, partners with university and community nonprofit clients to provide communication services.

90.5 WASU-FM — known as “The App” — is dedicated to bringing the best alternative rock music to the High Country and is operated by App State students and volunteer DJs.

National Broadcasting Society sessions teach students about job workshops, internship opportunities, resume building, broadcasting issues, professionalism and professional contacts. NBS also offers hands-on experience through videotaping and marketing App State’s commencement exercises.

The Broadcast Education Association (BEA) offers regional and national conferences and opportunities for students to showcase their works.

Global Learning

App State is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.

The Department of Communication has study abroad opportunities in China, England, Ireland, the Netherlands and Poland.

Admission Requirements

The Electronic Media/Broadcasting degree has a resource-based admission policy and accepts students each semester based on GPA. In order to apply, a student must satisfactorily complete at least 30 credits and have at least a 2.0 GPA to be considered.

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Why Appalachian?

  • The EM/B program provides a comprehensive, hands-on, production-focused curriculum, with students selecting specializations in either electronic media journalism or electronic media production.
  • EM/B students collaborate to create digital media for classes and for App State’s student-run media organizations. Small class sizes mean students develop lasting relationships with faculty — and with each other.
  • The EM/B curriculum changes to keep pace with changes in the industry.
  • Working in the George G. Beasley Media Complex, students have access to the latest technology and 15 audio and video editing suites, two modern TV studios, a radio station and a media lab.
  • Students are encouraged to expand what they’ve learned in their classes by getting involved with App State’s award-winning, student-run media outlets: 90.5 WASU-FM, The Appalachian, AppTV, and The Peel Literature and Arts Review.
  • The Kellar Radio Talent Institute, offered in the summer, provides an opportunity for students interested in radio to learn from industry professionals about various aspects of the industry. Students must apply for the program.
  • Students are encouraged to participate in internships. Host sites have included CNN, The Weather Channel and multiple radio and TV stations in a range of different markets.
  • The EM/B program has a strong alumni network that keeps alumni, faculty and students connected to the electronic media/broadcasting fields.

Location

Boone and Hickory

Careers

  • Anchor Person
  • Audio Engineer
  • Creative Director
  • Director
  • Executive Producer
  • Field Producer
  • Floor Manager
  • Media Buyer
  • Radio or TV Narrator
  • News Commentator
  • Radio or TV News Reporter
  • Photojournalist
  • Producer
  • Radio Program Director
  • Radio Reporter
  • Radio or TV Sales Representative
  • Sales Manager
  • Sports Announcer
  • Station Manager
  • Technical Director
  • TV programming department
  • Videographer

View more career opportunities

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Contacts

College of Fine and Applied Arts

Department of Communication

Dr. Scott Welsh
Department Chair
welshsm@appstate.edu
828-262-2607

  • Department of Communication

    One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Communication at Appalachian State University focuses on preparing students to succeed in the varied fields within the communication industry. The department offers five majors – advertising, communication studies, electronic media/broadcasting, journalism and public relations – and a minor in communication studies. Graduates work in a wide range of positions in media, corporate, agency, government and nonprofit organizations.

  • College of Fine and Applied Arts

    Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of academic departments including Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance.

    The College of Fine and Applied Arts is characterized by the educational approach of integrating theory and practice, offering students the knowledge and experience for continued education or employment. Programs within the College feature opportunities for hands-on experiential learning, international experiences and interdisciplinary engagement. The College emphasizes undergraduate teaching, while being active in grants and sponsored research. The College of Fine and Applied Arts provides a vibrant educational atmosphere, fostering the very best in teaching and learning.

    We offer:

    • BS, BA, and BFA degrees in 30 academic concentrations or specializations
    • MS degrees in 4 concentrations
    • Army ROTC program

    Community Service:

    Our students and faculty find unique ways to bring community service into the learning experience through experiences such as campus and community workshops, after-school programs for area school children, and work with local non-profits.

    Industry and Community Involvement:

    All departments are highly involved with their industry counterparts and seek opportunities to work with community partners. In addition, each department has an advisory board of industry professionals that assist in program development, internships, job placement and fundraising.

    International Education:

    The College of Fine and Applied Arts wants all students to have the opportunity for international learning experiences and has offered programs in:

    • Austria
    • China
    • Costa Rica
    • Cuba
    • Dominican Republic
    • England
    • France
    • Germany
    • Italy
    • Mexico
    • New Zealand
    • Nicaragua
    • Panama
    • Poland
    • Rwanda
    • South Africa
    • Taiwan

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