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; The Appalachian newspaper organization; and The Peel Literature and Arts Review.
After Graduation
Employment: EM/B graduates 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.
Graduate School: The program does not encourage graduate school directly out of this program, since the industry does not require it.
People
Related Programs
Minors
A minor is required for this degree.
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.
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
On campus only
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
Contacts
College of Fine and Applied Arts
Dr. Kelly Davis
Acting Chair
daviskk@appstate.edu
828-262-2403