+ Telecommunications

108 West Hall, 419-372-2138 or 419-372-8646

Electronic media such as television, radio and the Internet are playing an increasingly important role in today's world. News and information are relayed with greater speed than ever before, allowing for closer contact between nations and people. In fact, electronic media have become the major source of information and entertainment in the present age. A central mission of the Department of Telecommunications is to produce well-rounded graduates to be future decision-makers in the electronic media and allied professions. Graduates obtain such positions as television producer, radio or television programmer, script writer, radio announcer, audio and video editor, web page designer, and media researcher. Career opportunities are available in public and commercial radio and television, cable television, telephony, multimedia, advertising and education.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in telecommunications are expected to:

• Comprehend and analyze the historical, cultural, political and economic contexts that shape the operation of electronic media systems (broadcasting, telephony, Internet, digital media);
  
• Critically analyze the social, cultural and psychological effects and implications of electronic media systems from a variety of theoretical and policy perspectives;
  
• Comprehend and apply the key social science research methods used in researching the role of electronically mediated communication processes;
  
• Formulate and effectively communicate ideas in oral, written and visual contexts;
  
• Comprehend and apply the various production, performance and writing techniques that are integral to the realization of effective media texts.
  

Major, Bachelor of Arts (37-42 hours in the major)

• TCOM 103, 255, 260, 262, 263, 360, 366, 451, 460, 489 (28-33)
• Focus area: 3 courses at the 300-400 level (9). A faculty adviser must approve the focus area.
• Complete a minor in another department. A student wishing to pursue an interdisciplinary minor must have the endorsement of the faculty adviser and approval from the College of Arts and Sciences.

Major, Bachelor of Arts in Communication (37-42 hours in the major)

Minor (21 hours)

• TCOM 103, 255 (6)
• Two 3-credit hour courses from TCOM courses at 200-300 level (6)
• Three 3-credit hour courses from TCOM courses at 300-400 level (9)