WELCOME VIDEO: Mass Communication Chair Holli Haerr
VIDEO: The Mass Communication Program at Five Towns College
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree
OVERVIEW
The Mass Communication program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.), and is designed for students interested in a career in broadcasting, journalism, audio recording technology and live entertainment and media production. It focuses on new technologies, such as multi-media communication platforms used to distribute information. Its curriculum is designed to improve students’ verbal, written and critical thinking skills while being stimulating and creating engaging opportunities for academic development.
Students pursuing the Mass Communication degree program learn from professors with experience in the mass media fields such as television production, radio station operation, internet broadcasting and communication, and live show production. They also get hands-on experience with the Internet web-based streaming service of Five Towns College, The FTC SOUND STREAM, as well as live sports, news and events broadcasts. Students also get real-world journalism experience by writing for The Record Online, the institution’s newspaper. Selected practicums and internships provide Mass Communication students with professional training and real-life experiences necessary to pursue a career in all of these exciting and ever-changing Mass Communication industries.
Broadcasting Concentration
The Broadcasting Concentration is designed to build upon the Mass Communication degree by adding specialized proficiencies that focus on Broadcast Journalism as a career. It is geared towards students who are interested in being on-air or working behind the scenes in radio, television and live event productions. Professionals in the industry share their knowledge as guest speakers, while field trips to commercial stations are exciting and anticipated activities for students.
Being a professional broadcaster is not just a job; it is an art form. With the right tools and proper guidance, the students will learn the ins and outs of the craft. They will learn the significance of thorough research, meticulous reporting and working as a team to produce quality productions.
Five Towns College teaches these important skills and values, preparing students not just for that moment in front of the camera, but for any unforeseen challenges that may arise behind the scenes.
Broadcast Journalism students play an important role in the live transmission of sports, concerts, theatrical presentations and special events at Five Towns College.
The FTC SOUND STREAM is the Internet web-based streaming service of Five Towns College. Formerly known as WFTU (1570 AM), the radio station at Five Towns College has been upgraded and expanded its reach through a rebranding. It is a professional full-service college radio station operated, programmed and engineered by students and staff featuring music, talk, sports, news, information, and remote broadcasts. The station uses a Hot AC format for their music selections along with a variety of student programs which features music from rap to rock to hip hop to jazz.
Broadcasting seven days a week from the “Gene Free Studios” located on the Five Towns College campus, the FTC SOUND STREAM offers hands-on radio broadcast training for students to jump right in. Students not only learn to master new and emerging technologies, but also to present news, music, and commentary. The FTC SOUND STREAM has opportunities for students of all academic programs (not just Mass Communication) interested in broadcasting and the multi-media communication industry. Our daily live broadcasts are recorded so listeners can hear them on Mixcloud.com. The FTC SOUND STREAM provides both fun and real-world experiences that all students can learn from. Find out how you can become involved today!
Journalism Concentration
The Journalism Concentration is designed to build upon the Mass Communication degree by adding specialized proficiencies that focus on Journalism as a career. It is designed for students interested in becoming professional writers for newspapers, radio, television, public relations departments and other media-based organizations.
A Journalism Concentration offers an exciting opportunity for aspiring media professionals to improve writing skills while also gaining invaluable reporting tools. Five Towns College recognizes that Journalism is so much more than just a profession; it demands adherence to the truth and a relentless dedication to accuracy.
The Five Towns College newspaper, The Record Online, is constantly updated and features student-written articles about entertainment, news, campus events and more. Journalism students are expected to contribute articles, photos and other multimedia elements to the newspaper as part of their writing and educational experience.
Audio Recording Technology Concentration
The Audio Recording Technology concentration is designed to provide students with the expertise required to operate professional audio recording equipment. Students will study the theory of sound, recording electronics, engineering procedures, audio/video post-production and advanced mixing procedures in a sequence of courses designed to develop the skills required for this field.
In addition, students will get lots of hands-on training by participating in broadcasts of Five Towns College Sound Athletics sporting events, newscasts, theatre productions and more.
Learn more about the Audio Recording Technology concentration here.
Live Entertainment and Media Production Concentration
This is a brand new concentration at Five Towns College, incorporating live sound, lighting, video and other skills needed to take performances and events to the next level. A person with show production skills can help create incredible experiences during concerts or corporate events.
This concentration enables students to build their knowledge in a wide array of audio and video applications in real time. Students will develop an understanding of how to relate to audiences and how to operate sound, lighting and audio on site. Students are trained to be audiovisual professionals and designers who are proficient in the creation, operation and planning of modern-day theatrical, event and corporate productions.
Graduates of the Live Entertainment and Media Production Concentration are prepared for careers such as: Event Producers, Tour Managers, Live Production Managers, Stage Managers, Live Sound Professionals, Audio Visual Technicians, and Lighting Technicians.
View Live Entertainment and Media Production Concentration Curriculum here.