Communication: Advertising and Broadcasting
Bachelor of Arts
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Program Intro
As a broadcasting and advertising student, you’ll learn your craft in a state-of-the-art production facility that includes a multi-track audio engineering studio, radio studio and three-camera television studio. In the real world, broadcasters and advertisers work together to create television commercials, music videos, product packaging, social media content and more. This concentration fosters creativity grounded in research and practical application.
Department of Communication and Creative Arts
Throughout the program, you’ll work in our Radio and Television Studio Facility, which is supervised by a professional and experienced studio manager, creating art that includes music videos, television commercials, short documentaries and episodic scripts. Additionally, you will participate in producing and marketing our award-winning television show, The Roundtable Perspective, which airs on Lakeshore PBS.
Curriculum Overview
Our broadcasting and advertising curriculum includes courses in radio production, television production and editing, advertising and script writing.
Your first year is an introduction to basic communication principles of speech, public relations and advertising.
Sample Courses
- COM 11400 – Fundamentals of Speech Communication
- COM 20400 – Critical Perspectives on Communication
- COM 25000 – Mass Communication and Society
Expand your knowledge with courses in media theory and visual communication and develop skills in audio, camera techniques, sports communication and radio/TV production.
Sample Courses
- COM 25600 – Introduction to Advertising
- COM 30900 – Visual Communication
- COM 33100 – Audio Production
Get multimedia training with courses that teach you how to create ads for radio and television. Expand your knowledge of practical communication and media production techniques. You may also complete an internship this year.
Sample Courses
- COM 33200 – Television Production
- COM 43400 – Practicum in Media Communication
- COM 44500 — Television Editing
Prepare for your career with courses that emphasize practical applications of the skills you’ve gained. Further hone your skills in TV production and scriptwriting.
Sample Courses
- COM 43600 – Scriptwriting
- COM 44100 — Advanced Television Production
- COM 46500 – Visual Aesthetics in TV and Film
Highlights
Advertising and broadcasting combines ideas in compelling ways to attract attention. You’ll be able to gain hands-on experience in audio and video production. Our 30-minute program “The Roundtable Perspective” airs on Lakeshore Public Media.
If you’re interested in declaring an advertising and broadcasting concentration at PNW, contact Jake Giles now to schedule a tour of the studio!
Outcomes
This program builds essential leadership and interviewing skills, as well as the confidence to communicate in a number of media. Broadcasting students compete and win in professional competitions like Telly, Communicator, Videographer and AVA.
Our alumni work in a wide variety of media, including film, television, radio, advertising, marketing and sales. They have won Emmys, Tellys and many other prestigious awards.
Scholarships
Communication students can apply for:
For more information, contact Interim Department Chair Neil Nemeth.
Beyond the Classroom
Our students regularly intern at WJOB and Lakeshore Public Media. We also participate in the annual Broadcast Education Association (BEA) festival.
Career Paths
This program prepares you for a range of careers in fields like:
- Advertising (design or sales)
- Social media (analysis and communication)
- Television production
Employers
Broadcasting and advertising graduates have worked for the following employers:
- WGN
- Lakeshore Public Media
- South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority
- Digital Target Marketing
I met a lot of great people who turned out to be some of my best friends, and to actually run a live television show that airs on Lakeshore PBS is really, really valuable.
Meet the Faculty
Associate Professor of Communication
Mary Beth O’Connor teaches broadcasting and advertising courses and oversees both of those concentrations for the department. Additionally, she is the supervising producer for The Roundtable Perspective television show.
Continuing Lecturer
Ken Bronowski has a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Communication from Purdue University Calumet. Current role at PNW is as a Continuing Lecturer, specializing in electronic media production. Key responsibilities are teaching production classes and upkeep of radio, recording and TV studios.
Take the Next Step
See how a PNW degree opens doors, from corporate boardrooms to non-profit leadership.
