BA in Communications: Broadcasting and New Media Emphasis
Begin Your Career in Broadcasting and New Media
New media and broadcasting encompasses any form of interactive media that relies on a computer for distribution. This includes, but is not limited to, blogs, virtual reality, social media, online newspapers, podcasts and digital games. Broadcasting and new media is constantly being updated and can be easily retrieved, hyperlinked, searched for and accessed. One reason why companies turn to new media is so they can narrow their target audience, as traditional media only allows companies to target a broad audience. Additionally, modern broadcasting media can allow for interactive elements to boost user engagement.
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Grand Canyon University offers the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communications with an Emphasis in Broadcasting and New Media for students who are passionate about mass communications and media. This program focuses on developing skills to interpret visual and verbal communication in the mainstream and social media, examining modern communication techniques and learning about theories of mass media, as well as the characteristics and effects of mass communications channels. The media broadcasting emphasis teaches you the skills and knowledge to appeal to consumers by creating effective press releases, podcasts, social media and news stories.
New Media and Broadcasting Class Topics
Courses in this program are taught by seasoned instructors who share knowledge and experience in their respective fields. To finish this 120-credit program, you must successfully complete classes that explore a range of topics, including:
- Digital video production techniques and technologies
- Cultural issues pertaining to digital technologies
- Sound ethical principles for professionals in the communications field
- Theories of media and media messages, and the relationship between the producer and the consumer
- Verbal and nonverbal communication behaviors in light of cultural differences
In addition to passing these courses, you are required to showcase what you’ve learned in this program by completing a communications capstone.
When you enroll in the bachelor’s in communications program at GCU, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills in new media broadcasting technologies by:
- Exploring the different forms of storytelling used to influence audiences
- Examining the role of media and media messages in both traditional and new media platforms
- Evaluating ethical responsibility in broadcasting media messages through critical understanding of media’s influence on society
You will also be taught the foundational knowledge and skills needed to create broadcast and podcast messaging. In addition to classroom instruction, you will have the opportunity to apply your skills and showcase your progress with both of these mediums in your broadcasting class.
Broadcasting Media Career Paths
When you graduate with a bachelor’s in communications with a focus in new media broadcasting, you will have the opportunity to pursue a range of positions. Although no guarantees can be made regarding career outcomes, you may decide to seek a career in advertising, marketing, public relations or print or broadcast journalism. Some career possibilities within this field include the following:
- Public relations manager
- Postsecondary communications teacher
- Broadcast announcer
- Radio disc jockey
- Public relations specialists
- Writer
- Author
- Media and communication worker
Enroll in Broadcasting Courses From an Accredited University
GCU is an institutionally accredited university offering degree programs that can help prepare students for digital technology-related careers. If you’re excited about the possibilities in new media and broadcasting, you may find our blend of classroom instruction and hands-on learning activities to be the right fit for you. With classes available on campus or online, this broadcasting media emphasis offers flexibility as you pursue higher education.
BA in Communications: Broadcasting and New Media Emphasis FAQs
Before you decide to apply for enrollment in a BA in Communications online or on campus, you may have some lingering questions. The following FAQs and answers may help address any uncertainties as you work on planning your career pathway. You may also wish to consult your university counselor while you make plans for higher education.
Broadcasting and new media, also called digital media, refers to any sort of media transmitted digitally. It can include everything from online newspapers to podcasts to videos. It also encompasses digital art, audiobooks, virtual reality, app content, and even digital advertisements. Essentially, any time you consume media on a computer, smartphone, tablet or other digital device, you’re consuming new media. Broadcasting media can have many purposes: to entertain, inform, persuade, or to sell something.
Every student will have a unique experience with their broadcasting courses. However, if you’re passionate about the virtually limitless potential of new media and you’re excited to make your own contributions to the field, then you may find earning your degree in digital media to be worth it. One of the reasons why this type of program is often worth it for students is that you’ll gain skills and knowledge that are transferrable to a wide range of career paths and even different fields. So, even if you decide not to become a podcaster, TV presenter or similar digital media professional, you’ll have the opportunity to seek a wide range of exciting challenges elsewhere.
It is also important to look at salary expectations for any position you plan on pursuing. The median annual wage for media and communication workers (such as public relations specialists, news analysts and writers and authors) was $66,320 in May 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1
Although it may be possible to break into the field and land an entry-level position without a degree, many positions within the new media and broadcasting field do require a relevant degree. For example, public relations specialists,2 journalists3 and advertising or marketing managers4 typically need a bachelor’s degree. Some advanced positions may also require some relevant entry-level work experience.4
If you decide that a career in the broadcasting media field could be the right choice for you, apply for enrollment in GCU’s bachelor’s in communications degree with a broadcasting and new media emphasis today. Complete the form on this page to get started.
1 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Media and Communication Workers, as of May 2023, retrieved May 22, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as media and communication workers, nor does it reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc., against a pool of candidates.
2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Feb. 10). How to Become a Public Relations Specialist. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
3 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Jan. 24). How to Become a News Analyst, Reporter, or Journalist. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
4 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022, Sept. 8). How to Become an Advertising, Promotions, or Marketing Manager. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
[Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid]
Online: $485 per credit
[Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid]
Cost of Attendance
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University’s General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
- COM-263, Elements of Intercultural Communication: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments. Students are required to take 3 credits of college mathematics or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- INT-244, World Religions: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Core Courses
Course Description
This course is an introduction to the field of communication with emphasis on the history of communication study, relevant communication theories guiding current research, the contexts in which communication occurs, and issues faced by students of communication. The course focuses on introducing students to various communication models as well as theories and skills in interpersonal communication, small group communication, mass communication, intercultural communication, and public communication.
Course Description
This course examines the principles and processes of small groups and the development of skills for participation and leadership in small group settings, as well as practice in problem solving, decision making, critical reasoning, and information sharing.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course focuses on improving communication among people with different racial, ethnic, cultural, and minority backgrounds. Students explore verbal and nonverbal communication behaviors in a variety of communication media and contexts. Communication styles, rituals, and traditions are explored through an examination of mass media, family structure, religion, politics, education, social life, art, and literature.
Course Description
This course is designed to introduce the concepts and theories relevant to understanding conflict communication and the negotiation process. In this course, students are introduced to various elements of conflict and negotiation communication across a variety of contexts including interpersonal, organizational, and international. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to analyze power dynamics in relationships, identify conflict styles and tactics, and apply intervention techniques in contexts that are relevant to their future relationships and careers.
Course Description
This course introduces students to the study of ethics as it applies in the communication field. As aspiring communication professionals, students need to learn how to engage in communication that is not only appropriate but also responsive to sound ethical principles. In this course, students learn about major ethical theories and explore how these theories are applied in workplace communication, interpersonal relationships, mass media, and intercultural communication contexts.
Course Description
This course provides an overview of the concepts, methods, and tools for communication research design, implementation, interpretation, and critical evaluation in communication research. Prerequisite: COM-100.
Course Description
This course introduces students to the technical and aesthetic aspects of small format digital production as well as the basic principles of motion picture production. Students learn the language of film/digital video and how its manipulation can express one’s individual message or purpose.
Course Description
This course introduces students to the relationship between argumentation and advocacy as well as the role of worldviews in shaping the arguments surrounding relevant social issues. This course presents the concepts and skills related to the study of argumentation. Students are introduced to the principles and elements of argumentation in everyday communication across contexts, as well as the skills necessary in constructing and evaluating written and oral arguments.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course focuses on the communication processes in personal relationships such as romantic relationships, family relationships, and friendships. Through quantitative and qualitative methods and other theoretical perspectives, students in this class examine the expression and interpretation of messages in everyday personal interactions as well as significant relational events. Students also explore communication processes involved in developing, maintaining, and dissolving relationships, how communication impacts partners and their relationships, and how to improve relational quality or individual well-being through communication.
Course Description
This course provides students with an overview of media effects and the complex relationship of media producers and users (audiences). Students examine the role of media and media messages in both traditional and new media platforms, learning about different forms of storytelling to influence audiences.
Course Description
In this course, students learn the basic knowledge and skills necessary for creating broadcast and podcast messages. Students acquire a better understanding of the communication necessary in the preproduction, production, and postproduction stages of broadcasting and podcasting. Course materials include a special focus on auditory and audiovisual presentation elements for presentation on screen and support roles off camera and off air.
Course Description
This course provides students the opportunity to acquire a deeper understanding of how digital technologies are transforming our society and culture. It also offers them the tools to analyze a wide variety of media texts targeted to multiple audiences while exploring the cultural issues raised by new communication technologies.
Course Description
This course includes a culminating reflection and collection of integral works from students' time in the major. Students engage in research specific to their career or graduate school goals and develop a project that displays what they have learned while in the program. Students are exposed to practitioners in the communication field. Students are taught how to effectively communicate their research and develop other skills that support a successful transition into the workforce or graduate school. Prerequisite: COM-333, COM-355.
- GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
- Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
- Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.