School Overviews
Those interested in broadcasting communications may use this video to learn about 10 schools that offer a few of the best broadcasting communication programs in the nation. These programs are often offered as bachelor's or master's degrees in broadcast journalism and some schools offer Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees as well. Aspiring broadcast journalists can find relevant undergraduate and graduate programs at Syracuse University, the University of Illinois, the University of Southern California, and Boston University. Each of these universities is nationally ranked and two offer programs that have been individually approved by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC), as noted in the school summaries that follow.
Syracuse University in New York
Syracuse University, the first school in the U.S. to offer a radio course, tied for 60th among national universities in U.S. News & World Report's 2016 rankings. Though the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, students can pursue a Bachelor of Arts or Master of Arts in Broadcast Journalism. The school also offers a Master of Science in Broadcast and Digital Journalism that has been accredited by the ACEJMC. Broadcasting communications majors take classes in reporting, research, media editing, and production. Both undergraduate and graduate students can work at the university's radio broadcasting and television stations or participate in professional experiences with affiliated broadcasting agencies.
University of Southern California
Home to the Norman Lear Center, the University of Southern California (USC) is a private college in Los Angeles that U.S. News & World Report ranked 23rd among national universities in 2016. The university's Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism offers ACEJMC-accredited programs leading to a B.A. in Broadcast and Digital Journalism or an M.A. in Journalism. Students can also earn a B.A. in Communications or an M.A. in one of seven different fields, including communication management, global communication, and journalism.
The Annenberg School also offers a Ph.D. with seven different concentrations, including political economy of global communication, health communication and social dynamics, and new media and technology. Hands-on broadcast communication experiences for students at all levels can be found at Annenberg TV News and Annenberg Radio News.
Illinois - Urbana Champaign
The University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign is home to the Institute of Communications Research. The College of Media offers a Bachelor of Science in Journalism with an emphasis on broadcast journalism and an M.S. in Journalism, both of which have been approved by the ACEJMC. In addition to in-class work, students can acquire practical skills by working in the school's public television or radio stations. The university tied for 44th among national universities in 2016, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Boston University in Boston, MA
Students in Boston University's journalism programs may contribute work to the award-winning BU News Service. BU, which tied for 39th best university in the nation in U.S. News and World Report's 2016 rankings, offers both a B.S. and an M.S. in Journalism. Focus areas for the bachelor's program are broadcast journalism, online, magazine, and photojournalism. For the master's, students may specialize in one of ten areas, including broadcast journalism. In addition to participating in the BU News Service, undergrads may pursue internships at nearby news organizations while graduate students might have their work shown on the college's in-house cable network and/or featured by a Boston-area television or radio station.
Top Broadcasting Programs
Next, let's explore six more colleges and universities that have superior broadcast and communications programs, along with some information regarding what makes them stand out.
| Name of School | Distinction | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Marquette University | Communications students may apply for the J. William and Mary Diederich 4-year full scholarship | Milwaukee, WI |
| University of Colorado - Boulder | Home to the Digital Media Test Kitchen | Boulder, CO |
| University of Georgia | Home to the Peabody Awards for electronic media | Athens, GA |
| University of Miami | Has a Communication Honors Program | Coral Gables, FL |
| University of Missouri | Known for being the first journalism school in the world | Columbia, MO |
| Winthrop University | Has an Integrated Marketing Communication program | Rock Hill, SC |
Communications students looking to specialize in broadcasting have a number of quality schools from which to choose with school distinctions, including national rankings, accredited programs, an honors program, and more.
