This program prepares students for employment in small- and medium-market radio and TV stations as well as corporate communication and public relations offices. Because communication technology personnel must perform a variety of duties, this program stresses versatility. Communication classes offer students experience in live-audience and recorded speaking. Advertising and business courses involve student in other aspects of the communication industry. Audio, video, and internet components are meshed with an understanding of the history and theory of development of the message.
Host a show on WPCD, our 10,500-watt radio station- Work with clients as part of Applied Media Promotions (AMP), our award-winning student-staffed public relations firm
- Produce and promote an album for a local band as part of Perimeter Road Sound Recordings (PRSR), our award-winning student-staffed record label
- Produce a television program for Parkland's cable television station, PCTV
At Parkland, you'll have the advantage of small class sizes, taught by master faculty—never teaching assistants. Your success is our priority.
I feel confident and prepared for a position in my field. Parkland is filled with great opportunities and an incredible staff.
Austen Pontious, 2018 Broadcasting Gratudate
"Right off the bat I started taking courses like intro to radio productions and broadcast writing. I began doing my first air-shifts later that semester and knew that radio production was something I wanted to do as a career.
With great mentors and faculty like Deane Geiken and Adam Porter the information and real experience I gained is priceless."
Courses
Introduction to Mass Communication (COM 101): Discover the history, trends, and theories of mass media. Become a savvy consumer of mass media messages, and explore possible careers in mass communication industries.
Basic News Writing (COM 105): Students learn basic journalism skills including techniques in news gathering, reporting, and interviewing.
Broadcast Writing (COM 106): Emphasizes writing for visual and audio presentations including commercials, public service announcements, news, and special events.
Introduction to Advertising (COM 121): Students learn the role of advertising in marketing campaigns, consumer behavior, and creative strategies. Students build skills through developing real-world advertising components.
Introduction to Public Relations (COM 122): An overview of the practices, theories, ethics, issues, and challenges of public relations. Students build skills in analyzing and creating PR messages.
Basic Broadcast Announcing (COM 141): Students learn the basics of broadcast announcing principles and techniques and build skills through creating, reading, and delivering commercials and public service announcements. Students gain on-air experience at WPCD-FM, Parkland's radio station.
Introduction to Radio Production (COM 142): Students learn audio production techniques, script writing, editing, and production skills in a studio setting using Adobe Audition.
Video Production I (COM 144): Students gain hands-on experience producing video in a multi-camera television studio including studio production techniques, video and audio equipment operation, and crew positions and responsibilities.
Video Production II (COM 145): Hands-on experience producing videos from concept through post-production emphasizing television digital field production including non-linear digital editing.
Mass Media and Society (COM 201): Students analyze and critically examine the role of mass media in society with a focus on the impact of new media technologies on politics, economics, and culture.
Internship and Seminar (COM 292): Gain internship experience in approved communication or media arts business or nonprofit organization. Focus on developing work ethics
Portfolio Seminar (COM 293): Students fine-tune and edit their portfolios, receive feedback from industry professionals, and develop effective self-promotional pieces including internet presence and resumes that can be used to begin a career or transfer.
Will my classes transfer?
Parkland College classes with an even middle digit (such as ENG 101, MAT 128, and BIO 141) are accepted for transfer as general education classes, major courses, or electives as determined by the transfer institution.
For more information about transferring, speak with an academic advisor and visit the Parkland Course Matrix.
Learn more about how these classes fit into a transfer degree or the general education core curriculum (GECC).
Curriculum