Online Radio Broadcasting Degree Program Overviews

Online broadcasting and communications programs train students to share ideas and information using various media, including radio. On campus, this degree program can lead to a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Radio Broadcasting--though this exact degree title is extremely rare in an entirely distance-education format.

Online Bachelor's Degree in Radio Broadcasting Program Overview

Through a radio broadcasting degree program, students learn how to use radio and other technologies for communication purposes. They discover the history of radio, study trends in the communication industry and learn to share entertainment and information with others through this format. Individuals are only eligible for the bachelor's degree if they already have at least an associate's degree, having already completed their general education credits. There are not many online programs in radio broadcasting, though there are similar programs available through distance-education, such as those for communications, broadcasting and digital communications.

Program Information and Requirements

Broadcasting programs familiarize enrollees with modern radio and mass communications equipment and theories. Though these programs can be completed entirely online, some schools may require that students complete labs on-campus or participate in internships, such as working at radio stations, to gain experiential training. To participate, students access Web-based servers, such as Angel or Blackboard, and listen to lectures lesson-by-lesson on their own schedule. They are also tasked with completing assignments and interacting with professors and other students.
Students must have a working computer and access to the Web. They also need to have certain computer software programs, such as Adobe Flash, Acrobat Reader and Microsoft Office Suite. They may possibly be required to install some advanced programs so that they can learn how to operate switchboards, edit sound and play music on a radio station.

List of Common Radio Broadcasting Courses

In the event that applicant to this degree program must have previously completed an associate's degree, which is often the case, students won't need to complete general education courses. Web-based classes allow them to keep current with core lessons, submit assignments or chat with students to complete the curriculum entirely online.

Society and the Media Course

Enrollees learn about media in the United States and learn how it is influenced. They also examine the way government influences media, and how media in turn influences politics and society.

Networking and the Internet

This course allows students to discover online networks and their value for a radio station as well as other forms of media. They explore the role networks play in influencing social behavior. They also discuss regulation and control issues.

Broadcast Sales Course

Students examine how to make sales in broadcasting and how sales are used to effectively run the radio station. They analyze problems such as lack of sales and learn how to make a business grow.

Digital Culture and New Media Theory Course

This course covers the role of media in history and how media changes over time. Students study theories of new media and learn practical ways to apply them.

Career Information for Graduates

Upon completion of a bachelor's degree in radio broadcasting, graduates can pursue a number of career opportunities, both on and off the air. On the air, those with a bachelor's degree in the field can find careers as radio announcers, producers or radio operators. According to the May 2008 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for positions in broadcasting is expected to grow by about seven percent between then and 2018. The BLS states that as of 2008, the median hourly wage for radio producers was $28.05, for broadcast technicians was $14.49 and for radio announcers was $12.76. The median annual salary for radio operators was reported as $37,210 (www.bls.gov).

Continuing Education Information

Graduates interested in continuing their education can earn a master's degree in communications. Professional certification for broadcast engineers is also available. Additional experience can lead to additional career opportunities, such as becoming a station manager.