Television and Digital Media (B.A.)
The Bachelor of Arts in Television & Digital Media is designed for students who seek practical skills complemented by a theoretical understanding of contemporary media platforms.
The program prepares students with a multi-faceted curriculum that highlights information gathering, content creation, and production in today’s rapidly changing media environment. In accord with the liberal arts emphasis on media literacy, students reflect on the social, economic, and cultural dimensions of media and engage in critical analysis of media systems and messages. Students also examine legal and ethical frameworks that inform how media content is produced. The undergraduate curriculum is shaped by the Barry University mission, so that students learn how media can be used for collaborative service projects and to pursue social justice. A minimum grade of C is required in all major and minor courses.
Students who complete the major in Television & Digital Media will be able to do the following:
- Explain how media systems shape and are shaped by various social, cultural, and economic contexts;
- Explain and/or demonstrate how media can be used to pursue social justice and bring about social change;
- Demonstrate knowledge of the technical and performance skills required to write, design, and produce broadcast media content;
- Produce and distribute content over multiple contemporary media, including television and emerging media.
Professional and Technical Standards for Admission, Enrollment, and Graduation
Success in the field of broadcasting requires certain technical and emotional skills in addition to knowledge of theory. The Department of Communication acknowledges Section 504 of the 1973 Vocational Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, but has determined that prospective students must be able to meet the physical and emotional requirements of the academic program. A candidate for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Television & Digital Media must have abilities in six areas: communication, hearing, visual, mobility, motor skills, and social behavior. Compensation can be made for some disabilities but the use of an intermediary delays production decisions that must be made in a split second. Therefore, third parties cannot be used in studio productions.
The performance standards presented below are prerequisites for admission, continued enrollment, and graduation with a B.A. in Television & Digital Media. An example of activities that students are required to perform while enrolled in the Television and Digital Media program accompanies each standard.
| Performance |
Standard |
Examples of Necessary Activities |
| Communication |
Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others orally and in writing |
Give directions |
| Hearing |
Auditory ability sufficient to respond to oral instructions |
Monitor audio levels, respond to through a headset |
| Visual |
Visual ability sufficient for monitoring video sources |
Focus shot, follow movement of people, adjust audio and video levels |
| Mobility |
Physical abilities sufficient to carry, move, and maneuver cameras in small spaces |
Balance, move, and truck, hold a field camera steady |
| Motor Skills |
Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to operate broadcast equipment |
Operate switcher, linear and non-linear, and focus cameras |
| Social Behavior |
Patience, interpersonal skills, teamwork, integrity, interest, and motivation |
Work with others under the pressure of a “live” broadcast |
Degree Requirements (120 credits)
University General Education (42 credits)
SPE-01 is required for all students as part of the University General Education requirements.
Required Course (3 credits)
Media Foundation (15 credits)
News Reporting (9 credits)
Media Production (13 credits)
Capstone and Integrative Experience (5 credits)
Minor or General Elective (24 credits)