Broadcasting
Here at Northern, we do sports television better than any other university in Michigan. We have swept the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Awards for College Television Sports two years in a row. By becoming involved in either multi-media journalism or media production and new technology, you will have the opportunity to be a part of what makes NMU's sports broadcasting program so unique.
Program Details
Whether you are dialing up a dramatic instant replay, announcing a game or directing an entire show, NMU will help you gain the experience you need to find success in the sports broadcasting industry. Let us help you fuel your passion for sports and media, through a variety of hands-on opportunities unique to our school. We have partnerships with the local Public Broadcasting station, the athletics department and various local media outlets. Gain real world experience with sports broadcasting both in the classroom and on site through an internship in the Marquette area.
Here at Northern, we do sports television better than any other university in Michigan. We have swept the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Awards for College Television Sports two years in a row. By becoming involved in either multi-media journalism or media production and new technology, you will have the opportunity to be a part of what makes NMU's sports broadcasting program so unique.
Multi-media journalism or media production and new technology degrees are a good fit for students who like:
- working as part of a team
- a fast-paced work environment
- prioritizing multiple projects at once
Degree Requirements
Each program requires internship or practicum credits to graduate. Luckily for students, there are many opportunties on and around campus to fulfill these requirements. These include working with Public Eye News, a 15-minute weekday news bradcast aired on Public TV13, The North Wind, our student run newspaper or at one of our numerous local radio or TV stations.
Multimedia Journalism
| Core Courses | 24 credits |
|---|---|
| BC 200 Introduction to Multimedia Journalism | 4 credits |
| BC 300 Advanced Multimedia Journalism | 4 credits |
| BC 470 Mass Communication Law | 4 credits |
| EN 217 News Writing and Reporting | 4 credits |
| EN 406 Advanced Newswriting or EN 407 Feature and Magazine Writing | 4 credits |
|
BC 491 Broadcast Practicum (2 credits ) or BC 492 Internship in Broadcasting |
2 credits |
|
EN 480 Practicum (2 credits) or EN 491 Internship (2-6 credits) |
2 credits |
| Electives | 8 credits |
| At least 4 credits must be at the 300 level or above. | |
| Liberal Studies | 30-40 credits |
| Health Promotion Requirements | 2 credits |
| Minor | 20 credits |
| Any minor except electronic journalism or journalism. | |
| Total Credits | 124 credits |
For more specific details, visit the Multimedia Journalism undergraduate bulletin.
Media Production and New Technology
| Core Courses | 42 credits |
|---|---|
| SP 110 Interpersonal Communication | 4 credits |
| BC 165 Introduction to Mass Media | 4 credits |
| BC 265 Writing and Announcing for Broadcast | 4 credits |
| BC 271 Audio Production | 4 credits |
| BC 272 Television Production | 4 credits |
| BC 470 Mass Communication Law | 4 credits |
| BC 473A Advanced Media Production-Audio or BC 473F Advanced Media Production–Field Television Production or BC 473M Advanced Media Production – Multimedia or BC 473W Advanced Media Production-Scriptwriting | 4 credits |
| BC 471 Mass Communication and Society or BC 420 Global Communication | 4 credits |
| Broadcasting Electives (300 or above) | 8 credits |
|
BC 491 Broadcast Practicum (1-4 credits) or BC 492 Internship in Broadcasting (1-8 credits) |
2 credits |
| Health Promotion Requirements | 2 credits |
| Minor | 20 credits |
| Any minor except electronic journalism or media studies. | |
| Total Credits | 124 credits |
For more specific details, visit the Media Production and New Technology undergraduate bulletin.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects job growth to grow by 2% in media and communication occupations between 2012 and 2022.
Where you might work: A degree in either multi-media journalism or media production and new technology will give you the real world experience to work anywhere in the country. Find work as a play-by-play announcer for a local sports teams, or work as a producer for collegiate games airing on national television. Interview coaches and athletes before and after their big games, and follow a teams journey through their season as an official correspondent.
Salary range: Salaries within media and communication occupations vary depending on education level, experience and location. The median wage for reporters, correspondents and news analysts in May 2012 was $37,090, while the median wage for film and video editors and camera operators was $46,280.
Find more information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics here.
Student Stories
Kelly McCommons
Major: Digital Cinema
Minor: Media Production and New Technology
Hometown: Marquette, MI
Graduation Date: April 2016
Watch as Kelly puts his time in the classroom to real-world use, as he helps produce an NMU hockey game for broadcast. This is just one of the amazing opportunities Kelly has been able to have while working on his media production minor here at NMU.
"Being able to get access to equipment that's industry-standard and extremely fast for post-production editing, and software equipment that the university provides is no doubt a huge part of my success"
Pete Francis
Major: Electronic Journalism
Hometown: Menasha, WI
Graduation Date: May 2011
Not only was Pete Francis a student in the first ever Sports and Special Events programming course at Northern, but he is the founder of "Cat Chat", a weekly show featuring highlights, recaps, analysis, and interviews with NMU athletes. After initially becoming involved with Public Eye News, a student-organized 15 minute daily news broadcast through the local Public TV station, Pete felt that there was a void with how student athletics were being covered at NMU. Thus, he set about creating "Cat Chat" which was broadcast on local cable and online. Before his graduation, Pete was able to be apart of the creation of 45 episodes.
"'Cat Chat' was extremely rewarding because it was something we created ourselves...building something from nothing was such a great experience. We went from nothing to a group of around 10 people producing a weekly show that could be watched on television and online. At other schools I don't feel like I would have had the same opportunity to be as involved. I had the chance to host the show, produce, edit, shoot, manage the website, and market it. I learned so much and I feel it really prepared me for where I am today."