WELCOME VIDEO: Mass Communication Chair Holli Haerr

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree

Overview

The Mass Communication program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.).  Students interested in a career in broadcasting, journalism, audio recording technology and live entertainment and media production thrive in this degree program. The curriculum focuses on new technologies, such as multi-media communication platforms used to distribute information. The courses integrate academic objectives designed to improve students’ verbal, written and critical thinking skills. Additionally, stimulating and engaging opportunities abound in the program for students’ professional and academic development.

Further, students pursuing the Mass Communication degree program learn from experienced professors in the mass media fields such as television production, radio station operation, internet broadcasting, communication, and live show production. Also, they get hands-on experience with the Internet web-based streaming service of Five Towns College, The FTC SOUND STREAM, as well as live sports, news and events’ broadcasts.  By writing for The Record Online, the institution’s student-run newspaper, students get real-world journalism experience. In addition, selected practicums and internships provide Mass Communication students with professional training and experiences necessary to pursue a career in all of these exciting and ever-changing Mass Communication industries. Thrive at Five Towns College by exploring the Mass Communication program and the concentrations below.

VIDEO: The Mass Communication Program at Five Towns College

Broadcasting Concentration

The Broadcasting Concentration is designed to build upon the Mass Communication degree by adding specialized proficiencies that focus on Broadcast Journalism as a career. It is geared towards students interested in being on-air or working behind the scenes in radio, television and live event productions. Professionals in the industry share their knowledge as guest speakers. In addition, students learn more by participating in  field trips to commercial stations and other similar venues.

Furthermore, being a professional broadcaster is not just a job; it is an art form. With the right tools and proper guidance, students learn the ins and outs of the craft. As a result, they discover the significance of thorough research, meticulous reporting, and working as a team to produce quality productions. Undoubtedly, the Mass Communication program teaches these important skills and values. Not only are students prepared for that moment in front of the camera but also for any unforeseen challenges that may arise behind the scenes.

Broadcast Journalism students play an important role in the live transmission of sports, concerts, theatrical presentations and special events at Five Towns College and support the Sound Athletic program’s operations, too.

Importantly, the FTC SOUND STREAM is the Internet web-based streaming service of Five Towns College. Formerly known as WFTU (1570 AM), the radio station at Five Towns College has been upgraded and expanded its reach through a rebranding. It is a professional full-service college radio station operated, programmed and engineered by students and staff featuring music, talk, sports, news, information, and remote broadcasts. In addition, the station uses a Hot AC format for their music selections along with a variety of student programs which features music from rap to rock to hip hop to jazz. 

Overall, students in the ​Broadcasting concentration experience opportunities to thrive seven days a week from the “Gene Free Studios” located on the Five Towns College campus where the FTC SOUND STREAM offers hands-on radio broadcast training for students to jump right in. Students not only learn to master new and emerging technologies, but also to present news, music, and commentary. The FTC SOUND STREAM has opportunities for students of all academic programs (not just Mass Communication) interested in broadcasting and the multi-media communication industry. Our daily live broadcasts are recorded so listeners can hear them on Mixcloud.com. The FTC SOUND STREAM provides both fun and real-world experiences that all students can learn from. Find out how you can become involved today!

For curriculum and faculty information, view the current Five Towns College Catalog.

Audio Recording Technology Concentration

The Audio Recording Technology concentration is designed to provide students with the expertise required to operate professional audio recording equipment. Students will study the theory of sound, recording electronics, engineering procedures, audio/video post-production and advanced mixing procedures in a sequence of courses designed to develop the skills required for this field.

In addition, students will get lots of hands-on training by participating in broadcasts of Five Towns College Sound Athletics sporting events, newscasts, theatre productions and more.

Live Entertainment and Media Production Concentration

This is a brand new concentration at Five Towns College, incorporating live sound, lighting, video and other skills needed to take performances and events to the next level. A person with show production skills can help create incredible experiences during concerts or corporate events.

This concentration enables students to build their knowledge in a wide array of audio and video applications in real time. Students will develop an understanding of how to relate to audiences and how to operate sound, lighting and audio on site. Students are trained to be audiovisual professionals and designers who are proficient in the creation, operation and planning of modern-day theatrical, event and corporate productions.

Graduates of the Live Entertainment and Media Production Concentration are prepared for careers such as: Event Producers, Tour Managers, Live Production Managers, Stage Managers, Live Sound Professionals, Audio Visual Technicians, and Lighting Technicians.

For curriculum information, click here.

Journalism Concentration

The Journalism Concentration is designed to build upon the Mass Communication degree by adding specialized proficiencies that focus on Journalism as a career. It is designed for students interested in becoming professional writers for newspapers, radio, television, public relations departments and other media-based organizations.

A Journalism Concentration offers an exciting opportunity for aspiring media professionals to improve writing skills while also gaining invaluable reporting tools. Five Towns College recognizes that Journalism is so much more than just a profession; it demands adherence to the truth and a relentless dedication to accuracy.

The Five Towns College newspaper, The Record Online, is constantly updated and features student-written articles about entertainment, news, campus events and more. Journalism students are expected to contribute articles, photos and other multimedia elements to the newspaper as part of their writing and educational experience.