Today's broadcast journalism curricula prepare announcers to write, edit and present content for television programs, radio commercials, Internet podcasts and live events. Relevant programs are offered by a number of institutions throughout the United States, and are available at graduate and undergraduate levels.
10 Schools for Aspiring Announcers
Relevant programs for aspiring announcers, such as journalism and media studies, are offered by these schools.
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Degrees Offered | Tuition* (2015-2016) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | Bachelor's, Master's, Graduate Certificate | $50,277 (Undergraduate); $39,984 (Graduate) |
| Columbia University | New York, NY | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | Master's, Graduate Certificate | $53,000 (Undergraduate); $42,280 (Graduate) |
| Syracuse University | Syracuse, NY | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Graduate Certificate | $43,318 (Undergraduate); $33,312 (Graduate) |
| University of Maryland | College Park, MD | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral | $9,996 (In-state Undergraduate); $31,144 (Out-of-state Undergraduate); $11,376 (In-state Graduate); $24,534 (Out-of-state Graduate) |
| University of South Carolina | Columbia, SC | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral | $11,482 (In-state Undergraduate); $30,298 (Out-of-state Undergraduate); $12,384 (In-state Graduate); $26,532 (Out-of-state Graduate) |
| University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral | $8,591 (In-state Undergraduate); $33,673 (Out-of-state Undergraduate); $9,143 (In-state Graduate); $26,354 (Out-of-state Graduate) |
| University of Miami | Coral Gables, FL | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | Bachelor's, Master's, | $45,724 (Undergraduate); $33,300 (Graduate) |
| Auburn University | Auburn, AL | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's, Master's | $10,424 (In-state Undergraduate); $28,040 (Out-of-state Undergraduate); $8,802 (In-state Graduate); $26,406 (Out-of-state Graduate) |
| Western Kentucky University | Bowling Green, KY | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's | $9,482 (In-state Undergraduate); $24,132 (Out-of-state Undergraduate) |
| Delaware State University | Dover, DE | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's | $7,531 (In-state Undergraduate); $16,138 (Out-of-state Undergraduate) |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
School Selection Criteria
There are some key factors aspiring announcers should consider when choosing a program.
- Make sure your program has up-to-date technology appropriate to your career goals.
- Hands-on training at school-sponsored television and radio stations allows students to work in multiple roles, including on-air announcing.
- Choose a school that offers internships for a chance to foster professional relationships and gain real-world experience.
- Some programs focus on journalism, while others emphasize broadcast journalism or media studies; it is important to review the courses offered to ensure the program fits your academic goals.
Associate Degree in Media Studies
Associate degree programs often allow students to choose a concentration in broadcast journalism within a media studies program. Graduates may qualify for entry-level positions in the media field or transfer to a 4-year bachelor's program in majors such as communications, broadcasting or journalism.
Bachelor's Degree in Broadcast Journalism
Within a broadcast journalism program, courses expose students to topics in advertising, business and ethics. Broadcast journalism majors typically include practical experience through lab projects, on-campus television and radio stations or internships with affiliated companies.
Master's Degree in Journalism
Master's programs typically include an emphasis in broadcasting within a journalism field of study. Master's degree programs prepare graduates for leading positions in the broadcast industry. Students may continue studies in a Ph.D. program in journalism and mass communication.
Programs in media studies, broadcast journalism or journalism can all prepare individuals for announcing careers. Prospective students should look for programs which offer opportunities for on-air work and training with up-to-date technology.
