Buffalo State University 21 courses
Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (Accredited) The media production major focuses in audio/radio and video/television non-fiction and fiction production and postproduction. Students will develop storytelling, creative abilities, and critical thinking skills as well as organizational and technical proficiency relevant to the media field. The study of media production integrates many skills: researching, writing, storyboarding, fundraising, and other aspects of organizing video and audio preproduction; working on site with crew, actors and participants to record and film fiction and documentary [non-fiction] audio and video productions; familiarity with both field and studio protocols; mastery of techniques for creative cinematography, expressive lighting and professional sound recording under a variety of field and studio conditions, and development of storytelling abilities in post-production from editing to visual effects. Compare this major with communication studies, journalism, and public relations & advertising. This is one of a small number of programs in media production or broadcasting at a SUNY school that is affiliated with the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications. Among all colleges in New York State, only a handful of other undergraduate programs are accredited by ACEJMC. Career Opportunities Students in the media production major prepare to enter a field with diverse opportunities. Our graduates work in fiction and non-fiction film as directors, producers, writers, cinematographers, and editors. They are also photojournalists as well as commercial or newscast directors at television stations and in programming and producing for radio stations. They work in network and cable sports broadcast production roles in radio and television. Others work as producers and directors of advertisements, podcasts, webcasts and social media content; and as owners of production companies or freelancers specializing in music videos, wedding videos and promotional films. The profile of a successful media production graduate is a person with strong abilities in writing, critical thinking and production management as well as both creative and technical skills handling cameras, audio recording and lighting equipment and postproduction software. Academic Standards Only grades of C or higher may be applied toward requirements for any communication degree; courses with lower grades must be repeated. Consistent with standards of the Accrediting Council for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications, the number of communications courses that students may take is capped, encouraging a broad-based liberal arts education. The department encourages students to take minors and participate in service learning and internships to gain professional experiences.
| General Education 23 Requirements | 33 credits |
| Media Production Major Requirements | 42 credits |
| Communication Electives | 6 credits |
| Select any two 300 or 400 level COM or SPC courses All College Electives | 45 credits |
Communication Core
Complete ALL of the following Courses:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COM 100 | Media Literacy | 3 |
| COM 210 | Introduction to Media Writing | 3 |
| COM 212 or COM 215 | Introduction to Digital Storytelling or Introduction to Visual Communication | 3 |
| SPC 205 | Introduction to Oral Communication | 3 |
| Total Communication Core | 12 credits | |
Major Requirements Select All Five
Complete ALL of the following Courses:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COM 304 | Writing for Broadcast (TV, Radio, Film) | 3 |
| COM 312 | Basic Media Production | 3 |
| COM 328 | Intermediate Post Production | 3 |
| COM 329 | Intermediate Video Production | 3 |
| COM 450 | Communication and Society | 3 |
| Total Major Requirements Select All Five | 15 credits | |
Critical Thinking Course
Complete ANY of the following Courses:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COM 317 | Media Management | 3 |
| SPC 326 | Film Analysis and Evaluation | 3 |
| SPC 422 | Media Criticism | 3 |
| SPC 426 | Documentary Film Analysis | 3 |
| Total Critical Thinking Course | 3 credits | |
Advanced Production Course
Complete at least 2 of the following courses:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COM 428 | Advanced Audio Production | 3 |
| COM 429 | Advanced Multi-Camera Studio Production | 3 |
| COM 431 | Advanced Field Production | 3 |
| COM 432 | Advanced Post-Production | 3 |
| COM 433 | Advanced TV Documentary Production | 3 |
| COM 434 | Advanced Video Production Practicum | 3 |
| COM 435 | Visual Effects | 3 |
| Total Advanced Production Course | 6 credits | |
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