BA in Communications: Broadcasting and New Media Emphasis

Two GCU students sitting in front of camera in the Lopes Media Lab
Start your GCU
journey today.
Step 1: Educational Interests
This helps us connect you with the right enrollment counselor to help you through the process.
Find Your Purpose
Start your GCU journey today.
Request Info
Overview

Begin Your Career in Broadcasting and New Media

New media and broadcasting encompasses any form of interactive media that relies on a computer for distribution. This includes, but is not limited to, blogs, virtual reality, social media, online newspapers, podcasts and digital games. 

Broadcasting and new media is constantly being updated and can be easily retrieved, hyperlinked, searched for and accessed. One reason why companies turn to new media is so they can narrow their target audience, as traditional media only allows companies to target a broad audience. Additionally, modern broadcasting media can allow for interactive elements to boost user engagement.

GCU student in purple jacket recording a podcast with a microphone
Why GCU

Earn Your BA in Communications Online or On Campus

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Grand Canyon University offers the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communications with an Emphasis in Broadcasting and New Media for students who are passionate about mass communications and media. 

This program focuses on developing skills to interpret visual and verbal communication in the mainstream and social media, examining modern communication techniques and learning about theories of mass media, as well as the characteristics and effects of mass communications channels. The media broadcasting emphasis teaches you the skills and knowledge to appeal to consumers by creating effective press releases, podcasts, social media and news stories. 

This undergraduate program is available online or on campus through traditional classes. The online courses are available through GCU’s digital learning platform, allowing you to complete your undergraduate program on a more flexible and convenient schedule. Whether you take online or on-campus media broadcasting courses, you will have access to knowledgeable faculty and to networking opportunities with your peers.

Coursework

New Media and Broadcasting Class Topics

To finish this 120-credit program, you must successfully complete classes that explore a range of topics, including:

  • Digital video production techniques and technologies
  • Cultural issues pertaining to digital technologies
  • Sound ethical principles for professionals in the communications field
  • Theories of media and media messages, and the relationship between the producer and the consumer
  • Verbal and nonverbal communication behaviors in light of cultural differences

$66,320

Median annual wage for media and communication workers in May 20231

Communications Capstone

Courses in this program are taught by seasoned instructors who share knowledge and experience in their respective fields. In addition to passing the courses, you are required to showcase what you’ve learned in this program by completing a communications capstone.

All Communication Emphases

Human Relations Emphasis

Media and Broadcasting Skills

When you enroll in the bachelor’s in communications program at GCU, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills in new media broadcasting technologies by: 

  • Exploring the different forms of storytelling used to influence audiences
  • Examining the role of media and media messages in both traditional and new media platforms
  • Evaluating ethical responsibility in broadcasting media messages through critical understanding of media’s influence on society

You will also be taught the foundational knowledge and skills needed to create broadcast and podcast messaging. In addition to classroom instruction, you will have the opportunity to apply your skills and showcase your progress with both of these mediums in your broadcasting class.  

GCU broadcasting student at news event with camera
Careers

Broadcasting Media Career Paths

When you graduate with a bachelor’s in communications with a focus in new media broadcasting, you will have the opportunity to pursue a range of positions. Although no guarantees can be made regarding career outcomes, you may decide to seek a career in advertising, marketing, public relations or print or broadcast journalism.

Some career possibilities within this field include the following:

Public relations manager

Postsecondary communications teacher

Broadcast announcer

Radio disc jockey

Public relations specialists

Writer

Author

Media and communication worker

Accreditation

Enroll in Broadcasting Courses From an Accredited University

GCU is an institutionally accredited university offering degree programs that can help prepare students for digital technology-related careers. If you’re excited about the possibilities in new media and broadcasting, you may find our blend of classroom instruction and hands-on learning activities to be the right fit for you. With classes available on campus or online, this broadcasting media emphasis offers flexibility as you pursue higher education.

FAQ

BA in Communications: Broadcasting and New Media Emphasis FAQs

Before you decide to apply for enrollment in a BA in Communications online or on campus, you may have some lingering questions. The following FAQs and answers may help address any uncertainties as you work on planning your career pathway. You may also wish to consult your university counselor while you make plans for higher education.

GCU student standing in cap and gown at graduation ceremony

Start Your Journey Today

If you decide that a career in the broadcasting media field could be the right choice for you, apply for enrollment in GCU’s bachelor’s in communications degree with a broadcasting and new media emphasis today. Complete the form on this page to get started.

Apply Now

1 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Media and Communication Workers, as of May 2023, retrieved May 22, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as media and communication workers, nor does it reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc., against a pool of candidates. 

2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Feb. 10). How to Become a Public Relations Specialist. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved July 27, 2023. 

3 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Jan. 24). How to Become a News Analyst, Reporter, or Journalist. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved July 27, 2023. 

4 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022, Sept. 8). How to Become an Advertising, Promotions, or Marketing Manager. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved July 27, 2023. 

We're here to help.

I'm Ready to ApplyI Need More Information