Studying New Media opens a world of possibilities to students. Covering the spectrum of advertising, broadcasting, journalism, media production, and communication, students learn the ins and outs of the exciting media business, developing key skills and leadership abilities needed to be effective communicators in the global media realm.
The media sector is a major employer around the world, presenting graduates with a number of employment opportunities once they have completed their studies. Universities often provide internship and employment options for students, giving them the chance to experience the world of work while they are completing their studies. There are opportunities to travel and work in every city in the world, using the latest advancement in technology and keeping at the forefront of news and information.
Below are five US institutions that are leading lights in the world of New Media and Communication…
KLEIN COLLEGE OF MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION – TEMPLE UNIVERSITY
The impressive range of programs at the Klein College of Media and Communication, Temple University, makes it one of the top locations in the US and the world for the study of New Media, with students benefitting from an array of technologies and opportunities to fulfil their academic needs and beyond.
Experienced and renowned faculty members and scholars use the latest innovations in digital media to form a ground-breaking learning experience, specifically-designed to create new critical thinkers and leaders in the world of New Media.
An example of such an experience is the Master of Journalism course, which uses Philadelphia as a laboratory for study. Coursework, reporting, and editing projects focus on the problems and opportunities of urban life in the city, while hands-on multimedia projects help current and aspiring journalists develop into engaged and innovative professionals.
Other Masters courses include the Master of Science in Globalisation and Development Communication, and the Master of Science in Communication Management, which both explore the challenges of the 21st century. Both courses focus on teaching students how to use digital and traditional communication systems to develop new ideas for managing issues faced by the world today.
HARRINGTON SCHOOL OF COMMUNCIATION AND MEDIA, UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND (URI)
Personal growth and academic success are at the heart of the Harrington School of Communication and Media’s curriculum. A dedicated faculty are on-hand to support students through their academic journey, instilling the analytical and focused mindset needed to prepare students for a career post-graduation.
For a career in Journalism, the Harrington School at URI provides a multi-disciplinary learning opportunity, which sees students cover the fundamentals of contemporary American journalism – news gathering, news writing, editing and producing – in an atmosphere that champions the ethical and legal responsibilities journalists are expected to uphold.
The school’s approach to education requires students to be strongly grounded in the liberal arts, according to the Faculty, which states that “journalists must know something about nearly everything and must know how to find out what they do not know”.
The school runs an extensive internship program, which enables students to experience and explore the world of work through their studies, establishing relationships with industry experts and businesses. Heather, from Warwick, Rhode Island, who completed five internships at the university, says “The professors in the Harrington School definitely try to help you succeed in the world after college. We were always having information sessions with professionals, learning how to interview, how to develop a resume, and how to bring our skills learned in class into our futures.”
SCHOOL OF MEDIA ARTS AND STUDIES, OHIO UNIVERSITY
Graduates from the School of Media Arts and Studies at Ohio University often make a real difference in media industries worldwide, so the school has entry requirements above the university’s standard. Students are taught to become well-rounded and proactive individuals who are able to think and act creatively in a global media society.
There is an abundance of opportunities for students where students can home in on an area of specific interest, while also taking advantage of the liberal arts curriculum that is focused on long-term success. The school also has relationships with several media-related student organisations and strongly encourages participation in internships, which ultimately lead to important connections and career advancement.
Extensive research underlines graduate programs at the School of Media and Arts Studies, which focuses on theory-making and professional development. Programs examine the face of media in the world today, and offer students the chance to emphasize either the social science or humanities traditions – becoming acquainted with both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
Production programs focus on multidisciplinary, creative projects and project-based research. Through exploring media production within content-specific areas, students learn to communicate as a leading-edge media professional.
RICHARD T. ROBERTSON SCHOOL OF MEDIA AND CULTURE, VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
“If your dream is to make your mark on this world and help shape its future through your passion, talent and diligence, as well as your sharpened media skills and enhanced cultural competence, come to the Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture at VCU.”
The innovative and diverse Robertson School of Media and Culture is home to more than 1,300 students, blending strong academic and professional backgrounds. Students are supported by caring and dedicated faculty and staff, who are committed to the success of each individual student.
The school also runs a Capital News Service, which allows students to cover news in Richmond and across Virginia, distributing their stories, photos and other content to more than 90 newspapers, television and radio stations, and news websites. Over the past decade, CNS has won more than 20 awards from the Society of Professional Journalists, the Hearst Journalism Awards Program and the Virginia Press Association.
There is also a 30-minute student produced TV news show that airs on Richmond PBS, which forms part of the MASC 465 Newscasting program, a capstone course in the broadcast journalism concentration at the school. News students are responsible for producing all show content, including pitching, reporting, shooting, writing, editing and voicing stories; rundown creation and show producing; live on-set interviews and anchoring.
JACK J. VALENRI SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION, UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON
The Jack J. Valenti School of Communication at the University of Houston is producing some of the most educated and tech-savvy graduates in the United States.
The School’s Communication Technology Center is a hub of innovative learning, housing large labs and classrooms for students, two touchscreen collaborative multimedia stations, a centralized support center and help desk. The school’s classrooms and labs are fully-equipped with multimedia instructional technology systems. Computers at the CTC all offer Microsoft Office, InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, Flash, Fireworks, Final Cut Pro, and other software to support each students’ specific needs and study requirements.
Studying in Houston, America’s fourth-largest city, provides a plethora of opportunities for students at the Valenti School of Communication. The school runs an exciting internship program that sees students experience roles across several sectors each year – including print and broadcast journalism, agency work, professional sports associations, healthcare, independent production studios, and a host of non-profit associations.
“We value the mutually beneficial nature of working with local businesses and organizations,” said Temple Northup, interim director of the school. “Not only is it an opportunity for our school to connect with the community, it transforms our classrooms into community centers where students can literally put into practice what they are being taught.”
*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International