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Students who pursue a bachelor of arts degree in communications may choose one
of three areas of specialization: (a) Electronic and Visual Com-munications,
which focuses on television, digital photography, and mass media; (b)
Journalism and Public Relations, which includes reporting and
writing, public relations, desktop publishing and advertising and (c)
Management and Communications Law, which addresses cable and
graduate from Miles College with a bachelor’s degree in communications,
but also are able to claim a specific area as a career focus.
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The
division has a full broadcast capable three-camera television studio, with upgraded
lighting. The television control area is fitted with a state-of-the-art Trinity
digital system, capable of both on- and off-line editing. The division also houses
a journalism/research laboratory with personal that are fully Internet accessible.
Other equipment in the facility include hand-held video cameras, digital still
photography cameras, a full broadcast remote production unit, and an audio sound-editing
lab. Further, a new FM non-commercial radio station and a low power television
station are pending FCC approval. There is a strong emphasis on preparing students
for broadcast and the age of digital technology. |
In
addition to the course offerings, which include a sound theoretical foundation
in mass communications and media technology, students receive hands-on training
in production and writing for media. A student internship program places communications
students in work situations designed to maximize their exposure to real-world
communications environments. As a leading market for media, the city of Birmingham
and vicinity offer a wide range of practical work opportunities for students in
communications. Majors in Communications at Miles go on to become radio and television
producers, writers, and reporters, sales representatives for radio and television,
television directors and production assistants, on-air talent, media managers,
programmers, news directors, assignment editors, public relations practitioners,
speech writers, press agents, media buyers, photojournalists, layout specialists,
community relations specialists, radio announcers, newspaper reporters and editors. |
OBJECTIVES |
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1. |
Students
will become knowledgeable of the history of mass media, media technology and the
impact of media and technology on society. |
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2. |
Students
will demonstrate abilities and skills in the practical application and the use
of media, including both traditional and new technological media forms. |
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3. |
Students
will have proficiency in the tools of persuasion and the ability to utilize those
tools in the context of promotion, marketing, and advertising. |
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4. |
Students
will show strength and competency in human communications, including the ability
to write, speak, problem solve and think critically in terms of media. |
DIVISION
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES |
Students
wishing to major in Communications must apply to the Division for acceptance into
the program by meeting the following criteria: |
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1. |
Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better. |
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2. |
Students must have passed the English Proficiency Examination (EPE) before entering
the major. |
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3. |
Students must take the Communications Entrance Exam (CEE) after being officially
accepted into the major. |
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4. |
Additional requirements for a major in Communications include 18 hours in a concentrated
area outside the divisional curriculum. |
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5. |
Student will, upon applying for a major in communications, indicate his or her
choice for an area of specialization within the major. |
A
student graduating in Communications is required to pass all Communications courses
with a minimum grade of "C". They are also required to pass the Exit
Subject Matter Exam with a minimum score of 70. |
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