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Major Related Resources Department of Resources Career Resource | Description of MajorTelecommunications media, including radio, cable, satellite services, multimedia, the Internet, cable TV, telephony, broadcast radio and TV, are the focus of our department. Some of our courses teach media skills - how to do things in the media. Other courses focus on why things are done as they are and on their consequences for individuals and society. The department offers three formal fields of study: design and production, industry and management, and media and society. As part of the College of Arts and Sciences, our emphasis is always on applying critical thinking and analysis to telecommunications media. While the major requires a few core courses, it's also very flexible and, with the help of faculty and professional advisors, students design programs tailored to personal interests.Skills & Knowledge Developed in this Field of StudyIn a rapidly changing field such as telecommunications, today's skills can become quickly outdated. The most important skill we teach is the ability to keep up in the future by building on the background learned as an undergraduate.The telecommunications department at IU teaches current fundamental skills in audio, video and multimedia production and practical aspects of the electronic media businesses and industry. Faculty also teach critical thinking about and the analysis of the telecommunications media. Minors and Second Majors that Expand Career Options with this MajorA minor or second major in any other area of study will enhance the telecommunication major because knowledge of the issues and practices of media have become important in almost every field. Popular minors and second majors include: apparel merchandising, business, cognitive science, communication and culture, criminal justice, fine arts, foreign languages, informatics, international studies, music, and theatre.Career OptionsCareers Specific to the Bachelor's DegreeThe field of Telecommunications encompasses a wide variety of industries. Students with a bachelor's degree often enter advertising or public relations, as well as media management and production. In addition to core classes in media management and technology, hands-on courses are offered in the areas of telephony, video and audio production, multimedia/web production, and video game design. Graduates of the department are prepared to seek employment directly in both traditional and new media industries and in other parts of the economy where media are used.Other Career Possibilities with a Bachelor's DegreeOrganizations and corporations in almost every industry employ media professionals. Students who major in Telecommunications leave IU with a liberal arts degree focused on the integral role of communication in an increasingly networked world. Many employers in a wide variety of fields outside of the telecommunications area are interested in students who have a thorough understanding of the electronic communication environment, issues pertaining to the use of such information, and the practical ability to manipulate information architecture. The American economy is building the rapid and reliable networks that support the Information Age. Our graduates are employed in many different sectors including: sports, entertainment, event planning, tourism, museum administration, education, the arts, research and consulting. It is not uncommon for former students to establish their own companies or work free-lance in their chosen specialty.Careers that Normally Require a Graduate DegreeCareers in communications law require a law degree. Some media management positions require an advanced degree, such as an M.B.A. or graduate level communications degree. Some students interested in careers in the film industry go on to get an M.F.A. Teaching and research in communication departments at the university level requires an M.F.A. or Ph.D.Employment OpportunitiesJob OutlookThe U.S. Department of Labor identifies telecommunications as one of the major growth areas of the future. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (2002), employment in the communications sector is expected to increase 16.9% over the next decade. Approximately 277,000 new jobs are expected to be created by 2010. While many traditional jobs in broadcasting have become obsolete, the constantly emerging technologies ensure that the world of telecommunications grows daily in possibilities and excitement. The IU degree in telecommunications provides opportunities to develop, not "as it has been," but "as it is and as it will be." Industry internships are highly recommended and typically occur in the junior or senior year. The department offers information about a multitude of internship opportunities, which often lead to employment after graduation.Salary InformationAccording to the National Association of Colleges and Employers Job Outlook(2002), the starting salaries of graduates with telecommunications degrees range from $25,000 to $35,000. Starting salaries in some specific areas supported by the I.U. Department of Telecommunications, such as interactive web design or telephony, are typically much higher ranging from $38,000-$50,000.Potential Career GrowthThere is a lot of opportunity for career growth in this field. Video producers and directors salaries averaged $61,500 a year and top broadcast, cable, telephone and Internet executives can earn salaries in the seven figures. In 2002, top salaries for radio station managers are around $145,000; the average salary for radio station sales managers was $86,000 (top $107,000), and radio program directors averaged $80,000.Placement Statistics for IU Graduates with this MajorNational surveys show that about 70 percent of electronic media majors who seek to work in the electronic media industry obtain employment in those industries in the first few years after graduation. We have no recent systematic information on IU graduates, but anecdotally believe this pattern to be true for our graduates. Many, of course, continue in life-long careers. Others, building on their major or their general education in Arts and Sciences, pursue non-media careers. Some students major in telecommunications out of intellectual interest without intending to seek a career in the field. An increasing number of our graduates pursue graduate or professional programs after receiving their undergraduate degrees.High School PreparationA strong college preparatory program including experience in communications related areas such as speaking or writing, is the best preparation for telecommunications study. A few bring high school experience in electronic media but that certainly is not a prerequisite for success in our major.Special OpportunitiesTelecommunications majors have access to a modern facility that features wireless communications, departmental offices, advising, classrooms and production studios. In addition, Public Television station WTIU-TV and National Public Radio Station WFIU are located in the building. Instructional spaces include a 2,800 square foot professional television studio, audio recording facilities, digital production lab, computer labs, and production equipment checkout.The public television and radio stations provide opportunities for student involvement through volunteer and hourly work positions. Some of these include working on broadcast programs such as AFriday Zone (a children's show) or ANews Forum. These positions allow students the chance to write, shoot, and edit for a professional TV station. WIUS, the campus student radio station, offers another opportunity for students to get involved in all aspects of radio, from management to on-air talent. The student cable television service, IUSTV, also offers a wide variety of experiences outside the classsroom. There are a number of other clubs and organizations on-campus catering to a variety of student interests in the communication industry. Industry internships are encouraged and highly recommended during the junior and senior years. Such experiences typically fill an entire semester or a summer and give students the chance to get involved with organizations such as radio and television stations, cable systems, production studios, advertising and public relations agencies, web developers and telephone companies. Noted AlumniJohn Rappaport, '62, television writer and producer. Executive Producer of TV series *Mash*; Ken Beckly, '62, President and CEO, Indiana University Alumni Association, formerly Executive VP, Corporate Relations, H.H. Gregg; Jim Keelor,'64, President and CEO, Liberty Corporation, a broadcasting conglomerate; Buddy McAtee, '78, VP & Executive Director, Indianapolis Motor Speedway; Bruce Humphrey,'79, Assistant Director for television series "Sister" and "The Practice."; Tina Cosby, '81, Community Affairs Director, WISH-TV, Indanapolis; Matt Pierce, BA'84, JD'87, Indiana State Representative; Nancy Yoder Giordano, '89, Business Manager, General Electric Account Team, ATT&T; Scott Ruksakiati, '90, Attorney, Daar, Fisher, Kanaris & Vanek, Chicago; Ari Zagnit, '93, DVD Manager/Senior DVD Developer, Henninger Interactive Media Service, Arlington, VA; Brian Carroll, '95, Broadcasting Manager, PGA Tour, GA; Steven Hood, '97 Product Manager for BEA Systems, software company, CA; Andrew Lennie, '99, Promotion Writer/Producer, FOX-TV, Chicago; Katie Krentz, '02, Assistant to Executive Producer, "Oliver Beene", Los Angeles. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
