Do you have a passion for film, radio, television, and other media? Do you dream of playing a part in the production process? If so, you should consider a degree in media communication.

As a media communication major at PLNU, you will be immersed in a program designed to prepare you for a wide range of careers in television, film, radio, and/or new media production, as well as media management. You’ll work alongside creative classmates and expert faculty to gain the skills needed to be a writer, performer, producer, director, cinematographer, videographers, sound engineer, lighting designer, or editor. We also prepare you to work in the specific areas you're interested in, including narrative and documentary film, news, sports broadcasting and production, music, advertising, corporate media and even Christian-religious media. You pick what you want to do and where, and we will help you get there. 

Our student work has garnered 26 films and television shows in 52 festivals and 27 awards since 2005.
 

More achievements, news, and events 

Concentrations:

• Multimedia: Integrate design principles including typography, computer graphics, video, and sound to produce powerful and persuasive messages for creative industries. 
• Content Creation: Engage in the creative process to produce media content for audiences across platforms including online video, social media, and podcasting.
• Film: Express your vision through the cinematic arts using the tools of filmmaking, cinematography, sound design and narrative storytelling.

For information about the courses required for the Media Communication, B.A. program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information

Major Map

With PLNU’s media communication degree, you’ll gain hands-on experience in production and performance settings, preparing you to take on the ever-evolving media world. Let your passion for film and the performance world guide you in your journey through this program and beyond. 

At PLNU, our media communication program focuses on growing three skills:

• The theoretical and historical critique of media 
• Scriptwriting
• Production and performance skills for radio, TV, film, and the web  

Job outlook for media communications careers

Employment in careers related to solely media communications is projected to be competitive, however, if you have the drive and skills, you can still certainly succeed. Additionally, what you’ll learn from this program can prepare you for jobs ranging from website development to government to law. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall employment of producers and directors (one of the most common careers PLNU alumni pursue with this degree) is projected to grow 10% from 2019 to 2029.

What can you do with a media communications degree?

Our students have gained employment in places like DreamWorks Animation and Television, Disney, ABC’s 20/20, local San Diego television stations, and web companies such as Microsoft. 

Some of the positions PLNU graduates currently hold:

Audio and Video Technicians

2020 Median annual salary: $47,420

Audio and video technicians set up and operate the electrical equipment for media programs. They can utilize their skills for website, podcast, performance, or broadcast settings. These technicians operate equipment in schools, office buildings, performance buildings, radio and television stations, and many more settings. 

Necessary attributes and skills:

• Knowledge of how to convert video and audio recordings into digital formats
• Experience using audio and editing programs for conversion to website
• Operate, monitor, and adjust audio, video, sound, lighting, and broadcast equipment 
• Experience using complex software such as recording equipment or high technology computers
• Unique ideas for creative shots or editing flourishes 

Producers and Directors

2020 Median annual salary: $76,400

Producers and directors are known for creating movies, television shows, theater productions, and commercials, but they also can work in podcast, broadcast, and print media. Producers and directors work under a lot of pressure and often maintain a large crew and cast. In context to the journalism field, directors often make big decisions about their publication or station and how they’ll best compete with other networks in the industry. They must have a strong network and understanding of how to make their organization efficient and produce newsworthy content. Additionally, producers make business and financial decisions for the organization.

Necessary attributes and skills:

• Creativity and leadership
• Knowledge of how to keep a project on schedule and within budget
• Analysis to approve design and financial aspects of a production
• Networking to promote finished works or productions through interviews, advertisements, and film festivals

Graphic Designer

2020 Median annual salary: $53,380

Graphic designers create visual concepts using computer software or by hand to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate audiences and consumers. They often build up a portfolio demonstrating their creativity and originality, using a variety of design elements to achieve artistic or decorative effects desired by their clientele.

Necessary attributes and skills:

• Open and clear communication with clients and/or art directors
• Broad understanding and expertise of digital illustration and editing software (such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.)
• Meticulous and detail-oriented 
• Ability to work with constructive feedback and ideas
• Creative and arts-oriented

Stage Manager

2020 Median annual salary: $65,895

Stage managers act as the point of connection and communication across creative and technical departments in a theatre. Most stage managers do freelance work and are part of a theatre union. They’re key to helping the director stay organized, overseeing sets, props, lights, and sound and call technical cues. Although the duties of a stage manager may vary depending on the production, stage managers in all aspects are broadly responsible for ensuring performances run smoothly over their entire course. 

Necessary attributes and skills:

• Creativity and leadership
• Multitasking and ability to work well under pressure
• Excellent note-taking and organizational skills (for prompt books, communication with cast, etc.)
• Knowledge of how to keep a project on schedule and running smoothly
• Open communication across departments and among many staff members
• Often several years of experience in an assistant manager position

Lights, Camera, Action! Your turn to take the spotlight with a degree in media communication

A Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication can lead to a variety of careers in front of the camera and in technical production. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for your future pursuits whether it be performance, design, or leadership. Not only will you be a more articulate, creative, and critically thinking individual, but you’ll also gain a robust understanding of how these skills can be utilized for your aspirations and goals as a more informed and connected person to the performance arts.

Apply to PLNU today or get connected with one of our counselors for additional support and answers to any questions you may have.