Bachelor of Science with a Major in Mass Communications, Audio Production & Studio Recording
Audio Production & Studio Recording engages students in courses that build knowledge and skills in audio and studio recording. Students learn the art and science of recording, editing, mixing, mastering, and delivering professional audio content across broadcast, streaming, podcasting, film, digital media, gaming, and branded communication. Students gain hands-on experience throughout the curriculum, while also having the option of developing skills in student-operated media/experiential learning labs, such as WOLF Radio and WUTV.
Program Location
Carrollton Campus
Method of Delivery
Face to Face
Accreditation
The University of West Georgia is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Credit and transfer
Total semester hours required:
This program may be earned entirely face-to-face. However, depending on the courses chosen, a student may choose to take some partially or fully online courses.
Save money
UWG is often ranked as one of the most affordable accredited universities of its kind, regardless of the method of delivery chosen.
Details
- Total tuition costs and fees may vary, depending on the instructional method of the courses in which the student chooses to enroll.
- The more courses a student takes in a single term, the more they will typically save in fees and total cost.
- Face-to-face or partially online courses are charged at the general tuition rate and all mandatory campus fees, based on the student's residency (non-residents are charged at a higher rate).
- Fully or entirely online course tuition rates and fees my vary depending on the program. Students enrolled in exclusively online courses do not pay non-Resident rates.
- Together this means that GA residents pay about the same if they take all face-to-face or partially online courses as they do if they take only fully online courses exclusively; while non-residents save money by taking fully online courses.
- One word of caution: If a student takes a combination of face-to-face and online courses in a single term, he/she will pay both all mandatory campus fees and the higher eTuition rate.
- For cost information, as well as payment deadlines, see the Student Accounts and Billing Services website
There are a variety of financial assistance options for students, including scholarships and work study programs. Visit the Office of Financial Aid's website for more information.
General
These courses are required for all Mass Communications majors. In addition to the General courses below, 6 hours of Foreign Language (1000 or 2000 level) must be completed (18 total hours):
A study of the principles and practice of public speaking with an emphasis on the organization of material and the vocal and physical aspects of delivery in various public speaking situations.
Comm 1121 is a variable-credit, pass/fail, and repeatable class designed to give students hands-on, supervised, media experience within the School of Communication, Film, and Media s Experiential Learning Labs.By participating in multiple learning activities, students will become habituated with the co-curricular, experiential learning opportunities within the School of Communication, Film, and Media that can grow to provide students with further, in-discipline student-employment, and that will help them grow into even better-prepared professionals.
An introductory, yet critical examination of the historical development, and paramount economic, legal/policy, ethical, political, and social effects issues concerned with mass media, i.e., books, newspapers, magazines, recordings, radio, movies, television, the internet, public relations, and advertising. Particular attention given to competition, convergence, and mass media's impact on society, as well as society's impact on mass media.
Examination of the major classical and contemporary ethical philosophies. Application of ethical decision-making models to media issues, particularly freedom of speech, economic pressure, invasion of privacy, and the public's rights.
Major Required
These courses are required for Mass Communications majors with a concentration in Audio Production & Studio Recording:
This foundational writing course explores writing for various media platforms and how it fits into an integrated and strategic communication plan. Students learn practical and foundational techniques used in producing ethical traditional, social, and digital media written content that promotes audience engagement and education, with a strong emphasis on adherence to journalism standards and Associated Press Style.
Examination of contemporary industry and social issues facing digital media industries. Particular attention given to analysis of structure and process, revenue sources, programming and services, audience research, and effects of traditional electronic media platforms (e.g., radio and television) and digital media platforms (e.g., streaming services, social media).
This course is an introduction to radio and audio technology as well as radio program and audio production techniques through lecture and laboratory experiences. Students will learn how to operate basic radio and audio equipment and develop basic radio and audio production skills by producing several projects.
This course provides an introduction to the tools, techniques, and creative practices of digital broadcasting and live streaming. Students develop skills in technical setup, branding, content creation, analytics, and ethical decision making while producing live and recorded digital media. Emphasis is placed on hands on production, audience engagement, and professional competencies relevant to streaming, digital media, and emerging broadcast platforms.
An introductory, hands-on course providing an overview of contemporary studio recording practices. Students explore recording equipment and tools, signal flow, basic acoustics, microphone techniques, and foundational technical and aesthetic concepts. Emphasis is placed on experiential learning through guided studio projects and the use of industry-standard digital audio workstations including Pro Tools, Adobe Audition, and Logic Pro. Applications include audio recording, broadcast production, podcasting, and digital media workflows.
Examination of the legal context regulating print, telecommunication and electronic media as well as advertising and public relations industries. Emphasis on libel, slander, privacy, copyright, free press/fair trial and obscenity law. This course is restricted to Seniors.
A survey of qualitative and quantitative research methods, data analysis and reporting procedures, including opportunities to conduct, analyze, evaluate, interpret, and communicate research.
An advanced, studio-intensive course focused on professional-level recording, mixing, and post-production. Students apply advanced technical skills and sonic judgment to independent recording projects using Pro Tools, Adobe Audition, and Logic Pro. Emphasis is placed on production planning, complex recording sessions, editing, mixing, mastering, and professional workflow aligned with commercial and artistic standards.
Major Selects
In addition to the above, Mass Communication majors with a concentration in Audio Production & Studio Recording should select one of the following (3 total hours):
This workshop-based skills course explores the communicative uses of sound in audio-visual media, with an emphasis on early and deliberate decision-making about what listeners hear. A number of technically-driven creative skills projects are supported by an examination of the history of sound recording practices, the origins and development of the field of sound design, and critical listening and viewing exercises.
Practical experience with WOLF Radio primarily includes editing, management, on-air experience, producing, programming, promotions, production, and remotes across traditional and emerging digital media platforms.
A hands-on, supervised, media field experience to apply and test knowledge and skills, and to network with professionals. Internship must be approved by internship coordinator. To be approved, internship must offer experiential learning in Digital Media & Entertainment, Film & Video Production, Journalism, and/or Public Relations; require majors to intern 45 hours for each credit hour enrolled or 135 hours if enrolled 3 credit hours; assign interns an immediate supervisor who has academic credentials and/or professional experience in the discipline. Additional Prerequisites: Major; Junior or Senior; minimum of nine credit hours of COMM 3000-4000 level courses and Major GPA of 2.5 or above and Permission of Instructor required.
Patrick Hadley
Associate Dean, Associate Professor & Graduate Studies Coordinator
Kyle Lorenzano
Associate Professor, Digital Media & Entertainment Head & Assistant Graduate Studies Coordinator
No Admissions Data Provided.
Specific dates for Admissions (Undergraduate only), Financial Aid, Fee Payments, Registration, Start/End of term, Final Exams, etc. are available in THE SCOOP.
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