Belhaven University

What you'll study

This undergraduate degree combines foundational communication theory with applied studio and field production skills. Core topics include broadcast writing and scripting, audio production, video production, camera and lighting techniques, editing for non-linear platforms, digital media strategies, media law and ethics, and audience analysis. Students typically progress from introductory courses in media and communication to intermediate modules in studio and field production, then to advanced electives and a capstone project.

• Introductory modules: Introduction to Communication, Fundamentals of Broadcasting, Media Writing.
• Production skills: Audio Production and Engineering, Television Studio Production, Field Video Production, Lighting and Sound for Media.
• Post-production and digital: Non-linear Editing, Motion Graphics, Digital Content Strategies, Social Media for Media Producers.
• Theory and context: Media Law and Ethics, History of Broadcasting, Media and Society.
• Practical capstone and practicum: Senior capstone project, production practicum, and supervised internships with media organisations or campus production outlets.

Teaching emphasises hands-on lab time, collaborative production teams, and portfolio development. Students are expected to complete practical projects that demonstrate competence in planning, producing and distributing content across radio, television and digital platforms.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold an upper-secondary school qualification equivalent to a US high school diploma or GCE A-levels. Typical admission requires satisfactory academic standing in secondary studies and submission of a completed application. Belhaven also considers applicants' creative potential; candidates may be asked to provide a short portfolio, media samples, or a personal statement outlining their interest in broadcast and digital media. International applicants must present recognised secondary qualifications and evidence of English language proficiency through accepted tests or equivalent documentation.

Transfer students should provide college transcripts demonstrating readiness for upper-level media coursework, and may need to meet minimum GPA expectations. Placement testing or interviews can be used to determine appropriate course level in technical subjects.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for a range of roles across traditional and digital media. Common career paths include:

• Broadcast producer, segment producer or production coordinator for radio and television stations
• Broadcast journalist, reporter or news producer
• Digital content producer, social media manager or online video producer for brands and agencies
• Audio engineer, sound designer or podcast producer
• Production assistant, camera operator, editor or lighting technician in film, TV and event production
• Communications specialist, media relations or corporate video producer in non-media organisations

Students frequently gain practical experience through internships and campus production opportunities that help build professional networks and portfolios sought by employers in local and regional media markets, production companies and digital agencies.

Why study at Belhaven University

Belhaven offers a Christian liberal arts environment with small class sizes and a focus on mentoring. The programme emphasises experiential learning through well-equipped production labs, hands-on studio and field projects, and internship placement support. Faculty combine academic teaching with professional experience in broadcasting and media production, providing industry-relevant instruction and career guidance.

The university’s size and campus community allow for collaborative, cross-disciplinary projects with other arts and communication students, while the practicum and capstone components ensure graduates have a professional portfolio. Students seeking a values-informed education with direct pathways into broadcast and digital media production will find the programme structured to develop both technical skill and ethical storytelling practices.