Communications Media Brochure

Introduction

In a world of ever-changing technological advances, media has become an essential part of our everyday
lives. Our perception of the world around us is influenced by portrays displayed in that media. The
Communications Media Department at Indiana University of Pennsylvania prides itself in educating and
training students with the skills required to become career-ready media professionals. Students develop
their knowledge and skills by participating in production and theory courses, developing professional
portfolio, and completing an internship that relates to their personal career goals.

Photography

At IUP, students can learn and develop the skills required to be successful photographers. These include
how to take different types of photographs and how to set up a camera to do the same. The types of
photographs students learn to capture depends on the level of the class. As students advance into
higher classes, they learn how to set up lighting and backdrops, as well as shooting photographs in
studio.

Television/Video Production

The massive role of television and video in our culture is irrefutable. Communications Media majors
specializing in video have the opportunity to gain direct experience throughout all stages of production.
For example, a scriptwriting course demonstrates pre-production skills through different scripted
formats. State-of-the-art equipment is readily available for students to use. Students can further
develop their video and media capabilities, as well as prepare for a profession in audiovisual production.

Communications Media students are given the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in actual
televised productions. IUP-TV is a student run television station reaching a potential audience of
approximately 100,000 viewers. Students are encouraged to participated in existing shows and to create
their own.

Audio Production and Radio

Audio can be overlooked as a component of multimedia. At IUP, we strive to train professionals in audio
recording and production. This integral component of media production is taught to students in an
environment where they learn audio techniques in the university’s recording studio filled with the
industry’s standard in audio editing.

As your alternative source, WIUP-FM 90.1 offers the latest and greatest in music. At WIUP-FM, students,
faculty, staff, and the community are able to a mix of radio programming: including sports talk, indie,
80’s hits, heavy metal, and hip hop. WIUP-FM is a 1600-watt radio station which reaches people within a
30 mile radius. It is also available for streaming on the Internet.
Graphic & Web Design

Students interested in graphic and web design learn to produce creative and effective pieces. With the
skills acquired in the available courses, students create products ranging from album covers and logos to
websites and original typography. The most current and up-to-date graphic software is available to
students in and outside of the classroom

Gaming, Simulation, and Animation

The simulation and gaming industry is built upon knowledge of video, audio, graphics, multimedia, and
animation. Here at IUP, students interested in seeking a career in educational gaming are provided with
a foundation of the necessary skills required to pursue jobs in the marketplace. With our award-winning
motion capture lab and Applied Media and Simulation Game Center, students are able to gain hands-on
experience.

Media Promotions

Through Media Promotions students learn how to promote, advertise, and market a product in order to
make it appealing to the public. Students of media promotions gain the skills necessary to sell items
through the use of multimedia. IUP media promotions students are prepared for a variety of careers
within and outside of the media fields

Multimedia and Special Topics Classes

Multimedia and Theoretical Courses

The Communications Media Department holds its focus on the production aspects of the field.
Production, however, is difficult to execute without first acquiring background knowledge of
communications theory. Students in the department will take an introductory course on aesthetics and
theory. Other courses explore a variety of multimedia topics covering theories, research, and the
Internet.

Special Topics Courses

Special topics courses in the Communications Media Department provide a more in-depth look into
topics not included in the core curriculum. These courses vary from semester to semester and explore a
range of topics. To help prepare students for their future careers, the department includes career
planning and portfolio courses development courses.

Professor Involvement
Our award-winning faculty and staff members are active practitioners in their fields both on and off
campus. Not only are they the top in their fields, but they make sure their students are also at the top of
their respective fields. Due to the work and research professors do with their students, even
undergraduates have a well-built résumé before graduation. Students can develop games, produce
albums, and publish research alongside their professors.
Going Further

Internships
Internships are the most common way for students for gain hands-on field experience. They provide a
network of professional relationships as well as preparing students for work within the field with more
confidence than class room work alone. Internships are required during the summer after students’
junior or senior year, and each year.

Practicum
Practicums offer students to the opportunity to work with professors on university and private projects
such as creating promotional materials, computerized training modules, and conducting student
research.

Masters of Arts in Adult Education and Communications Technology

The Master of Arts in Adult Education and Communications Technology prepares students as educators
and trainer. Students gain the understanding required to help adults in business and industry, health
care, social services, and community agencies, as well as other education programs.

Ph.D. in Communications media and Instructional Technology (CMIT)

The Ph.D. program at IUP allows students to study classic communications median and instructional
technology, as well as combine theory, research, and production. This program is designed to help
students develop the skills needed to become faculty members at the college level, while preparing
students to conduct advanced academic research.