Choosing Your Broadcasting Experience

Much like any other educational experience, it can be difficult to decide what type of broadcasting school would be most beneficial to your journalism career. For some, attending a four-year university is necessary to open the right doors. While others have found that attending trade schools offer more than sufficient educational opportunities to excel. The best route for you will depend highly on your personality, financial situation, and overall goals after graduation. Of course, this is something you will need to take time to explore. So to help you out, let's look at the pros and cons of each type of institution to give you more insight into your available options.

Four-Year Universities

Obtaining a degree through a four-year university (or broadcasting college within a four-year university) is probably one of the most highly recommended routes to take to complete your education in this field. Some believe that the prestige and higher recognition they are likely to receive from employers is very enticing. Others believe that the educational opportunities are better-rounded due to the experience they will gain in writing, editing, reporting, videography and more. Additionally, students usually have access to a recognized radio or television station directly linked with the university, as well as access to experienced professors who have most likely spent years in the field as professionals before coming to the university to teach.

However, one of the down sides of attending a four-year university, especially one that's highly regarded for its broadcasting school experience, is that you'll be paying royally for the level of education you receive. This means, if you're truly interested in attending a university, you'll need to plan ahead. Applying for scholarships and grants are the best ways to ensure that you don't owe any money later down the line. But if spending out of pocket or taking out substantial loans is unavoidable then you may want to consider a more cost-effective option.

Trade Schools

If you're looking for a more affordable option, or are more interested in diving into the announcing experience rather than receiving an overall education, then you may want to consider a trade broadcasting school. Taking the trade option is a top choice for many students because it allows them to forgo other academic core basics like math and science. In this environment, you primarily focus on the task at hand, receive hands-on experience in the "lab," and work closely with the faculty and other students.

Of course, attending a trade school offering an education in broadcasting may not offer the same prestige as a four-year university, nor the same number of opportunities handed to its graduates. However, because it is cheaper, it is an ideal choice for many. The best way to research this route is to ask for a list of graduates as well as accreditation information from all of the trade schools you're interested in. You'll want to explore the amount of internship and job placement assistance they offer as well. 

Some students have found that two-year colleges have also worked well as their option for broadcasting college. They were able to get small slices of the university and trade pies at the same time. However, what works best for you will depend heavily on your personal preferences. So research plenty and choose carefully, then enjoy participating in the best broadcasting school experience for you.