Valparaiso University

What you'll study

The programme blends production practice with critical and strategic study of contemporary media. Core work covers audio and video production techniques, live and studio broadcasting, digital content creation, and multiplatform distribution. Students learn editing for radio and television, field production, sound design, scripting, post‑production workflows, and accessible storytelling for online platforms.

Complementing technical practice are modules in media theory, journalism ethics, audience analysis, media law, and strategic communication. Coursework emphasises the convergence of traditional broadcast with digital platforms, including podcasting, streaming, social media content strategy, and analytics.

Students typically complete a capstone project or thesis that demonstrates production competence and conceptual rigour — options commonly include a professional portfolio of audio/video work, a practicum with a partner media organisation, or a research thesis on a topic such as audience engagement, media policy or digital storytelling innovation.

• Audio production and podcasting
• Television studio and field production
• Post‑production and nonlinear editing
• Digital media strategy and analytics
• Media law, ethics and policy
• Newsroom and programme producing
• Audience research and multiplatform distribution
• Capstone project or thesis

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution; degrees in communication, journalism, media studies, theatre, music, or related fields are typical but applicants with substantial relevant professional experience are also considered. Admissions usually require a statement of purpose describing goals and prior experience, and academic transcripts.

Practical applicants (those emphasising production) are normally asked to submit a portfolio or samples of recent media work; those focused on research may be invited to submit a writing sample. Admissions committees also commonly request letters of recommendation and evidence of English language proficiency when the applicant’s first language is not English.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of roles across broadcast, cable, public radio, podcasting, streaming services and digital media organisations. Typical job titles include:

• Broadcast producer and programme director
• Multiplatform content producer or editor
• Audio producer and podcast developer
• Digital content manager and social media strategist
• Multimedia journalist and field reporter
• Media planner or communications consultant
• Production technician or post‑production editor
• Educator or researcher in media studies

Graduates often take advantage of Valparaiso’s regional industry links and internship networks to secure entry into local and national media organisations, public broadcasting, and digital agencies. The programme’s emphasis on both practical skills and critical media literacy also prepares students for roles in media strategy, advocacy communications, and content entrepreneurship.

Why study at Valparaiso University

Valparaiso University offers a small‑community learning environment with close faculty mentoring and access to well‑equipped media facilities. The communications department supports hands‑on learning through student media outlets, studio spaces and mobile production equipment, enabling students to build professional portfolios before graduation.

The university’s location in northwest Indiana provides proximity to larger media markets while retaining opportunities for regional internships and community engagement. Faculty are practitioner‑scholars who integrate contemporary industry practices, ethical frameworks and storytelling traditions, and the programme emphasises experiential learning, internships and partnerships that bridge classroom study with professional practice.

Overall, the programme is designed to prepare graduates for the technical demands of modern broadcast and digital production while fostering the critical capacity to navigate media ethics, audience dynamics and strategic communication in a changing media landscape.