Communications Media

The Communications Media department at IUP offers students the opportunity to gain experience in
both theory and production. Students can choose to focus their studies in areas such as photography,
video, audio, gaming, graphics and media promotions. The department strives to prepare students to
work in the professional realm of communications.

Programs of Study
Bachelor of Science in Communications Media
With a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications Media, students can take courses in a number of
disciplines. They have the opportunity to concentrate their studies in communications theory or
production.

Credit requirements

 46-47 Liberal Studies credits

 45 Communications Media credits

o 6 Production Course credits

o 3 Writing Intensive Course credits

o 6-12 Internship Course credits

o 8 Core Communications credits

o 13-19 Elective Communications credits

 24-28 Non-Communications Elective credits

Minor Communications Media

A minor in Communications Media can complement any major and help enrich your career. Production
and theory courses can give you a broader understanding of media process and how it affects daily life.

Credit Requirements

 18 credits

o 3 Credits - COMM 101: Communications Media in American Society

o 15 Credits – Communications Media Electives

Minor in Educational Technology
A minor in Educational Technology gives students a broad understanding of the Communications Media
field, while focusing on current trends in technology and teaching. This minor is especially valuable for
students interested in the field of education.

Credit requirements:

 3 Credits -BTED/COSC/IFMG 101: Microbased Computer Literacy

 3 Credits – COMM 101: Communications Media in American Society

 3 Credits – COMM 460: Emerging Trends in Communications Technology

 15 Credits – Communications Electives

Certificate in Photography and Digital Imaging

Students earning a Certificate in Photography and Digital Imaging will be prepared for a career in fields
that require knowledge of photography. The requirements allow students to gain experience and
training in digital photography, image editing, and display.

Credit requirements:

 15 Credits – Core classes as listed in the Undergraduate Catalogue

 3 Credits – Communications elective(s) as listed

Areas of Focus
Students have the opportunity to gain experience with photography, video, and audio as well as other
media concentrations.

The Communications Media Department at IUP offers students the ability to focus their studies among a
number of subjects within the communications field.

Students can choose from the following concentrations:

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Photography
A focus in photography will give students the theoretical and practical background to become a
successful photographer.

Students can gain understanding in different kinds of photography starting with basic techniques and
rules of photography. More advanced classes teach students techniques in portraiture, documentary,
and electronic imaging. In the photography lab, students are also given experience with lighting and
backdrops.

Students also have the option of earning a Certificate in Photography and Digital Imaging.

Video/Television
Focusing courses in video and television will prepare students to understand each step of the production
process.

Students are given the opportunity to gain knowledge of all stages of production. Classes allow students
to explore the production process through application of theory and hands-on experience with state-of-
the-art equipment. Students have the ability to learn in a functional television studio or in the field.

Radio
Students that wish to focus their studies in radio will learn the skills necessary for a career in broadcast
radio.

Coursework in radio prepares students for professions in a number of areas related to broadcast, both
on- and off-air. From media regulations to production and on-air talent, students gain an understanding
of the business and how to become successful in the field.

Audio
Audio recording students will learn techniques of the trade that are useful in many areas of
communications.

Students can learn the skills necessary to be successful as audio technicians, not only for music
recording but also in areas like radio and television. They gain understanding in digital and analogue
equipment as well as special effects and public speaking.

Graphic + Web Design

Focusing classes in the area of graphic and web design will give students ample understanding of the
field.

Students can learn to use creative and effective aesthetic approaches to develop functional graphics and
web page designs. Using up-to-date software programs, students are given the opportunity to create
works like album covers, basic website design, and original typography
Instructional Design
A focus in instructional design will prepare students for a career in the growing fields of training and
education.

Coursework can educate students about the design, development, and evaluation of instructional
material. Students are given the opportunity to develop a self-instructional prototype as they learn to
apply concepts of the field.

Gaming and Simulation

With a focus in gaming and simulation, students will learn a foundation of necessary skills required to
pursue a career in the gaming market.

Classes in gaming and simulation give students experience in creating games while working within an
award-winning facility. Students learn to use knowledge of video, audio, and graphics to create
functional game prototypes.

Animation
Students focusing in animation can gain technical skills and knowledge to prepare them for a career in
the field.

Hand-in-hand with gaming, students can take courses that focus on both 2D and 3D animation software.
Courses offer hands-on experience in animation production. Animation classes also utilize the motion
capture lab and Applied Media and Simulation Gaming Center.

Media Promotions
Students of media promotions will learn the skills necessary to lead successful careers in the field.

Through media promotion courses, students learn how to promote, advertise, and market products for
the public. Students master promotion through the use of media outlets and public relations. Media
promotion prepares students for careers in marketing, advertising, public relations, and consulting.

Facilities
Applied Media and Simulation Games Center
The mission of the AMSGC is to design and develop the very best applied media and game/simulation
products for the IUP community and beyond.

Students are given the opportunity to get experience working within a real-world hierarchy. They can
begin as a developer, and as they succeed, move to higher positions to work in leadership positions
within the center. Students and staff work to design game prototypes in areas of applied media, 2D and
3D games, mobile applications, and motion capture for gaming.

The Applied Media and Simulation Games Center also involves theoretical work, research and design
studies, and production. Students are able to collaborate with real clients and learn etiquette and
procedures for operating within the business world.

Projects that students have worked on include:

• 2D and 3D Games

• Mobile and Computer Applications

• Beta-testing of lifelike characters

WIUP-FM
WIUP-FM strives to provide programming that is of the highest possible quality, technically and
programmatically, and to provide students with meaningful work experiences related to radio
programming and operations.

WIUP-FM, “Your alternative source”, broadcasts on 90.1 FM from Davis Hall on IUP’s campus. As a
student run, student operated station, WIUP-FM offers a variety of musical, talk, and sports
programming. Students from all majors are given the opportunity to work in on-air broadcast, radio
production, and management positions. As well as students, members of the community are invited to
get involved.

The station is federally licensed by the FCC for broadcast. The 1500-watt transmitter reaches an
audience within a 30-mile radius. However, listeners can tune in from anywhere in the world over the
web thanks to state-of-the-art internet streaming capabilities. Listen live and learn more at
www.wiupfm.org.

IUP-TV
IUP-TV’s mission is to produce informative, entertaining media for their general viewing audience, while
giving IUP students practical experience in a professional television environment.

IUP’s television station has been in operation since 1966 when it operated as a closed circuit television
station to broadcast live lectures. Since then, it has been broadcast by several cable companies.
Currently, it reaches a potential audience of 100,000 viewers in Indiana County, as well as parts of
surrounding counties through Comcast cable channel 6. The station has two studios and has been
updated with digital capture, editing, and broadcast systems.
The station strives to provide all IUP students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with
television equipment. They also provide students with an outlet to display their work to the community.
The station broadcasts a variety of television shows that change year to year.

*****Links to Facebook Pages or YouTube Channel***** (?)

Photography Studio
IUP’s Photography Studio is designed to give students firsthand knowledge and experience working
within a full functioning studio.

The photography studio provides students with access to a variety of lighting equipment and modifiers
as well as a state-of-the-art printing lab for their work. The studio also features backgrounds and
settings that students can use to improve their skills throughout their time at IUP. Students will be given
hands-on demonstrations of studio equipment through classes offered by the university.

The studio strives to provide students of photography with experience that they can use into their
professional careers. The practical examples of lighting and camera techniques will give students a
strong basis to advance in the field.