Television
Television
Associate in Applied Science Degree in Radio/TV (A.A.S.)

The Television option of the Radio/TV program is designed to empower students with the knowledge and skills to seek professional careers in all phases of the dynamic worlds of film and television, broadcast journalism, and video production; and to prepare graduates for enrollment into four-year institutions.

In order to enjoy productive careers and compete successfully, graduates must meet the challenge of technological change. Therefore, Television option A.A.S. degree candidates benefit from hands-on real-world training utilizing cutting-edge technology preparing them for employment as directors, producers, editors, camera operators, compositors, audio engineers, writers, and other entry-level positions within the TV and video production industries.

Television majors also have the opportunity to create television programming to be cablecast throughout Mercer County on MCTV, channel 80/26/20. The program of study culminates with students entering their own short features for the college’s annual video recognition ceremony, The Bernie Awards.

All production classes involve state-of-the-art TV studio and control room equipment, and include practical experience with studio and portable cameras, video editing, graphics, special effects, producing, writing, and directing. Students should be prepared for a course of study emphasizing and developing communication skills in addition to practical and theoretical television instruction.

Many alumni of the Television option are employed by facilities in Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York, assuming a wide variety of jobs at all levels in the television industry. Many are successful producers in documentary, educational, industrial, and other video work. In addition, graduates have transferred to colleges and universities in New Jersey and other states including Rutgers University, The College of New Jersey, Rider University, Rowan University, William Paterson State University, Syracuse University, Ithaca College, Emerson College, Temple University, and New York University.

Admission to the Television option requires visual and aural acuity and a high school diploma or its equivalent.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES
  • Produce cable television shows;
  • Achieve entry-level professional competence for a position in commercial, public, industrial, instructional, and cable television studios and facilities;
  • Write, produce, direct, and edit a variety of hi-definition video productions;
  • Write various scripts, including commercials, news, and short film;
  • Operate ENG (electronic news gathering) equipment;
  • Produce a short film or documentary;
  • Work on a professional project;
  • Use cutting-edge non-linear video editing equipment;
  • Build a strong, competitive portfolio;
  • Operate a broadcast TV switcher and audio console.
DEGREE CURRICULUM
2023-2024 Academic Year
 earlier / Archive
TV.AAS
CIP 100202

The course sequence below represents a recommended example of how this degree program can be completed in two years, presuming a Fall Term start and satisfaction of all Developmental Studies (foundation courses) requirements and prerequisites. Actual approaches toward completion depend on each student's anticipated transfer institution, career objectives, or other individual circumstances.

Students are encouraged to meet regularly with an academic advisor or Success Coach to consider options, establish plans, and monitor progress.

Code Course (lecture/lab hours) Credits
To Do This Semester
FIRST SEMESTER
ENG 101 English Composition I (3/0) 3

✔ Meet with your faculty advisor to complete an academic plan. Make sure you are aware of any course prerequisites you may need to take, and how long it will take to complete your degree.

✔ Use your online tools: Check your MercerMail daily, utilize features of Office 365, and get to know Student Planning.

✔ Take advantage of Learning Centers or Online Tutoring to support your studies and assignments.

CMN 101 Mass Media (3/0) 3
CMN 111 Speech: Human Communication (3/0)  
  OR 3
CMN 112 Public Speaking (3/0)  
CMN 141 Introduction to Television Production (2/2) 3
DMA 144 Internet Tools and Techniques (1/4)


3
SECOND SEMESTER
ENG 102 English Composition II (3/0) 3

✔ Transitioning to college can be challenging. Meet with your Success Coach for guidance and support.

✔ Apply for financial aid by May 1.

✔ Contact professors with questions and use their office hours to develop a connection. Talk with them to get the inside scoop on how your profession works.

✔ Be sure to visit the Career Services office to explore jobs, internships, and career information and get help with your resume and other career tools.

✔ Apply for Continuing Student scholarships at www.mccc.edu/m-scholarships.

CMN 142 Introduction to Field Production (2/2) 3
CMN 147 Introduction to Story (2/2) 3
CMN 153 Digital Audio Production I (2/2) 3
DMA 210 Motion Graphics (1/4)










3
THIRD SEMESTER
CMN 131 Journalism I (3/0) 3

✔ Keep in contact with each professor and your faculty advisor. Make sure you are on track to graduate on time.

✔ Work with Career Services to formulate plans for after you've earned this degree.

✔ Develop team and leadership skills by getting involved in activities and clubs.

✔ Apply for Continuing Student scholarships at www.mccc.edu/m-scholarships.

✔ Manage your stress! Take advantage of the MCCC pool, Fitness Center, free yoga and Zumba. Reach out for counseling or other support if you need it. Your Success Coach can connect you with resources.

CMN 146 Social Media Technologies (2/2) 3
CMN 241 Applied Field Production (2/2) 3
CMN 243 Cinematography (2/2) 3
MAT 125 Elementary Statistics I (3/0)
  • MAT 120 is an acceptable alternative.









3
FOURTH SEMESTER
CMN 242 Advanced Film Production (2/2) 3

✔ Get ready to start your career! Begin the job application process.

✔ Discuss your career plans with your faculty advisor. S/he can help you transition successfully.

CMN 275 TV Technology and Culture (3/0) 3
CMN 290 Internship: Communications  
  OR 3
CMN 285 Special Studies in Television Production  
  —    — Social Science general education elective 3
  —    — General Education elective
  • Select course from the following general education categories: Social Science, Humanities, Historical Perspective, Diversity and Global Perspective.
3
  60  

NOTE: Electives should be selected in consultation with an academic advisor in order to assure maximum transfer of credits. Students must earn a minimum grade of C in all CMN courses to graduate.