The Communications Major

The Communications major (associate degree) at Dean College is designed to prepare students for Dean’s baccalaureate degree in Arts and Entertainment Management; transfer to a four-year institution; or an entry-level position in the areas of broadcast, electronic, or print media. Courses offered combine theoretical learning and hands-on training. This program emphasizes the discipline needed to succeed in the communications industry.

Through the course of study in the Associate Degree in Communications, students will be provided an opportunity to learn how to:

 • detail and explain key historical elements of radio and television broadcasting.
• synthesize and describe five ways the mass media impacts their lives.
• create and produce effective audio and video presentations. These will be done adhering to a specific purpose by utilizing knowledge gained throughout each course.
• produce independent work in at least two of the following areas: (a) radio broadcasting; (b) video production; (c) news and sports broadcasting.

A variety of communications skills may be obtained by working in Dean College media such as the 175-watt stereo radio station (WGAO 88.3 FM), or in the College’s digital video studio. These experiences, coupled with classroom studies and field work at area radio and television stations, provide students with a solid foundation in production, on-air broadcasting, programming, news gathering, taping, and sales.

The Communications major prepares students for a bachelor's program, leading to exciting and challenging careers in various media fields. These areas include radio, television, film, sports broadcasting, public relations, or advertising. This program provides students with both theory and hands-on experience so they are better equipped to choose their career path.

Through careful selection of electives, students may direct their studies toward a career in station management, public relations, sales, advertising, script and news writing, journalism, radio and television production, announcing, or programming. Because some of these careers require a bachelor’s degree for advancement, the Communications major is designed to prepare students for a four-year program. Students who choose to begin a career after graduation from Dean will be prepared for such occupations as disc jockey, TV production assistant and radio/television commercial salesperson.

The Digital Media Arts Center

The DMAC features an all-digital video facility that includes a recently renovated master control room, a four-camera television studio, and HD post-production editing workstations. Students use the industry standard software and hardware. The DMAC houses Final Cut Pro & Avid video workstations. It also has ProTools Audio digital editing workstations in the state-of-the-art media labs. The DMAC also houses an integrated classroom enabling faculty and students to utilize technology in a class setting.

WGAO-FM Radio Station

WGAO-FM is Dean College’s radio station. The station is primarily directed and staffed by Dean students. The station is one of only a few college stations that made the Boston Media market ratings book. It consists of a well-equipped on-air studio, music library, newsroom, and production studio. A state-of-the-art computerized Broadcast System enables the station to play music 24 hours a day, year-round. The station is also online (www.power883.org) and can be heard around the world. This technology makes WGAO comparable to most major commercial radio stations today. Students learn about this technology along with hands-on skills in live radio. WGAO is a broadcasting lab, modeled as a professional station. It operates much as a real commercial station does, with a main format, contests, remote broadcasts in the community, and news, weather, and sports reporting.