Media Production, BA/BS

Program Overview

Belmont University's Media Production major equips students with the technical and creative skills to produce audio and video content for various platforms. The program offers flexible tracks in audio-video, multimedia, sports, and video production, allowing students to specialize in their areas of interest. Through hands-on projects, industry internships, and state-of-the-art facilities, graduates are prepared for successful careers in the media industry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The program emphasizes both multi-camera live production and single-camera production and post-production, along with audio and video streaming. Graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers in the media industry.

Objectives:

• Equip students with the technical skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in media production.
• Foster creativity and innovation in students, encouraging them to develop unique visual stories.
• Provide a comprehensive understanding of the media industry, its various platforms, and the evolving technological landscape.
• Cultivate strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for success in the field.

Description:

The Media Production major at Belmont University comprises a blend of classroom instruction, hands-on projects, and practical industry experience. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, including:

• Multi-media instructional computer labs
• Video production studio with chromakey and trackless virtual studio capabilities
• Video production control room
• Editing suites
• Macintosh computer labs equipped with industry-standard software (Avid Media Composer, Pro Tools, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Davinci Resolve)
The program offers a flexible curriculum, allowing students to choose from four production tracks based on their interests and career aspirations:
• Audio-Video Production: Focus on the technical and creative aspects of audio and video production, from concept development to post-production.
• Sports Production: Gain specialized skills in producing live sporting events, including camera operation, directing, and editing.
• Video Production: Develop expertise in all aspects of video production, from pre-production planning and scripting to post-production editing and distribution.

Outline:

It requires a total of 128 credit hours distributed as follows:

• BELL Core Requirements: 53 hours
• Major Requirements (including 18 hours of electives and emphasis area): 36 hours
• Minor Requirements: 18 hours
• General Electives: 21 hours

• MDS 1450 Survey of Digital Production: Introduces the fundamentals of digital media production, creative communication across platforms, and essential content creation skills.
• MDS 2300 Entrepreneurial Media: Studies the business of media, including startups, mobile app development, marketing strategies, revenue models, and ethical issues.
• MDS 4110 Media Ethics: Examines ethical principles in mass communication, exploring concepts of fair and truthful news and diverse entertainment content, as well as the roles and responsibilities of communicators and audiences.
• MDS 2450 Remote Video Production: Focuses on electronic field production (EFP) practices, covering pre-production, production, post-production, electronic graphics, and DVD authoring using non-linear editing software (Final Cut Pro).
• MDS 3450 Advanced Video Production: Delves into advanced video production techniques and technologies, including lighting, chromakey, color correction, and HDTV.
Students create in-depth and innovative productions.
• MDS 4460 Event Video Production: Provides real-world experience in live event video production for Belmont athletics, concerts, showcases, musical performances, television shows, webcasts, and corporate events.
The course emphasizes pre-production and multi-camera production techniques, as well as technical challenges associated with live events. In addition to these core courses, students can choose electives from their chosen production track to specialize their skills and knowledge in a particular area.
• The program offers several internship opportunities with local television stations, sports organizations, production companies, and other media outlets, both within and beyond Nashville, Tennessee.
• Students can also participate in the Belmont USA Program, gaining hands-on experience through semester-long internships in Los Angeles and New York City.
• Belmont Media Production students contribute to various on-campus productions, such as sporting events, CMA Country Christmas, Showcase, Fisher Center events, and more.
The program's strong emphasis on hands-on experience, real-world projects, and industry connections prepares graduates for successful careers in this dynamic field.