Iowa Western Community College

Department: Communication

Media Studies: Digital Communication Arts, A.A.S. program of study provides students with a background in various aspects of digital communication. Students learn content creation, analytics, and management of media for business. Students shoot video, record audio, design content, and manage social media platforms for audience engagement and community impact. The program prepares students for careers such as social media marketer, videographer, audio/video producer, content creator, web designer, and graphic designer. Graduates of this program are awarded an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree.

Students who complete this AAS degree will have earned a Media Studies: Social Media certificate by completion.

Iowa Western is the home of 89.7 The River, the Omaha metro’s only alternative rock radio station!  The Media Studies: Radio program of study allows students to work intensively with professional radio personnel and develop the skills needed to succeed in all aspects of the radio industry. There are so many different jobs in radio – On-air talent, production, promotions, event planning, sales, and social media.

Course work includes performance, promotions, sales, management, writing and producing commercials, social media, and programming. Students can enhance their classroom experience by participating in all station operations at 89.7 The River.

Graduates of this program are awarded an Associate of Applied Science degree in two years and are ready to move directly into the radio industry.

Students working toward an Audio Engineering Associate of Applied Science degree typically intend to go right into the workplace upon completion of this two-year degree, although some individual courses may transfer to a four-year institution. Students in this program will learn about all aspects of music production, including the fundamentals of analog and digital audio and span live music reinforcement, digital audio recording, critique and analysis of recorded music, and the mixing and mastering process.

Students will be introduced to fundamental music terminology and analysis of instrumentation, form, and production techniques as they apply to popular musical genres. In addition to working in state-of-the-art facilities, including a fully outfitted recording studio and a Pro Tools computer lab, students are given opportunities to apply their skills at department and campus-wide events. Through internships with local music businesses, students gain valuable experience with industry professionals.

Sports is more than just a hobby, it can be your career. If you are comfortable with public speaking, and you want to share your passion for sports with the world, sports media technology is a great major for you.

The sports media technology program will give you the opportunity to produce sports content for radio and TV. You will work with the professional staff at IWTV, and 89.7 The River, to get hands-on experience in sports announcing, video and audio production, and sports writing. In addition, you will learn about social media, new media, and marketing.

Our students also get real-world experience by completing an internship. As a sports media technology major you will learn how to develop the skills you need to move directly into the sports media industry after graduation.

Media Studies: TV/Video is a highly specialized program, allowing students to work with state-of-the-art equipment while learning first-hand the skills needed to succeed in all aspects of storytelling in video, television/cable, and new media applications.

Students build proficiencies in courses such as studio and field production, video editing, and scriptwriting, from beginning through advanced production classes. This skill sets benefit students, independent filmmakers, freelance producers, and young professionals who wish to pursue careers in news, documentaries, and sports.

Iowa Western has a strong Media Studies program, providing students’ valuable hands-on experience on IWTV and social media channels.

The Social Media Certificate program of study is designed for professionals in any industry who wish to create social media content and further their organization’s brand. The curriculum exposes students to social media marketing strategies. Graduates of this program are awarded a certificate.

Students who complete this certificate will earn credit toward completion of the Media Studies: Digital Communication Arts AAS degree.

Communication majors learn about concepts and practices of human communication and mediated communication. Courses focus on communication within business and organizations and among people with diverse cultural backgrounds. This program prepares students for a variety of avenues within a business environment, or for transfer to a four-year program in business or communications. Graduates of this program are awarded an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree.Communication majors learn about concepts and practices of human communication and mediated communication. Courses focus on communication within business and organizations and among people with diverse cultural backgrounds. This program prepares students for a variety of avenues within a business environment, or for transfer to a four-year program in business or communications. Graduates of this program are awarded an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree.

Students who complete this AA degree will have earned a Media Studies: Social Media certificate by completion.

The English program of study prepares students to transfer to four-year colleges and universities to complete undergraduate majors in literature and communication arts or pursue related fields in education.  Students study British literature, fiction, poetry, and drama.  Graduates of this program are awarded an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree.