The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is launching a new emphasis next fall to train the next generation of broadcast engineers.
The emphasis is through the Radio, TV, and Film (RTF) Department and includes courses from that school plus the departments of Engineering Technology, Information Systems (College of Business), Computer Science, and Music.
It is the result of years of planning and consultation within the RTF Department and with broadcasters throughout Wisconsin through the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association.
“The need for the next generation of broadcast engineers has never been greater, so when UW-Oshkosh saw the need and started working on this emphasis, broadcasters were excited and supportive,” said WBA President and CEO Michelle Vetterkind. “Thank you to the leadership at UW-Oshkosh for seeing the need and to broadcasters for supporting this important project.”
UW-Oshkosh is working in partnership with Madison College on an Applied Associate of Science in broadcast engineering that would provide options for students to enter the broadcast engineering workforce directly after two years, or transfer to UW-Oshkosh to complete the bachelor’s degree. While the transfer agreement is still being finalized, it is the objective of both institutions to make it a true 2 + 2 pathway, meaning that students could complete both the associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in a span of four years.
“This emphasis offers the only professionally run broadcast-style curriculum in Wisconsin for authentic industry training, developed hand-in-hand with broadcast engineers,” said Beth Hubbard, Chair of Radio TV Film. “With insight from the WBA and industry leaders, we’re preparing tomorrow’s media professionals to thrive in an evolving media landscape.”
The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents recognized the UWO Radio RTF department in 2020 with one of the UW System’s highest honors—a Teaching Excellence Award.
