Broadcasting

The broadcasting major offers courses leading to a wide variety of careers in the broadcasting and media industries. Building on a solid base of instruction in radio, television, mobile and online journalism, the major has broadened its curriculum in response to advancing technology across the broad range of media. Broadcasting offers courses in news gathering and dissemination, videography, data visualization, Web design, sales, management, and other specializations including the use of audio, video and mobile technology. Courses are designed to develop both a comprehensive understanding of theoretical principles and professional skills. Most courses involve extensive practical laboratory work in addition to classroom lectures and discussions.

Many of the broadcasting faculty members have extensive industry experience at major television and radio outlets in Columbus, Ohio; Detroit, Michigan; San Francisco and Los Angeles, California; Kansas City, Missouri; and Omaha, Nebraska. The faculty continues to be connected to the industry, and its members are actively involved in professional media organizations. Students, likewise, are encouraged to further their professional goals through participation in student organizations such as a chapter of the National Broadcasting Society, Midwest Broadcast Journalists Association, and the Radio Television Digital News Association.

KRNU and KRNU2 are professionally managed audio services and are an integral part of the instructional program. With studios in Andersen Hall, KRNU operates year-round and serves an audience of potentially 250,000 persons in the Lincoln area, plus a global audience via the Internet. KRNU2 operates on the Internet only.

Broadcasting majors also are encouraged to seek internships and professional work experience prior to graduation. Students in this major have held more than 100 media-related internships and professional part-time jobs, including internships at ABC News in New York, CNN in New York working with Anderson Cooper,  the CNN Washington bureau, ESPN and VH1. Graduates are working for major media organizations throughout the nation.

Graduates of broadcasting will be able to:

1. Understand and apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press as well as receive instruction in and understand the range of systems of freedom of expression around the world, including the right to dissent, to monitor and criticize power, and to assemble and petition for redress of grievances.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and, as appropriate, other forms of diversity in domestic society in relation to mass communications.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of peoples and cultures and of the significance and impact of mass communications in a global society.
5. Understand concepts and apply theories in the use and presentation of images and information.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity.
7. Think critically, creatively and independently.
8. Conduct research and evaluate information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work.
9. Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve.
10. Critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness
11. Apply basic numerical and statistical concepts.
12. Apply current tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work, and to understand the digital world.

Application Fee

There is a $45 application fee payable online with a credit card.

Deadlines

Summer/Fall – May 1

Spring – December 1

Additional Documents

In addition to the online application, International First-Year students are required to submit:

• Final secondary school transcript, preferably officially signed and stamped by a principal of secondary school
• Secondary school certificate/diploma
• English proficiency scores
• Bank statement
• Passport copy

English Proficiency Deadlines

To be fully-admitted, you must meet English proficiency by the following deadlines:

Fall Term – July 15

Spring Term – December 1

Summer Term – May 1

Thanks for your interest in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln! All admissions materials are to be uploaded via MyRED to complete your application.

You can contact the University of Nebraska–Lincoln to apply for admission by yourself. You are not required to use an agent to apply for admission or enroll at the University of Nebraska. If you chose to use someone to assist you in applying for admission or enroll for classes, that is your responsibility.

Completed Coursework Requirements

• A broad section of course work in English
• Native language courses
• Math
• Natural Sciences
• Social Sciences

English Proficiency

Non-native English speakers must submit an IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo score demonstrating proficiency in English. Contact your IELTS testing center or TOEFL to have your official scores sent directly to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

If you do not meet proficiency requirements, you can still be offered conditional admission.

For more detailed information, see the English Proficiency requirements on this page.

ACT/SAT Requirements

ACT/SAT tests are not required for admission to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln but may be required for entry into specific colleges.

Colleges that require ACT/SAT scores:

• College of Architecture
• College of Engineering

Bank Statement Requirements

In order to be issued I-20, you must submit a bank statement to your MyRED account to show sufficient support for the first year of study.

You will still be evaluated for admission without submitting the bank statement, but admission letters and I-20s will not be sent until the bank statement requirement has been met.

Statements must include:

• Student's name
• NUID Number

NOTE: Scholarship letters can be used in place of bank statements.

Items not Required

Letters of recommendation and essays are NOT required for admission.

The following represents a sample of the internships, jobs and graduate school programs that current students and recent graduates have reported.

Review the materials you'll need before starting an application. Complete the application online. You can also apply through the Common App.

Check Your Application Status

Check MyRED to check your application status and verify all documents have been submitted to complete your application.

Pay Enrollment Deposit

Once you're admitted, pay the $250 enrollment deposit to reserve your place at Nebraska.

Enrollment Deposit

All First-Year, Transfer and International students, including students in the Intensive English Program, who have received notification of their admission to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln pay the $250 Enrollment Deposit.

What is the Enrollment Deposit?

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln requires a $250 Enrollment Deposit to be paid by the deadlines below to finalize your admission and secure your space in the incoming class.

• Spring Deposit Deadline: December 1
  
• Fall/Summer Deposit Deadline: May 1

The Enrollment Deposit is not a new fee. The $250 deposit applies directly toward students' first expenses at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, such as orientation programs and more.

Who is Required to Pay the Enrollment Deposit?

The Enrollment Deposit is required for all new First-Year, Transfer and International students, including students enrolling in the Intensive English Program, who are admitted.

Why Do I Need to Pay the Enrollment Deposit?

The Enrollment Deposit :

• Allows the University to more effectively plan for class offerings and student resources in preparation for your arrival.
  
  
• Provides an incentive for students to actively consider their college choice on an appropriate timeline, which increases their selection in housing, New Student Enrollment dates and classes.
• Allows the University to more accurately report new student class data as part of the budgeting process.

Refund

The Enrollment Deposit is fully refundable prior to the deposit deadlines below:

• Spring Deposit Deadline: December 1
• Fall/Summer Deposit Deadline: May 1

If a student chooses not to attend the University and did not request a refund on or before the deadline, the student forfeit's the full amount of their Enrollment Deposit.

To request a refund, please email the Office of Admissions.

Requesting Reinstatement

Admitted students who do not pay the deposit prior to the deadline forfeit their admission and aid. Students may request reinstatement by sending a letter to the admissions committee at:

University of Nebraska–Lincoln Admissions Committee
1410 Q St
Lincoln, NE 68588-0417

OR email the committee at: [email protected]

• Reinstatement of admission cannot be guaranteed.
• Reinstatement of federal, state, and university aid is not guaranteed.
• Please indicate in the circumstances surrounding your late payment in your reinstatement request.

NOTE: The Enrollment Deposit is not waived under any circumstance. The Enrollment Deposit is Non-Transferable.

Obtain I-20

After you are notified of your admission status, we will email instructions about obtaining your I-20 or visa.

Sign Housing Contract

After you pay your enrollment deposit, you can sign up for on-campus housing through MyRED.

Complete New Student Enrollment

NSE is a required student orientation program.

Submit English Proficiency Scores

If you're conditionally-admitted, you may submit English proficiency scores up until your term's deadline to become fully-admitted.

Prepare for Arrival

There are a few health requirements to complete and prepare for before you arrive on campus.

Pre-Enrollment Health Requirements & Information

All incoming students must submit the Pre-Enrollment Health Requirement Form through MyRED.

In addition, all international students must complete the following health requirements at the University Health Center:

• Provide proof of two rubeola/measles MMR immunizations or positive rubeola lab result
• Undergo a tuberculosis test

For students who have the University of Nebraska's StudentBlue Insurance Plan, the cost of the Pre-Enrollment Health Requirement is covered 100%.

Health Insurance

• The University will automatically enroll all international students (F1 and J1) in StudentBlue Health Insurance.
• You may waive the insurance plan if you show documentation of a comparable medical insurance plan. Proof consists of a plan in your name and the document must be in English.
• Deadline to waive the health insurance is the 14th day of class each semester.

Meningococcal Vaccine

Meningococcal disease is a rare infection with potentially devastating results. The vaccine is recommended for first year students living in university residences but is not required by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.