Bachelor of Broadcast and Electronic Communication Arts at San Francisco State University

Applications for admission to the Broadcast and Electronic Communication Arts (BECA) major are accepted by the University's Office of Enrollment Services only during the application filing periods of October 1 to November 30 (for admission the following fall) and August 1 to September 30 (for admission the following spring). Applications received outside of these two filing periods will not be considered.

Core Courses

All majors must complete the core courses (BECA 200, BECA 300GW, and BECA 340) with grades of C or better in each (C– is not acceptable). Check the Bulletin for specific course grade requirements, grading options, and prerequisites.

Steps to Change Major

Undeclared majors and students enrolled in other disciplines at SF State who seek to change their major to Broadcast and Electronic Communication Arts should fill out the Change of Major form in the department.

Assistance to Enhance Writing Competence

Completion of GE Area A2 is a prerequisite for BECA 300GW. BECA majors who successfully complete BECA 300GW will have satisfied the University Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR). Students may improve their skills by taking composition courses or by completing writing tutorials.

Supervised and Independent Work Experience

The department encourages students to participate in independent production, internship, and supervised teaching experiences as a part of their program of study. Students may count a total of 6 units combined from the courses BECA 576, BECA 685, BECA 695, and BECA 699 toward satisfying major requirements. No more than 4 units of BECA 685 may count toward the degree, and no more than 6 units from any other individual course may be counted toward the major.

Transfer Students

Students transferring to the BECA program from a California community college or other institution should strive to complete the SF State Lower Division Transfer Pattern. Transfer students are encouraged to complete the equivalent of  BECA 200 and one lower-division production course (BECA 230, 240, or 246) before matriculation at SF State. Many of the transfer equivalents to these courses are offered at California community colleges and can be verified via the Assist website (www.assist.org). Please contact a faculty advisor if your course is not listed. Up to 12 units of courses from California community colleges may be directly applied to fulfilling BECA major requirements.

Mandatory Advising

Students in the major are strongly encouraged to meet with a faculty advisor at least once every semester, particularly before registering for courses. Students are required to meet with a faculty advisor for approval of the application for graduation: the application must be signed by the advisor and the department chair.

1. Apply aesthetic theory to the practice of media production.
2. Use effective communication strategies, including media terminology as appropriate, in the creation and analysis of electronic and digital media content.
3. Integrate research-related media theory into the conception and distribution of media content.
4. Conceptualize, design, and write stories for electronic and digital media.
5. Demonstrate proficiency in fundamental and advanced media production concepts and techniques.
6. Analyze and write about electronic and digital media's role in and impact on culture and society.
7. Critically evaluate business trends and the legal and regulatory frameworks of electronic and digital media industries.
8. Promote ethical standards and social justice in the creation and distribution of electronic and digital media.