Where BECA graduate students & alumni make media
The BECA Graduate Student Orientation Guide
Welcome to the BECA Graduate Student Orientation Guide!
This guide is intended as the comprehensive information source for all BECA graduate students. This is a collaborative effort and your contribution is critical! This is an evolving project and should never be considered finished. So if you see something below that could be worded better or you think that information is missing, please reply to this topic and your comments will be integrated into the guide.
CONTENTS
- 1. Applying to the BECA MA program
1.1. Program overview
1.1.1. The official word
1.1.2. The student word
1.2. Applying
1.3. Frequently asked questions- 2. Program information for current students
- 2.1. Program structure
2.2. Faculty office hours
2.3. Choosing classes
2.4. Paperwork
2.5. Access to your BECA paperwork
2.6. Culminating experiences
2.7. Scholarships - 3. Creative Arts Building facilities
- 3.1. Building layout
3.2. Opening hours
3.3. Editing labs
3.4. The Cage (CA 127)
3.5. BECA noticeboards
3.6. BECA graduate student lounge (CA 19)
3.7. Lockers - 4. Sharing your work and skills
4.1. BecaFest
4.2. Graduate Research and Creative Works Showcase
4.3. BECA Digital Lounge website
4.4. Independent student collaborations
4.5. College Students in Broadcasting (CSB)
4.6. Annual conferences
4.7. The social aspect- 5. On campus employment
5.1. Getting a job on campus
5.2. International students- 6. San Francisco State University and the College of Creative Arts
6.1. San Francisco State University (SFSU)
6.1.1. University overview
6.1.2. Campus facilities and map
6.1.3. Library and printing facilities
6.2. Creative Arts
6.2.1. Art
6.2.2. Broadcast and Electronic Communication Art (BECA)
6.2.3. Cinema
6.2.4. Design and Industry
6.2.5. Theatre Arts
6.2.6. School of Music and Dance
- 7. Contacts
7.1. BECA
7.2. University
1. Applying to the BECA MA program
- 1.1. Program overview
1.1.1. The official word
[See here for an introduction to BECA by student Artie Luna and professor John Hewitt.]
BECA is recognized as one of the world's best programs in electronic media. The reason? Outstanding faculty. Among your professors are authors of the most widely used textbooks on television, audio and video production, media performance, media aesthetics, and broadcast news. Most instructors not only have doctorates in communication or related fields, they also have significant real world experience.
BECA is also well equipped to keep pace with today's ever-changing media world: three television studios, video and audio post-production labs, state-of-the-art digital video cameras, and a music recording studio, radio station, and on-line lab. If you can picture a future as a broadcast journalist, an electronic media producer, a writer, or a teacher of media, an M.A. degree from BECA can help make your dream a reality.
The BECA M.A. program is a 30-unit curriculum that most students complete in two years. With graduate courses in the theory and practice of electronic media, the program offers plenty of opportunities for students to put their newly acquired skills to the test.
You will study:-
The social effects and critical analysis of the media
Ethical standards
Media aesthetics and creativity
Hands-on courses lead to expertise in:-
Television and video production
Radio
Sound and music recording
Broadcast journalism and documentary production
Interactive media
The business of broadcasting
Script writing
Educational media
Please visit http://beca.sfsu.edu/ for more information about BECA and how to apply.
For specific questions or advice, please email becagrad@sfsu.edu.
Note: Please do not submit portfolio items (scrapbooks, CDs, DVDs, etc.) as such materials cannot be considered as part of an application.
1.1.2. The student word: (by Graduate Admissions Assistant, Adam Greenfield)
Most students in the program will tell you that the BECA MA course is great. Yes, there is a variable quality range of classes and professors, but the overall quality of the department prepares students well for post-BECA careers. The majority of students seem to join for the production side of BECA, rather than the academic/theoretical side. That said, you may find the theory side of the program stimulating, even if it's not what you came for. As you'll see below, there is a mandatory theoretical element of the course and, even though the official word is that the MA is a theory-focused course, there's actually plenty of room to make your experience mostly production-based, if you prefer. Although there is a good spread across many disciplines, there are certainly fewer MA classes than BA classes (see class listing - any class numbered 700 and over is a graduate class). That said, if you combine MA classes with BA classes, you will likely find all your interests covered. The average time to complete the MA is 2 years, although a maximum of 7 years is allowed. Students are advised to finish in a reasonable time, if nothing else because the technology and discourse upon which the media are based evolves so quickly that skills and knowledge date quickly. There are two ways to see the BECA program: as a way of getting a degree certificate or as a path to future success. Applicants interested in a degree certificate will need to do no more than attend the right classes and get sufficient grades. But those interested in higher success will go beyond the classroom. They'll get to know their fellow students, take on personal projects outside of classes either alone or with other students/media practitioners, and will follow what's going on in whatever branch of the media closest to their interests. These students see classes as just the beginning of their time at BECA. There is an infinite of potential for those who think beyond the classroom - and that potential can begin well before graduating.
1.2. Applying
Applying is easy. See here for required materials to apply to the BECA department. Remember that candidates need to apply to both the university and to the department.
Please field any questions about applying to the BECA Graduate office (see contacts below).
1.3. Frequently asked questions
Q. Please give me more information about the course and how to apply.
A. Visit the MA section of the main BECA website, where all the information you need can be found. Specific questions about the program can be asked by contacting the BECA Graduate Office (contacts below).
Q. Please send me information in the mail.
A. The BECA website has all the information you need. Our brochure is more promotional than informational, but if you'd like a copy anyway, please contact the BECA Graduate Office (contacts below).
Q. Can I take a tour of the department?
A. Yes! Tours run on the last Thursday of every month, beginning 11am outside the main BECA office. RSVP becagrad@sfsu.edu if you'd like to join a tour.
Q. How long is the program?
A. You must complete it within 7 years although the normal completion period is 2 years.
Q. Please give me a schedule of fees.
A. See the bursar's section of the SFSU website: http://www.sfsu.edu/~bursar/
Q. Do I need to take the GRE or the TOEFL exam?
A. If the primary language of your undergraduate degree was in English, you need the GRE; if it was not in English, you need the TOEFL.
Q. Please give me more information about where/when/how much/etc. the GRE / TOEFL is.
A. See here.
Q. I won't be able to get a GRE/TOEFL score report to you by the application deadline. Can I submit a photocopy?
A. Yes, but only if you can't submit an original in time. But if you are accepted to the program, you will have to submit an original before you can take your place.
Q. Are there any different courses/application requirements for international students?
A. Apart from needing to take the TOEFL instead of the GRE (if the first language of your undergraduate degree wasn't in English), no.
Q. I have relevant previous experience, can I be exempt from some of the mandatory classes?
A. Please contact the Graduate Coordinator (see contacts below) to ask this question.
Q. Can I come and sit in on a class?
A. No.
Q. Can I come and talk with an advisor or someone with relevant experience?
A. For an advisor request, contact the Graduate Coordinator (see contact below). For a professor with experience in your chosen area, see the faculty list on the BECA website where each individual's area of expertise is listed.
Q. Should I join in the Fall or the Spring?
A. You are advised to join in the Fall, when the introductory BECA 700 class is offered and when more students begin the course. You can still join in the Spring, however, and have a great experience.
2. Program information for current students
2.1. Program structure
Minimum Total For Graduation: 30 units
Core Requirements
BECA 700: Introduction to Graduate Study (taken in first fall semester) (4 units)
BECA 702: Ethics and Responsibility in the Electronic Media (3 units)
And at least one of the following courses (3 units each):
BECA 701: Formula and Creativity in the Public Arts
BECA 703: Seminar in Theory and Research
BECA 706: Seminar in Media Aesthetics and Production Theory
Electives
Undergraduate, upper division/graduate courses in BECA or other departments as approved by the graduate adviser. (6 units)
Culminating Experience Requirement
ONE of the following options (each of which totals 15 units):
A. Thesis
1. Three graduate-level courses as approved by the graduate advisor (not including core requirements or courses related to experience: BECA 700, 701, 702, 703, 706 or BECA 894, 896, 897and 898). 9 units
2. BECA 897:Research for Thesis and Creative Project Proposals (3 units); and
3. BECA 898:Master's Thesis (3 units)
B. Written Comprehensive Examination
1. Four graduate-level courses as approved by the graduate advisor (not including core requirements or courses related to the experience: BECA 700, 701, 702, 703, 706 or BECA 894, 896, 897and 898). 12 units
2. BECA 896: Readings for the Written Comprehensive Examination (3 units); and
3. Master's Written Comprehensive Examination
C. Creative Project
1. Three graduate-level courses, excluding BECA 700, 702, 894, 896, 897, 898, and the 700-level course used to fulfill the theory methods requirement within the core, as approved by the graduate major adviser
2. BECA 897: Research for Thesis and Creative Project Proposals; and
3. BECA 894: Creative Project
2.2. Faculty office hours
See here.
2.3. Choosing classes
To work out what classes you want to take next, start by looking through the BECA class listing and seeing if any of the class titles sound interesting. Also visit the SFSU Official Bulletin, which lists all BECA classes, past, present, and future.
To find out more about any class, get in touch with the professor teaching the class. Professors are available by phone, email, or in person and are always happy to help.
Other students are also an invaluable source of information. Ask around for who has taken particular classes or been taught by particular professors to see what those students thought. Though it's a little laborious, look at the profiles of members of this website to see what classes they have taken and contact them if you want their opinions. Be careful, however. Opinions are just opinions, and classes change over time, either because professors evolve class content or because classes are taught by different professors.
Finally, website Rate My Professors includes student reviews of all BECA professors. However, the site is currently a poor resource. There are usually few reviews for each professors and the reviews vary too wildly to give a firm impression of anybody. However, you may like to consider adding your own reviews and building this resource into something more robust.
2.4. Paperwork
What forms to submit and when can confuse students and graduation can even be denied if students slip up. If in doubt, contact the Graduate Advisor to get advice. Otherwise, visit here for a useful semester-by-semester breakdown of paperwork requirements.
2.5. Access to your BECA paperwork
If you need to review or obtain a photocopy of any paperwork you submitted either as an applicant to, or as a student in, the program, contact the BECA Graduate Office or visit during office hours.
2.6. Advice on culminating experiences
See above for more information on the three culminating experiences - thesis, exam, and creative project - on offer. You MUST take one of these options to graduate.
By the time you come to decide what option you wish to take, you may have gained most of the knowledge you feel necessary for a successful post-BECA path. In this case, you may like to consider taking the exam, which is easily the least time-intensive option. If you have a strong academic/theory leaning, the thesis may be a tempting option. Visit the BECA Graduate Office to read previous student theses or visit here for a list of the theses.
The creative project option requires the most thought. Whatever a student produces via this option should be broadcast quality. This project will certainly consume by far the most time and effort of the three culminating experience options. Therefore, BECA recommends only taking this option if you really have a strong and burning desire to undertake a particular project.
2.7. Scholarships
Scholarships are offered throughout the year and, because many scholarships receive few applicants, your chances of being awarded one may be high.
Visit the below for information on scholarship opportunities:
1. The BECA website Scholarships section
2. The SFSU Graduate Studies scholarship section
3. There is a scholarship opportunities noticeboard in the Creative Arts basement next to the men's bathrooms.
3. Creative Arts Building facilities
3.1. Building layout
See below for a map of the Creative Arts building. This map can also be downloaded in a higher quality PDF at the bottom of this guide.
3.2. Opening hours
See here for a complete list of opening hours for BECA, Creative Arts, and SFSU facilities.
3.3. Editing labs
There are video editing rooms available to BECA graduate students.
1. CA 200 editing lab: This is a video capture and editing lab and is only available to students who are taking a class that is allocated use of this area.
2. The Creative Arts Computer Lab (CACL) (CA 260): Around the corner from the Dean's office, this room is available to all Creative Arts (including BECA) students. A lot of students don't know about this so-called "secret lab", so it's often a good place to go.
3. BECA Graduate Lounge (CA 19): There is one Final Cut Pro-ready editing machine in this room. As the Lounge is open whenever the Creative Arts building is open, this machine offers by far the most available hours of use in the whole building.
3.4. The Cage, CA 127
This is BECA's equipment storage room for video cameras, video equipment, sound recording devices, and more. Students may only borrow from the Cage if they are taking a class that is allocated equipment from the Cage. Jeff Rosenstock heads this office and is also an excellent source of technical advice.
3.5. Noticeboards
BECA-related noticeboards are found in the Creative Arts basement. They include:
1. Employment opportunities (at the bottom of the main stairs leading into the basement level)
2. Department information (around the corner from the stairs). This is a collection of miscellany, including new classes, scholarships, new societies, etc.
3. Internships (next to the mens' bathrooms)
4. Scholarships (next to the mens' bathrooms)
5. More scholarships (across the hall, to the left of the previous scholarships noticeboard)
All other noticeboards in the basement are connected to the nearest faculty office and may display anything that faculty member chooses.
3.6. BECA Graduate Lounge (CA 19)
The Grad Lounge is exclusively for BECA graduate students and can be useful for study, general computer use, video editing, group work, and relaxation. The room includes four computers (one with Final Cut Pro), several noticeboards, a whiteboard, sofas, a conference table, and a selection of useful books. Please do not store your own personal items in the Lounge.
The Lounge is found in the Creative Arts basement, through the double doors opposite the CA 40 audio editing room. You will need a code, which can be gained from the Graduate Office, to enter the room.
3.7. Lockers
Students are allowed to use one of the lockers opposite the Graduate Lounge (CA 19) for safe storage. Ask at the main BECA office for how to get a locker.
4. Sharing your work and skills
4.1. BecaFest
BecaFest is BECA's annual awards events and takes place in May (watch the 2008 awards show here). All students can submit work produced during the previous year, inside or outside of classes, in many categories. The event is a great opportunity for the whole department to celebrate students' work. Winners and nominees can receive a significant boost to their contacts and prestige, so please consider entering.
Check the BECA Digital Lounge, the main BECA website, and noticeboards for more information when the event gets closer.
4.2. SFSU Graduate Research and Creative Works Showcase
Students are given floor and table space and can put up a display showcasing a particular piece of work. This annual event takes place in May, is hosted by the university, and can be an excellent opportunity to network. Students are encouraged to consider taking part in the Showcase. For more information, see here (2009).
See here for a short video about the Showcase and here for photos (both video and photos are from the 2009 event).
4.3. BECA Digital Lounge website
You're already here... congratulations! For more information about this website (aka "Becadigi"), see here. In a nutshell, please use Becadigi as often as possible. The more students communicate, collaborate, and share their work, the more the whole community and its constituents benefit.
4.4. Independent student collaborations
In the Fall 2008 semester, several graduate students collaborated on "Focal Point", a talk show about the media. This project, outside of any BECA class, was an opportunity for members to have a go at a project, learn processes, and work as a team. The results are here for all to see. The following semester, Spring 2009, other graduate students embarked on a similar television project, "On A Dime".
These projects are just the tip of the iceberg of what's possible when graduate students combine their talents and energies. The potential outcomes of joining a program such as BECA are limitless - but only limitless if students work together. Please consider working with your fellow students on projects inside or outside of BECA classes. The results can be extraordinary.
4.5. College Students in Broadcasting (CSB)
CSB is BECA's social organization. The club organizes regular speakers, social events, and more. All BECA students are encouraged to join. See the CSB website to find out more.
4.6. Annual conferences
Each year, the following conferences, amongst others, are held, which BECA students attend:
1. The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) show (www.nab.org)
The show usually happens in late April. Google search NAB and VIP for free floor passes. However, other events require payment. A must-attend event and a central part of the media year.
2. BECA 395 LA Seminar
This annual trip affords inside access to numerous television studios and personnel. Highly recommended. The class takes place during spring break, is worth 1 unit, and costs about $200.
3. Audio Engineering Society (AES) convention (http://www.aes.org/)
Great for students with an audio emphasis, free passes are given to AES members ($35 for a student membership). The convention alternates between east and west coasts every year. Contact Charles Myers (cwm@sfsu.edu), the new president of the SFSU chapter for more information.
4. National Academy of Television Sciences (NATAS) (www.emmyonline.org/academy.html)
NATAS hosts many conferences/seminars with industry leaders, offers many discounts/benefits to members, and provide great internship scholarship opportunities. Member costs $35 a year.
4.7. The social aspect
Students can get together outside of classes in numerous ways, such as:
1. Attending CSB events. Visit here to see the next event.
2. Contacting each other through the BECA Digital Lounge.
3. Attending the graduate reception organized by the Graduate Coordinator at the beginning of every semester.
4. Attending Becafest.
5. Going to Becabash, an annual event in the Spring semester organized by BECA and CSB, for the purposes of student awards and general party goings on.
6. Organizing their own social events. For help on contacting all BECA graduate students, get in touch with the BECA Graduate Office.
5. On campus employment
5.1. Getting a job on campus
Campus employment can really help offset the costs of being a student. Jobs are available across the university and also in the department.
For information on BECA jobs, see noticeboards around the department and here on Becadigi. Positions are usually announced a few months before the upcoming semester.
See GatorJOBS for SFSU jobs.
5.2. International students
Visa regulations stipulate that the only employment international students can gain is on campus. International students are eligible for all campus jobs but must jump through a few more hurdles. See here for a full guide on completing paperwork for campus jobs.
6. San Francisco State University and the College of Creative Arts
6.1. San Francisco State University (SFSU)
6.1.1. University overview
San Francisco State University (informally referred to as SFSU or SF State) is a public university located in the southwest corner of San Francisco. The university, part of the 23 campus California State University system, was founded in 1899, making it one of California's oldest public universities, and moved to its current 134 acre location in 1954. See here for photos of the campus.
In 2006-7, the university hosted 23,843 undergraduates, 5,785 graduate students, 1,783 faculty, and 2,048 staff.
SFSU's eight colleges are:-
* Behavioral and Social Sciences
* Business
* Creative Arts
* Education
* Ethnic Studies
* Health and Human Services
* Humanities
* Science and Engineering
The university also features an extended learning program.
SFSU has a history of civic activism, famously in the 1960s, which was an era of campus protests against, most notably, campus policies and the Vietnam war. Sit-ins, teach-ins, rallies, marches, and on several occasions violent conflicts with police, all occurred in this period. A culture of protest exists at the university to this day, the largest issue of recent times being budget cuts and reduced services, although it is widely perceived that the SFSU student/faculty/staff body is not as radical and active as it once was.
6.1.2. Campus facilities and map
See here for a comprehensive campus map.
Classes and Services
* Administration (ADM)
* Burk Hall (BH)
* Business Building (BUS)
* Cesar Chavez Student Center
* Creative Arts Building (CA)
* Ethnic Studies and Psychology (EP)
* Fine Arts Building (FA)
* Gymnasium (GYM)
* Hensill Hall (HH)
* Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) Building
* Humanities Building (HUM)
* J. Paul Leonard Library (currently under renovation expected completion date 2011)
* Library Annex I and II (temporary facilities due to library renovation)
* Science Building (SCI)
* Student Health Center
* Student Services Building (SSB)
* Thornton Hall (TH)
Residence Buildings, Communities, and Services
* Café in the Park
* City Eats Dining Center (DC)
* Mary Park Hall (MPH)
* Mary Ward Hall (MWH)
* Science and Technology Theme Community (STTC)
* The Towers at Centennial Square (TCS)
* The Village at Centennial Square (VCS)
* University Park North (UPN)
* University Park South (UPS)
Conference Facilities
* Seven Hills Conference Center
* Towers Conference Center
* Downtown Campus
6.1.3. Library and printing facilities
The SFSU library offers access to books, periodicals, journals, and other publications; PC and Mac use; study space; research assistance; printing facilities; and other services.
Currently, the main library building, next to the Creative Arts building, is undergoing extension work and will reopen in Fall 2011. Until then, all services have been relocated elsewhere on campus. The main library hub has moved to the other side of campus and is known as Library Annex I ("The Big Bubble"), while other services are now disbursed across campus. See the below map for more details.
Students can print documents at several locations on campus using their student cards, obtained when beginning their SFSU studies. Cards must be charged with credit, which can be done at most printing locations. Black and white printing costs $0.07 a sheet; color printing is $0.65 and upwards per page. See here for more printing rates and general information.
Printing is available at the following locations:-
* Library Annex I
* Room T-143 on the top floor in the Student Services Building across from Creative Arts.
* At Campus Copy on the second floor in the Student Services Building. This is the only location that allows double-sided printing. Documents must be emailed to campuscopy@sfsubookstore.com to enable double-sided printing. Each black and white page costs $0.10 and so is slightly more expensive than elsewhere on campus. Campus Copy also offers printing facilities not available elsewhere on campus.
* HSS 101 near Holloway and 19th Avenue
6.2. Creative Arts
As one of SFSU's eight colleges, Creative Arts houses the following departments:
* Art
* Broadcast and Electronic Communication Arts (BECA)
* Cinema
* Design and Industry
* Theatre Arts
* School of Music and Dance
See here for a calendar of Creative Arts events.
Below is a description of each Creative Arts department (source: Creative Arts website):-
6.2.1. Art
The Art Department is one of the largest in the University. The department’s 21 full-time faculty of active studio artists and art historians work together to offer a B.A. in Art degree program with about 600 art majors and two smaller graduate programs.
6.2.2. Broadcast and Electronic Communication Art (BECA)
The BECA Department offers course work leading to a BA or MA in Radio and Television. The curriculum is designed to provide extensive educational experience for those who intend to use the modern media of electronic communication to serve the artistic, cultural, educational, informational, and social needs of society. The program involves both theory and practice.
6.2.3. Cinema
The Cinema Department was founded amid the political activism and artistic experimentation of the 1960s. Today, as then, the Cinema Department is committed to a curriculum which recognizes cinema to be an independent, powerful and unique medium in the world. Cinema programs combine theory and practice; students are encouraged to engage in scholarship and to pursue production in all forms of cinematic expression.
6.2.4. Design and Industry
The Design and Industry Department offers an interdisciplinary education with an emphasis in Design and Technology, Visual Communication, Industrial Technology, and Product Design and Development. The program prepares students to make valuable contributions to their fields through communication, innovation, function, management and production. The department strives for a global approach towards design that includes social, ethical and environmental responsibility.
6.2.5. Theatre Arts
The department offers a program of practical and theoretical courses for undergraduate and graduate students whose interests center in various aspects of educational and professional theatre. As a center for the training of future theatre artists the Department is committed to introducing a diversity of theatrical traditions and cultures to students. The curricula provide the student with background for advanced study in the dramatic arts for a career in professional theatre, for teaching theatre arts, or as a stepping stone towards higher learning.
6.2.6. School of Music and Dance
The School is a vibrant community of musicians, artists, performers and scholars, with a deep commitment to education and extra-curricular groups and over a dozen student ensembles. Students work closely with award-winning and world-renowned professionals: the Quartet-in-Residence the Alexander String Quartet coaches student chamber groups; jazz combos work with international jazz figure Andrew Speight; composition students develop their craft under the tutelage of the composition faculty, and get to hear their works performed by contemporary music ensembles and student chamber groups.
7. Contacts
6.1. BECA
For Creative Arts opening hours, see here.
Main BECA office (CA 133)
Ph: (415) 338-1787
Fax: (415) 338-1168
beca@sfsu.edu
BECA Graduate Office (CA 42A)
Ph: (415) 338-2456
Fax: (415) 338-1168
becagrad@sfsu.edu
BECA Graduate Coordinator, Sami Reist (HUM 253)
Ph: (415) 338-2241
sami@sfsu.edu
6.2. University
See here for all campus email, websites, and phone contacts. The contacts you will most likely use the most are Graduate Studies and the Bursars Office.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by mindy s. on -
What a good idea! Some of this information is so hard to track down or find in one place!
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Permalink Reply by Adam Greenfield on
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You'll have to put it in a reply here and I'll integrate it. I looked long and hard for a wiki functionality that I could integrate into the site that would enable everyone to make changes but such a thing doesn't yet exist. Watch this space, however.
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Permalink Reply by molly on -
Thank you for doing this!!! Rad!
FYI-- The BECA scholarships link is not working. It says "site not found."
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The link should work but the actual BECA website itself appears to be down. Try again later.
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Permalink Reply by Lydia Bell on -
What an amazing resource! Kudos and great job!
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Permalink Reply by Erinn on -
Thanks Adam! This is really helpful and valuable for someone like me, who is just starting the program in the middle of the year. It will be like my Bible! thanks again.
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No problem! Glad to be of help. If you ever need any info that isn't here, please get in touch.
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