PAYNESVILLE, Montserrado – The Administration of Starz College of Science and Technology has introduced communications into its curriculum for undergraduate studies. The program will place emphasis on broadcast and media studies.

The college’s president, Latim Dathong, told The Bush Chicken on Tuesday that the communication program will go beyond just journalism, but also focus on some of the many other areas in communication that are not currently available at other institutions in the country.

He said the new program, which kicks off in September, will also introduce students to the methods and techniques of creating visual messages in a variety of media.

“Production and engineering side – like sound engineering, video engineering, documentary, and filmmaking – are going to be tackled in this program,” he said.

As a program that aims to be different, he said the requisite infrastructures are already being put into place to enhance its uniqueness.

The college has built modern broadcast and production studios and theaters on both its Paynesville and Sinkor campuses to enhance students’ practical learning.

“If you are going to do video or audio engineering, you have to have the environment to practice in, and we’ve put that in place for our students,” he said.

Starz’s President Latim Dathong. Photo: Gbatemah Success K. Senah

“If you’re going to get into film, documentary, or acting, you have to have at least a theatre [where] you can practice. We are currently finishing the theater on our main campus while we also currently have set up a television and radio stations.”

He said the practical environment provided for the program will allow students to get hands-on practice in television and radio studios, film, theater, and several digital videos and audio editing labs.

In line with its module, Dathong said Starz wants to make learning a practical experience for all its students of communication.

“We intend to provide our students with a rich understanding of the beauty and techniques of media production, while at the same time preparing them to function as professionals in different media fields,” he added.

A broadcast and production studio at Starz’s Paynesville campus. Photo: Gbatemah Senah

As with its existing programs, Dathong said the faculty of the new communications department would include a collection of talented and professional Liberians and other nationals with the requisite aptitude and qualifications to teach in the program.

“Many of them hold master’s degrees in related courses and are veterans in their areas,” he noted.

He said he is excited that so many young people have begun to sign up for the program.

Starz currently offers a bachelor degree in information technology with an emphasis in network and system administration. The school also offers a bachelor of science in engineering, with an emphasis in telecommunications and management information systems.

Featured photo by Gbatemah Senah