Broadcast Captioning Option

  • Program Advising Sheet
  • Broadcast Captioning Option Blocksheet
  • Return to IRT Options Page

The broadcast captioning option in the information reporting technology program is the outgrowth of the court reporting field and is a highly developed skill that is used to translate spoken communication into visual communication. A stenotype machine is connected to a state-of-the-art computer with special closed-captioning software that allows the writer to caption the spoken word in various TV/news programs, classrooms, conventions, and conferences. A broadcast captioner can assist millions of deaf and hard-of-hearing persons by captioning television and news programs. VITAC Corporation, a leading captioning company nationwide, partners with Stark State to provide the software, educational, and technical support. Stark State is a training site for VITAC Corporation for transitional reporters seeking a career change to captioning.

The information reporting technologies program offers distance learning opportunities through Web-based education. Virtually anyone who has access to a computer will be able to take the program online, but the student will be required to have a computerized steno machine and specific reporting software before taking distance learning courses.

Stark State also offers a career enhancement certificates in broadcast captioning for working reporters interested in transitioning into broadcast captioning.

The goal is that graduates will demonstrate the use of good grammar, punctuation and editing skills for transcription preparation and production; conduct research and realtime writing dictionary maintenance for broadcast reporting; communicate clearly and concisely; utilize all information reporting technology; exemplify a high standard of ethics as an information reporting professional; and demonstrate employability skills and characteristics as an information reporting professional.

Suggested Course Sequence

For course descriptions visit here.

First Semester		Credit Hours
ENG124	College Composition †	3
BCA120	Business Computer Applications **	4
AOT130	Communication and Transcription Skills	3
IRT121	Realtime Theory I	4
	Social Sciences Elective *	3
BUS101	Business Student Success Seminar	1
		18
Second Semester
BUS123	Business Mathematics	4
BIO101	Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology	3
	Non-technical Track Elective ***	3
IRT122	Realtime Theory II	4
IRT229	Realtime Software Applications (8 wks)	1
IRT132	Realtime Writing I (8 wks)	1
		16
Summer Session
IRT129	Speed Building I	4
IRT236	Advanced Theory Principles	3
		7
Third Semester
ENG230	Business Communication	3
IRT230	Basic Broadcast Captioning	3
IRT130	Speed Building II	4
BUS121	Business Administration	4
	IRT Technical Track Elective ****	3
IRT237	Realtime Writing II (8 wks)	1
		18
Fourth Semester
ACC130	Business Law and Ethics	3
IRT235	Advanced Broadcast Captioning	3
IRT123	Speedbuilding III	4
IRT232	Information Reporting Internship	2
IRT239	Realtime Writing III (8 wks)	1
IRT238	Realtime Writing IV (8 wks)	1
		14
	TOTAL CREDITS	73

† Based on SSC placement score
* Select PSY121 or SOC121
** Successful completion of AOT102, AOT104, AOT105 and AOT106 is equivalent to and may be substituted for BCA120.
*** Select from PSC121, COM121, BUS222, BIO125
**** Select from IRT131, BIO127, CHM101, PSC121, or ASL121

Students are required to purchase a computerized stenograph machine and Case Catalyst 4 v.8-10 student version software must be purchased prior to beginning this program.