The B.A. in Sports Media Production program builds upon a strong foundation in the liberal arts and professional studies to expose students to a wide variety of careers in sports media related professions. The degree incorporates the principles of mass communication and journalism studies but applies them to the realm of sports. The program is not limited to sports broadcasting or management, but instead brings in multiple perspectives form journalism, production, public relations, advertising, and business to provide students with a well-rounded understanding of the myriad of factors that influence sports and its audiences.
The curriculum of the major is interdisciplinary, including courses in Business, Communication Arts, and History. As the world of sports media and the business environment are increasingly dependent on digital communication competencies, the Sports Media Production program will prepare students for positions in the field.
As the culminating experience in the major, students complete a practicum as an intensive, advanced internship. During the spring of their senior year, they are placed in an entry-level position in an area business in order to refine their professional competencies as they prepare to begin their careers.
Students are encouraged to complete a minor in either Business or Digital Media Arts.
Core Sports Media Studies Courses
COM 250 Introduction to Sports Broadcasting
Covers the basics of sport broadcasting, including the history of sport broadcasting, the role of sport broadcasters, and the skills and equipment needed to be a sport broadcaster. (3 credits)
COM 318 Sports Media Relations
Studies sports media relations as a dedicated subfield of the communication professions, focusing on roles as spokespersons, sports information specialist, crisis, and event management, working with internal and external constituencies. (3 credits)
COM 349 Live Sports Production
Incorporates intensive studio and field sportscasting; concentrates on delivery of news, commentary, play-by-play game coverage and live interviewing. Prereq: COM 313. (3 credits)
COM 490 Sports Programming and Management (Capstone)
Analyzes trends in sports programming in the digital age. Student will learn industry practices and generate programming proposals and plans. Prereq: Senior Standing (3 credits)