It's common to see sports broadcast on TV or hear it on the radio, but what you don't see or hear is the man hours and manpower that go into making those broadcasts possible.
Many programs are available for students interested in launching their careers in sports broadcasting.
Keep reading for our top picks of sports broadcasting colleges and universities in the United States for those looking to become sports broadcasters.
Top Sports Broadcasting Colleges and Universities in the U.S.
Several colleges and universities in the United States offer degree programs for students wanting to pursue sports broadcasting.
We've listed some of our top picks below in alphabetical order.
1. Arizona State University
Arizona State University is a public research university just outside of Phoenix, AZ. It offers sports journalism programs through its Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
The Bachelor of Arts in Sports Journalism gives students unparalleled preparation for careers in sports media and communications. It includes courses such as:
- Sports and Culture Commentary
- Sports Multimedia Journalism
- Strategic Sports Communication
- Television Sports Reporting
The program also offers a variety of professional experiences through internships and immersive learning experiences.
Students can also earn a Master of Arts in Sports Journalism. This is a three-semester program that includes courses like:
- Advanced Issues in 21st Century Sports and Media
- Ethics and Diversity in Sports Journalism
- Media Law
- Sports Reporting
Those who are interested in both degrees can take the accelerated program, which allows students to earn both the bachelor's and master's in a total of five years.
2. Clemson University
Clemson University is a public research university in Clemson, SC. Its College of Behavioral, Social, and Health Sciences offers programs in sports communication.
At the undergraduate level, students can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Communication. This program prepares students for communication careers in the sports industry.
The program takes four years to complete and includes courses such as:
- Communication in Sports Organizations
- Public Relations in Sports
- Social Media and Sport Communication
- Sports Media Criticism
A Master of Arts in Communication with a focus in sport communication is also available. Courses in the curriculum include:
- Communication Pedagogy
- Foundations in Communication
- Seminar in Media and Technology
- Seminar in Sport Communication
Students complete their program with either a thesis project or comprehensive exam. Internship opportunities are available as well.
3. Fairfield University
Fairfield University is a private Catholic research university in Fairfield, CT. It offers sports media and communication programs through its College of Arts and Sciences.
The undergraduate major in sports media covers topics such as sports journalism, broadcasting, communication, and public relations.
The program requires 30 credits and includes courses such as:
- Broadcast Communication
- Introduction to Sports Broadcasting
- Sports Media Industry
- Television Studio Production
The Master of Arts in Communication doesn't specifically offer a sports communication track, but the program is designed so students can tailor it to their professional goals.
Both a thesis and non-thesis track are available and the program can be taken on campus or online.
4. Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma State University is a private research university in Stillwater, OK. Its Department of Media and Strategic Communications offers programs for sports broadcasting.
Undergraduate students can earn either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in Sports Media through one of the largest stand-alone sports media programs in the world.
Students can choose an emphasis in sports news or sports production. Courses in the curriculum include:
- Sports and the Media
- Sports Announcing
- Sports Media Production
- Sports Reporting Across the Media
Graduate students can earn a Master of Science in Mass Communications with a specialty in sports communication. It includes courses such as:
- Advanced Media Management
- Diversity In Sports Media
- Mass Communication Research Analysis and Interpretation
- Media Relations
5. University of Nebraska-Lincoln
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a public research university in Lincoln, NE. It's the flagship university of the University of Nebraska system.
Its College of Journalism and Mass Communications offers an undergraduate major in sports media and communication.
This program provides a wide range of coursework and experiential learning opportunities in reporting, writing, broadcast production, social media, and media relations. Courses include:
- Beginning Sports Writing for News and Promotion
- Sports Broadcasting
- Sports Media Relations and Promotions
- Sports Writing and Reporting
The college also offers a Master of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication with two specializations: integrated media communications and professional journalism.
While there is no track specifically for sports broadcasting, there are electives in both programs that cover sports media and broadcasting.
FAQs About Sports Broadcasting Colleges and Universities in the U.S.
Below, you'll find the answers to frequently asked questions about sports broadcasting colleges and universities in the United States.
Can I Learn Sports Broadcasting Online?
A few programs, including some listed above, offer programs for sports broadcasting online. These are most common at the master's level.
How Long Are Degree Programs for Sports Broadcasting?
Typically, a bachelor's degree program takes four years to complete, while a master's averages about two for students studying full-time.
What Can I Do With a Degree in Sports Broadcasting?
A degree that covers sports broadcasting can lead to a variety of careers, including careers both in front of and behind the camera as well as in the production room for sports broadcasting.
Find Sports Broadcasting Colleges and Universities in the U.S.
Students can learn the ins and outs of sports broadcasting through many different colleges and universities in the United States. Check out our top picks above to find the right one for you today!
