Interested in becoming a sports reporter, commentator, or other media professional? Do you love talking or writing about your favorite sports team?
If so, a degree in sports journalism or communications may be the path for you.
In this article, we'll look at some of the top sports journalism colleges and schools in the United States and answer some frequently asked questions.
Top 4 Schools with Online Sports Journalism Degrees
If you're a busy student looking for a flexible learning experience, the following four schools offer online degree programs in sports journalism.
1. University of Florida
The University of Florida is a large public school and member of the State University System of Florida. Although most of its students attend classes in person, the school also offers online degrees.
One of those degree programs is a Bachelor of Science in journalism: sports and media. This program is highly customizable and prepares students for a variety of careers in sports journalism.
The degree is available fully online and aims to give students the same high-quality instruction they would receive in a traditional classroom setting.
2. Upper Iowa University
Upper Iowa University is a private school known for its distance education and online learning platforms. It is a top choice among adult and non-traditional students.
This school offers a bachelor's degree in media and communication studies. Students can choose from three areas of emphasis with this major, including one in sports communication.
The sports communication degree prepares students for a variety of careers, including many of the same fields you can pursue with a sports journalism degree.
3. University of West Alabama
The University of West Alabama is a small-to-medium-sized public school enrolling around 6,000 students. It offers several versatile online degree programs.
Aspiring sports journalists can obtain an online degree in integrated marketing communications with a sports communication track. Students can pursue either a Bachelor of Science or Arts degree.
The program requires 120 credit hours to graduate, including 59 core course hours in your chosen track. The sports communication track prepares you for a career in sports journalism and related fields.
4. University of Texas - Permian Basin
The University of Texas - Permian Basin is a branch of the University of Texas System. It is home to a variety of flexible online programs.
Pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication with a sports media track. This well-rounded degree program teaches students about responsible sports reporting and journalistic duties.
The fully online program allows you to take classes on your own schedule from anywhere you have an internet connection, enabling you to fit school into your existing lifestyle.
Top 6 Schools with Traditional Sports Journalism Degrees
If you're looking for a more traditional approach to getting your degree, we have you covered. Let's take a look at some of the best campus-based sports journalism degree programs in the country.
1. Clemson University
Clemson University is located in Clemson, South Carolina. It is one of the largest schools in the state, enrolling over 28,000 students.
This school offers a Bachelor of Arts in sports communication. This program presents a number of unique opportunities, such as the chance to conduct original research and build professional networks.
The degree consists of 120 credits and typically takes about four years of full-time study to complete.
2. Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma State University, located in Stillwater, Oklahoma, is the flagship member of the Oklahoma State University System.
This school offers one of the largest and most distinguished sports journalism programs in the world. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in sports media.
Students in this program have opportunities to practice their skills outside the classroom by participating in live sports broadcasts, either doing the play-by-play or working behind the scenes.
3. Arizona State University
Arizona State University is a large public school in Phoenix, Arizona. It offers a vast array of degree programs.
One of these programs is a Bachelor of Arts degree in sports journalism. Students in this program gain valuable experience through classroom and internship opportunities with various professional teams.
This program also offers an accelerated bachelor's to master's option, enabling full-time students to graduate with both degrees in as little as five years.
4. Michigan State University
Michigan State University is located in East Lansing, Michigan. It enrolls nearly 50,000 students in both online and in-person degrees.
The campus-based communications major enables students to pursue a sports journalism concentration. This degree provides many opportunities to deepen skills and knowledge of the sports media field.
A signature feature of the program is Sports Journalism Study Abroad, which allows students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse themselves in sports journalism in other parts of the world.
5. Florida Southern College
Florida Southern College is a small, private school with an enrollment of just over 3,000 students. It has been recognized as having one of the most beautiful campuses in the U.S.
This school offers a degree in sports communication and marketing. The versatile program prepares students to work in journalism, management, and information fields.
Students in this program can participate in live sports announcing and production. They have ample opportunities to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world experiences.
6. Liberty University
Liberty University is a private school in Lynchburg, Virginia. It offers a wide variety of degree programs, both online and in person.
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in sports journalism program attend classes on campus. The program teaches about sports writing, communication, and production, as well as ethical principles.
Students can transfer up to 75% of the total credits required for graduation, enabling them to graduate sooner if they have past college experience. The degree requires a total of 120 credits.
FAQs About Sports Journalism Degrees
In this section, we'll answer some frequently asked questions you may be wondering about.
What Can You Do with a Sports Journalism Degree?
There are a variety of careers you can pursue with a degree in sports journalism. Options include:
- sports reporter
- photojournalist
- team communications specialist
- video editor
- sports broadcaster
Is a Sports Journalism Degree Worth It?
Yes. Sports journalism is a competitive field. For this reason, it's important to have a specialized degree in sports journalism, media, or communications to give yourself the best chance of landing your dream job.
Can You Earn a Sports Journalism Degree Online?
Yes. Although campus-based sports journalism degrees are more common, the first four schools discussed in this article all offer online degree programs, some of which are highly flexible.
Find the Best School for Sports Journalism Today
If you are working toward a career in sports announcing, writing, or production, check out the schools listed in this article. You're certain to find a sports journalism degree program that works for you.
