Essential Information
A master’s degree program that is focused on sports journalism is suitable for individuals who are interested in reporting on sports for broadcast, print, radio and digital outlets. The majority of the courses in a sports journalism graduate degree program place an emphasis on journalism and communication studies. Any master’s degree program in journalism typically requires that incoming students have already completed a bachelor’s degree in communication, English, journalism or a related field, as well as completing the GRE exam and providing the minimum GPA requirement. There are some bachelor’s degree programs that offer an emphasis on sports journalism that might segue directly into a master’s degree program in the subject. Most graduate programs also require incoming students to have a grade point average of at least 2.5 and to take the GRE.
Master’s Degree in Sports Journalism
Most master’s degree programs in journalism take approximately two years to complete, and they combine seminars with a final research or thesis project. Students are also expected to complete an internship at a newspaper, radio station or television station prior to graduation.
Enrollees prepare to become proficient at writing news articles, tracking down leads and editing stories. However, they are also responsible for learning about the rules, regulations, associations and players of various sports so that they might become well-versed in the field of sports journalism. The courses in a graduate program in sports journalism focus on journalistic methods and ethics, as well as the intricacies of sports reporting. Some specific core course topics might include the following:
- Interviewing
- Sports writing and reporting
- Broadcast sports journalism
- Sports in the television newsroom
- Journalism ethics
- Radio and Internet sports
What Is a Bachelor’s in Journalism?
A bachelor’s in journalism is the best place to start for your future journalism career. Journalism undergraduate degrees equip students with an array of skills like critical thinking, interviewing, writing, editing, and multimedia production. Because of the ever-increasing shift into the digital era, journalism programs emphasize the technological edge of this field, and you will see the rankings in our article reflect that.
Undergraduate journalism programs can be either Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Journalism. Bachelor’s in journalism programs require at least 120 credit hours in communication courses, journalism courses, electives, and practical experience through an internship. Some programs also require a final portfolio or capstone project that showcases your journalism talents and work. While admission requirements vary depending on the school, you need at least a high school diploma or equivalent and a 2.5 GPA to apply for a journalism program. You also need strong communication skills, particularly in writing.
Careers for Bachelor’s in Journalism Majors
Once known as a “dying major,” journalism has risen from the depths and is alive and well, flourishing, in fact, because of the growing digital platforms that we so rely on. With all the online media outlets available today, it’s no surprise that our world needs skilled journalists to tell our stories.
Good news: there are so many careers you can pursue with a bachelor’s in journalism. Of course, perhaps the most popular career route is to become a news writer and reporter, and indeed, writing and reporting can be a rewarding career choice for a bachelor’s in journalism major.
However, there’s more. With an undergraduate journalism degree, you can go into fields such as broadcast news analysis, content management, editing, photography, public relations, audio journalism, production, and many others. The skills gained and developed from a bachelor’s in journalism are highly sought after across world fields: critical thinking, strong communicating, excellent writing, and editing.
Bachelor’s in Journalism Salary Potential
OK, it’s time to talk about journalism salaries, and as is the case with many professions, it all depends. Journalism’s salary potential depends on the job, the experience, and of course, the location. Working for a major media station from New York City or Washington D.C. will land you a job making a hefty salary, but let’s look at averages today, all reported from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
BLS reports that reporters, correspondents, and broadcast news analysts bring in a little over $46,000 annually. Looking closer, we see that the highest-end earn more than $117,170 (New York City, we see you!), and the lowest 10 percent earn less than $24,520. In addition, media and communication workers earn a higher median salary of almost $60,000 while reporters and correspondents earn around $46,000.
Don’t forget that many journalism majors choose areas such as public relations, marketing, film and video producers and editors, and much more. Your potential salary in this field will be determinant on the type of journalism you pursue.
What Are the Best Bachelor’s in Journalism?
At CollegeRank, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals. Please feel free to visit our dedicated methodology page for a step-by-step breakdown. For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at editor@collegerank.net.1
The University of Texas at Austin
LOCATION
Austin, Texas
AVERAGE NET PRICE
$14,156MORE INFORMATION
UT Austin is home to more than 51,000 Longhorns and 482,000+ proud alumni. Among the alumni are famous journalists Bill Moyer and Walter Cronkite (and other well-known people like Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey). UT Austin’s Moody College of Communication features a bachelor’s of journalism with loads of opportunities.
Moody College of Communication equips students with “powerful new tools of the digital age” through critical thinking and writing and journalistic tools. Through this program, you will complete a combination of core curriculum classes, major requirements, and electives, totaling 120 credit hours. You also have the opportunity to study abroad in London, the Czech Republic, or Austria, a future journalist’s dream!
Through internships and student organizations such as Kappa Tau Alpha and the Society of Professional Journalists, you will gain an array of experience to pave your way to your future journalism career. Whether you will be a first-year student or a transfer student, UT Austin’s admission page provides all the details you need in order to apply.2
University of Florida
LOCATION
Gainesville, Florida
AVERAGE NET PRICE
$11,313MORE INFORMATION
Florida Gators are known as “an unstoppable force for the gator good,” and with students and alumni from all 50 states and 135 countries, the community of purpose is far-reaching (UF “About”). Among the 100+ undergraduate programs, you will find a dynamic Bachelor’s of Science in Journalism, one that produces top-notch journalists working for major media companies and winners of prolific honors (including the Pulitzer Prize!)
Through the BS in journalism, you can focus on either journalism or sports and media. Regardless of your specialization, one thing is for sure: you will fine-tune your storytelling talent to prepare you for a fulfilling media career. Notable courses include Broadcast Writing Bootcamp, Applied Fact Finding, Data Literacy for Communicators, and Media Entrepreneurship.
This program requires 124 credit hours with three goals among the curriculum: content, critical thinking, and communication. Graduates become reporters, writers, editors, photographers, designers, broadcast journalists, multimedia storytellers, and more. UF’s Department of Journalism consistently ranks among the best in the nation and is professionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication.3
University of Maryland
LOCATION
College Park, Maryland
AVERAGE NET PRICE
$16,790MORE INFORMATION
The University of Maryland is not only the state’s flagship university but also the nation’s first “Do Good” campus, meaning they employ a whole-hearted commitment to social entrepreneurship. Through the Philip Merrill College of Journalism, you will find a Bachelor of Arts in journalism with three specializations: broadcast, investigative reporting, or sports.
Located just miles from Washington D.C., Philip Merrill College of Journalism employs the best journalists in the world, including those with Pulitzer, Peabody, and Emmy awards. As a student, you will be learning from world-acclaimed researchers and journalists through small class sizes. This program focuses on the fundamentals, video and digital storytelling with innovative techniques. Courses include Journalism History, Roles, and Structures, News Writing and Reporting I and II, and Interactive Design and Development.
An internship and capstone are also required in this program. Admission to UMD’s journalism is competitive, and space is limited. Students are admitted based on “high school scholastic performance,” with strong writing skills showcased on their entrance essay and standardized test scores.4
University of Wisconsin-Madison
LOCATION
Madison, Wisconsin
AVERAGE NET PRICE
$14,169MORE INFORMATION
Founded in 1848, UW-Madison has been “a catalyst for the extraordinary,” producing nearly 460,000 alumni who are changing the world all over the world! (UW “About”). UW-Madison’s journalism education can be traced back to 1904 through a single professor, Willard G. Bleyer, and is one of the nation’s first and finest journalism programs.
At UW-Madison, you can earn either a Journalism Bachelor of Arts (J.B.A.) or Journalism Bachelor of Science (J.B.S.), preparing you for jobs in reporting, public relations, advertising, marketing, digital and social media and much more. You can choose one of two concentrations: strategic communication or reporting.
Likewise, you can earn certificates in sports communication and/or digital studies.UW-Madison’s journalism boasts a “near equal mix of practice and theory” with a reputation of “brainy, academically high-powered department,” meaning that you gain both the “why” and “how-to” of the journalism field (UW Journalism). As a student, you will gain experience through the array of local and campus media opportunities like internships and student clubs and organizations.5
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
LOCATION
Urbana-Champaign, Illinois
AVERAGE NET PRICE
$15,829MORE INFORMATION
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is one of the best in the nation, ranked as #15 best public university and #47 best national university (U.S. News & World Report). With more than 47,000 students from all 50 states and over 100 countries, it’s no surprise that Illinois produces graduates who make significant impacts all over the globe.
Illinois’s vibrant Bachelor of Science in journalism provides a solid background in journalism along with five concentrations:
- Multimedia reporting
- Investigative journalism
- News editing
- Audio journalism
- Multimedia editing and design
We know it may be hard to choose just one concentration here, so you can select two concentrations or one as a minor.
A huge perk of journalism at Illinois is the one-on-one attention and feedback through small classes in “working newsrooms” Notable courses include Newsgathering Across Platforms, Journalism Ethics & Diversity, and Multimedia Editing and Design. Most BS in journalism programs are approximately 124 credit hours.
Graduates have a plethora of career options, from corporate communications to television and radio producing. Illinois reports that 83% of graduates are employed or continuing their education (Illinois Journalism). Interested in Illinois? Check out admissions requirements here.6
Ohio University
LOCATION
Athens, Ohio
AVERAGE NET PRICE
$18,694MORE INFORMATION
Here’s a fun fact: Ohio University Bobcats don’t hibernate! “Through snow or sun, OHIO is forever moving forward” Ohio University (called OHIO) is nestled in the southeast Ohio foothills in the “vibrant Uptown scene.” This scenic, historical campus boasts #1 “Best College Small Town” from USA Today (OHIO “About”).
OHIO’s E.W Scripps School of Journalism emphasizes professional excellence, critical thinking, and social responsibility through a blend of a strong journalism background and practical experience. The Bachelor of Science in journalism includes two tracks, news and information and strategic communication, along with minors in advertising and public relations.
As a student in Ohio University’s journalism program, you will complete the journalism core classes like The Future of Media and Ethics, Mass Media & Society, and Multiplatform Reporting & Writing. You will then focus on your concentration courses, electives, and an internship of at least 200 hours. OHIO also features the Carr Van Anda Program for students whose interests and career goals span beyond the two offered tracks.7
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
LOCATION
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
AVERAGE NET PRICE
$11,649MORE INFORMATION
Ever wondered about the nation’s first public university? It’s none other than the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which opened its doors in 1795! The deep impact UNC has is no surprise to anyone; along with numerous national awards and recognitions, this prestigious university is global and growing, “connecting Carolina and the world.”
UNC’s Hussman School of Journalism and Media offers a Bachelor of Arts in media and journalism that starts with a strong background in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. You can choose a concentration in advertising/public relations or journalism, but regardless of your chosen area, you will take courses such as Introduction to Digital Storytelling, Writing and Reporting, and Media Ethics.
You will have opportunities to apply what you learn through campus publication programs like The Daily Tar Heel, Black Ink, and Blue & White and join the Society of Professional Journalists, American Advertising Federation, and Public Relations Student Society of America. Oh yeah, and we cannot forget to mention internships and study abroad programs! You may find yourself studying in Australia, Chile, Hong Kong, Spain, or London!8
Arizona State University
LOCATION
Tempe, Arizona
AVERAGE NET PRICE
$13,731MORE INFORMATION
Arizona State University claims many awards, one of them being #1 in the U.S. for innovation from U.S. News & World Report. ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication is one of the best in the nation and home to Arizona PBS, the largest media outlet operated by a journalism school in the world (ASU “About”).
Walter Cronkite School offers professional, hands-on programs like a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and mass communication. Through this program, you will complete 120 credit hours and courses such as News Reporting and Writing, Multimedia Journalism, Videography, and Public Relations Research. You can also earn an accelerated bachelor’s and master’s degree program in just five years.
ASU journalism graduates work for corporate and business communications divisions, digital media content providers, international news outlets, magazines, national and local newspapers, and more. To apply, you need at least a 3.0 GPA and required SAT/ACT scores, detailed here. ASU offers generous financial aid options and reports that more than 70 percent of all students receive some sort of financial aid assistance.9
University of Missouri at Columbia
LOCATION
Columbia, Missouri
AVERAGE NET PRICE
$17,833MORE INFORMATION
The University of Missouri (known as “Mizzou” or “Missouri”) was established in 1839 and is not only the first public university west of the Mississippi River but also the world’s first journalism school! Globally recognized, Missouri’s School of Journalism features programs that allow you to dive into your future career right away through an array of hands-on experiences.
Missouri’s bachelor’s of journalism allows you to choose a concentration in strategic communication or employ a multidisciplinary approach through customizable electives. Journalism core requirement courses include Principles of Journalism in Democracy, Audiences and Persuasion, and Cross-Cultural Journalism. You will also take courses in career path and specialty areas such as Photojournalism and Documentary, Cross-Platform Editing and Producing, and Reporting and Writing.
While earning this degree, you will be gaining practical experience through Missouri’s six professional newsrooms, including NBC affiliate and KOMU-TV. The list of possible careers for Missouri journalism graduates is vast; they include but are not limited to journalism and communication professions such as account management, audience engagement, data analysis and visualization, and website editing and writing.10
California State University-Fullerton
LOCATION
Fullerton, California
AVERAGE NET PRICE
$8,274MORE INFORMATION
Cal State Fullerton, the leading campus of the California State University system, is ranked #4 among Top Public Schools and #5 on Most Innovative Schools (U.S. News). CSUF offers 110 degree programs across nine colleges and departments, including a Bachelor of Arts in communication with a journalism concentration.
CSUF’s College of Communication is the largest west of the Mississippi and the second-largest in the United States! The BA in communication/journalism includes a communications core, journalism courses, electives, and an internship. Required courses include Writing for Mass Media, Reporting for Mass Media I and II, and Capstone-Daily Titan News, and hands-on skills are a backbone of this program.
You will have access to the communications facilities and labs, including CTVA Television Studio, Titan TV Studio, and the Speech & Communications Clinic. Graduates are armed with the ability to “evaluate, interpret and disseminate fact-based information” and tell compelling stories via multimedia platforms to various audiences. (CSUF Journalism page). Recent graduates are working all over the world as anchor/hosts, editors, copywriters, journalists, producers, and more.11
New York University
LOCATION
New York City, New York
AVERAGE NET PRICE
$39,935MORE INFORMATION
Since 1831, New York University has blended an urban identity and a professional focus among its 19 schools and colleges, making it one of the world’s top private research universities. (NYU “About”). NYU’s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute is “for the curious, the restless investigators, the ones who never stop asking why,” and what better place to study journalism than New York City?
Taught by practicing journalists, NYU’s Bachelor of Arts in journalism provides a well-rounded education where you can choose among tracks to customize your program. You can choose from the Print/Online track or the Broadcast track, which include specialization courses as well as minor options. In addition, journalism students are encouraged to choose from over 60 other majors within the Colleges of Arts and Sciences to complement their studies.
All journalism majors will complete eight core courses like Investigative Journalism, Journalistic Inquiry, and Reporting: Multimedia before diving into specializations. The best part of studying journalism at NYU are the endless opportunities through practical experiences, internships, publishing prospects like Cooper Squared and Bedford + Bowery, and even 14 study abroad locations.1
University of Southern California
LOCATION
Los Angeles, California
AVERAGE NET PRICE
$36,161MORE INFORMATION
A leading private research university in Los Angeles, the University of California is ranked #19 among more than 1,000 public and private universities by both The Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education (USC “About”). Through USC Annenberg, the School for Communication and Journalism, you will find a Bachelor of Arts in journalism with strong core values and multimedia storytelling skills.
USC describes its BA in journalism as “reimagined,” building on its “record of innovation in journalism education” (USC Journalism). Core values include strong reporting, effective writing, ethics, and confidence in current and developing technologies. Innovative new courses include Culture of Journalism: Past, Present and Future, Visual Journalism, and Advanced Digital Media Storytelling.
You will learn from the best journalists in the field through team-taught courses occurring in the Wallis Annenberg Hall and media center. In addition to general education courses, you will complete 44 units for the journalism major, and you may choose to concentrate in areas such as Broadcast and Digital Video Journalism, Sports Journalism, or Digital, Mobile, and Emerging Technologies.13
CUNY Lehman College
LOCATION
New York City, New York
AVERAGE NET PRICE
$3,467MORE INFORMATION
CUNY Lehman College, the City University of New York’s college in the Bronx, provides dynamic liberal arts and science programs to 14,000+ current students. With more than 90 academic programs, Lehman College is ranked #4 in the “highest mobility rate in the nation” by the National Bureau of Economic Research (Lehman “About”). Lehman offers a Bachelor of Arts in journalism, a well-rounded program for future journalists.
The journalism major requires 24 credits of core classes and 42-43 credits in one of two concentrations: Journalism or Multilingual Media. The multilingual media track requires that you demonstrate proficiency in a non-English language and choose two of the three options to focus on: translation, advanced writing, or phonetics and diction.
Among the required courses is Introduction to Multilingual Media, Reporting I and II, and Multimedia Editing and Proofreading. In addition, you also complete 3-4 credits of capstone projects. Internships are available and recommended to gain real-life experience. Lehman offers direction for graduates through job boards and employment websites when beginning your career search.14
California State University—Dominguez Hills
LOCATION
Carson, California
AVERAGE NET PRICE
$4,533MORE INFORMATION
Part of the California State University system, CSU Dominguez Hills is a highly diverse community of learners and faculty committed to providing “affordable, high-quality, and transformative education” (CSUDH “About”). CSUDH is currently ranked #4 among all California’s colleges in the Equality Opportunity Project’s report’s Overall Mobility index. Here, you can earn a Bachelor of Arts in journalism, an excellent option to start your pathway to your journalism career.
This 120-credit program includes 45-48 credits in Communication courses and both a capstone project and an internship. Sample courses include Writing for the Media, Cross-Cultural Journalism, and News Gathering and Reporting. You will choose from dynamic elective courses that match your interests, including courses in broadcast journalism, sports journalism, entertainment journalism, and more.
The journalism program meets the values of the Accrediting Council on Education Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC). Career options are countless, and CSUDH reports that graduates “compete for journalism careers regionally, nationally, and globally.” Graduates find employment in reporting, editing, feature writing, broadcasting, directing, podcasting, media managing, and of course, much more. Check out this video from the Journalism Department to see if CSUDH may be for you.15
George Washington University
LOCATION
Washington, D.C
AVERAGE NET PRICE
$39,600
George Washington University, located in the nation’s capital, is the alma matter to famous politicians, scientists, Olympic athletes, entertainers, and of course, journalists like CNN’s chief political correspondent, Dana Bash. The Bachelor of Arts in journalism and mass communication is offered through GW’s School of Media and Public Affairs (SMPA), located on the university’s Foggy Bottom Campus.
The journalism and mass communication bachelor’s degree teaches you how to report and write for multimedia platforms. In addition to courses in database and multi-platform reporting, investigative journalism, and research, a strong emphasis is placed on how journalism and media influence civics and politics. Specific courses include Advanced News Reporting, Media Law, and Journalism Ethics.One thing is for sure about GW’s journalism program: students are successful. Take it from a 2019 alumni who writes, “I never thought in a million years that my name would be on the front page of The Washington Post, especially while I am still an undergraduate.” GW currently has nearly 10,000 undergraduate students from all over the globe. If you would like to join this dynamic community, check out the admission details here.16
Northwestern University
LOCATION
Evanston, Illinois
AVERAGE NET PRICE
$27,540MORE
The comprehensive research academic institution, Northwestern University, is one of four top US universities that is also ranked in the top 20 in five graduate education categories. Among many famous alumni include writer, producer and comedian Stephen Colbert and best-selling author Gillian Flynn (Gone Girl, anyone?) NWU’s Bachelor of Science in journalism is perfect for students who want to research, report, and produce “journalism that matters.”
NWU states that “reporting and writing are just the start” of its journalism degree. The bigger focus is experimentation with “emerging media, exploring global journalism…and not only working to change media but to lead it” (NWU Journalism). Core classes teach you to report, write, edit and think critically. Journalism classes include Philosophy of Modern Journalism, Podcasting, and Multimedia Storytelling.
In addition, you will choose a concentration outside of journalism like political science, economics, foreign language, or history. This allows the interconnectedness that journalism encompasses. Oh yeah, and we can’t forget to add the study abroad opportunities, both semester-long and short term. You could be studying from South Africa, Israel, Panama, or London!17
Syracuse University
LOCATION
Syracuse, New York
AVERAGE NET PRICE
$39,005
Recognized as a “student-focused, global research university renowned for academic rigor, richly diverse learning experiences, and a spirit of discovery,” Syracuse University holds a rich history of innovation and opportunity. (Syracuse “About”). You can earn a Bachelor of Science in broadcast and digital journalism through Syracuse’s Newhouse School of Public Communications.
As a broadcast and digital journalism student, you will learn by doing, and really, what better way to learn? Through hands-on courses and internships, you will jump right into the life of a journalist. Sample courses include Broadcast and Digital News Writing, Radio and Digital Audio News Reporting, and Videography for Broadcast Journalism.
As a journalism student at Syracuse, you will learn from the best professional journalists out there and be a part of organizations such as NCC News, the student-run source that covers everything from breaking news to weather in Central New York. Famous Syracuse journalism alumni include NBC Sportscaster Bob Costas, CBS Co-Host Jeff Glor, and Executive Producer of the Late Night Stephen Colbert Show, Chris Licht.18
Boston University
LOCATION
Boston, Massachusetts
AVERAGE NET PRICE
$29,154
A leading private research university, BU is no small operation with its 34,000+ students from over 130 countries and 10,000+ faculty and staff. (BU “About”). Spanning over 17 colleges and schools, BU offers more than 300 academic programs, including a Bachelor of Science in journalism that combines a strong liberal arts background with pre-professional training in five distinct focus areas.
As a journalism student at BU, you can study online journalism, broadcast journalism, magazine journalism, and photojournalism. You will complete 128 credit hours in core classes, journalism program courses, and electives. Sample courses include Reporting in Depth, Visual Storytelling, Editorial Design, and Media Criticism. You will also be a part of the Boston University Nationally recognized, student-run BU News Service.
BU emphasizes “COM” which, of course, is short for “communication” but also “community.” You will be part of a diverse, vibrant group of talented students and faculty who are award-winning, practicing journalists. If you think you belong at BU, check out the application and admission details and take the next step.19
Stanford University
LOCATION
Stanford, California
AVERAGE NET PRICE
$17,271
Open since 1891, Stanford University’s history runs rich and deep, from its medical school opening in 1908, to the stolen axe trophy mystery, to the World Series victory in 1987. Today, Stanford is a leading private research university about 30 miles from San Francisco. You can earn a Bachelor of Arts in communication with four pathways: digital media studies, media psychology, journalism, or political communication.
Stanford University knows stories, and as a student in the journalism pathway, you will learn how to turn data into stories, beat reporting and source building, and use multimedia tools to tell a story. Sample courses include Reporting, Writing, and Understanding the News, Journalism Law, and The Rise of Digital Culture, and research and internships are available to solidify your skills.
Stanford’s journalism program serves as “a launchpad to newsrooms across the globe.” Alumni are working for media organizations like New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Google News, and more. Also, check out the master’s in journalism from Stanford.20
Northeastern University
LOCATION
Boston, Massachusetts
AVERAGE NET PRICE
$34,245
Northeastern University, a private research institution in Boston, believes in experience-powered learning and has provided experiential earning opportunities with 148 other countries since 2006 (NU “About”). Among the 90 majors NU offers is a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism that can lead you into careers like reporting, public relations, web producing, multimedia specialty, and much more.
In this 129-credit program, you will learn vital journalism skills like writing, reporting, research, critical thinking, visual storytelling, digital skills, and more. Notable courses include Visual Storytelling in Journalism, Understanding Today’s News, and The First Amendment and the Media. Co-op opportunities include the Boston Globe, Reebok, New Balance, NBC Universal Television, and more.
NU alumni work in top newsrooms and public relations departments around the world. Admission to NU is selective, and the university is looking for candidates who bring “diverse experiences, perspectives, and interests” to the community. Each candidate is evaluated on a holistic level.
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