If you’re looking for a degree in sports journalism, you might be feeling a little discouraged. After all, these types of programs aren’t as common as other kinds of journalism degrees. On this post, we review best sports media colleges, best sports journalism schools in the world, best journalism schools, sports communication degree jobs and best sports journalism degree.
But don’t give up hope! You can still find a program that can give you the skills and experience you need to make your mark on this field, so keep reading for some tips for how to find the best school for you. Read on to know more about best sports media colleges, best sports journalism schools in the world, best journalism schools, sports communication degree jobs and best sports journalism degree.
First off, consider pursuing a concentration in sports journalism within a broader journalism degree program. This will expose you to many different facets of the journalism field (which may come in handy later on), but will still allow you to focus on the niche that excites you the most.
You might also look into schools with research institutes dedicated to sports reporting or affiliated professional associations that focus on this type of writing. These organizations often bring in professionals from a variety of outlets and can help connect you with contacts who are currently working in the field.
Good schools should also provide internship opportunities with student newspapers or television studios as well as professional sports organizations. These experiences will help prepare you for what it’s like to work in this industry and could even lead to job offers after graduation!
best sports media colleges
We begin with best sports media colleges, then best sports journalism schools in the world, best journalism schools, sports communication degree jobs and best sports journalism degree.
Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
IUPUI is a campus of the Indiana public university system. IUPUI’s School of Journalism provides a concentration in sports journalism for undergraduates. Its master’s degree in sports journalism was the first such program in the country. As a student you can listen to guest speakers or participate in courses sponsored by IUPUI’s National Sports Journalism Center. You could also contribute to a student-operated website, IUPUI Student Media, or report for the Final Four Student News Bureau.
Multiple amateur and professional sports organizations are headquartered in Indianapolis, including the Indianapolis Colts, the Indiana Pacers and the Indy Racing League. These resources, along with the Associated Press Sports Editors professional organization, provide both undergraduate and graduate students with internships and opportunities to be mentored by professionals. Available degrees are listed below.
- Bachelor of Arts in Journalism – Sports Journalism
- Master of Arts in Sports Journalism
Pennsylvania State University (PSU) in University Park
PSU was tied as a 71st ranked global university in 2019, according to U.S. News & World Report; it was tied for 59th among national universities in the same year. PSU’s John Curley Center for Sports Journalism hosts an annual Final Four sports writing seminar and guest lectures by sports radio and television professionals. Centers for journalistic integrity and media influence might also be of interest. PSU’s Center for Sports Business & Research and the Institute for Sports Law, Policy and Research provide additional resources.
As an undergraduate in the Bachelor of Arts in Journalism program, you can complete internships with off-campus publications or on-campus radio stations and student newspapers. Undergraduate research opportunities for course credit are also available for outstanding students. Available programs are:
- Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
- Certificate in Sports Journalism
University of Texas at Austin (UT – Austin)
UT – Austin was a 36th-ranked global university and tied for 49th among national universities, according to U.S. News & World Report in 2019. UT – Austin’s School of Journalism annually allows upper-division students to further specialize in its competitive sports journalism program. As a journalism major, you could apply for summer study abroad in China, the Czech Republic, Spain or Austria. Internships for credit are also available.
Undergraduate and graduate students can also take advantage of the university’s Texas Program in Sports and Media. This program provides funding for research assistantships and research-related expenses. It also offers classes, seminars, symposiums and archival collections of sports research and reporting. Students can also gain experience through internships with campus student media outlets like The Daily Texan, Texas Newswatch and Texas Student Television. The following degree programs are available:
- Bachelor of Journalism
- Professional Master’s in Journalism – Culture, Entertainment and Sports
Ten Schools with Sports Journalism Programs
| COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY | INSTITUTION TYPE | LOCATION | ESTIMATED UNDERGRAD IN-STATE TUITION (2018-2019)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan State University | 4-year, Public | East Lansing, MI | $14,500 |
| Quinnipiac University | 4-year, Private | Hamden, CT | $48,000 |
| Arizona State University | 4-year, Public | Tempe, AZ | $11,000 |
| Syracuse University | 4-year, Private | Syracuse, NY | $52,000 |
| University of Missouri | 4-year, Public | Columbia, MO | $10,000 |
| Springfield College | 4-year, Private | Springfield, MA | $37,000 |
| University of Massachusetts – Amherst | 4-year, Public | Amherst, MA | $16,000 |
| Hofstra University | 4-year, Private | Hempstead, NY | $46,000 |
| University of Maryland | 4-year, Public | College Park, MD | $11,000 |
| Husson University | 4-year, Private | Bangor, ME | $18,000 |
*Source: NCES, U.S. Department of Education
best sports journalism schools in the world
Now we consider best sports journalism schools in the world, best journalism schools, sports communication degree jobs and best sports journalism degree.
The University of Texas at Austin
4 Year • Austin, TX • 9 reviews
The University of Texas at Austin is a public university based in Austin, Texas. It is an institution with an enrollment of over 8,381 bachelor’s degree candidates. The admission criteria is somewhat competitive with the acceptance rate of 36%.
#1 in Best Sports Communication Colleges & Universities in America
University of Georgia
4 Year • Athens, GA • 7 reviews
University of Georgia is a public university based in Athens, Georgia. It is an institution with an enrollment of over 5,826 bachelor’s degree candidates. The admission criteria is somewhat competitive with the acceptance rate of 54%.
#2 in Best Sports Communication Colleges & Universities in America
Clemson University
4 Year • Clemson, SC • 7 reviews
Clemson University is a public university based in Clemson, South Carolina. It is an institution with an enrollment of over 3,650 bachelor’s degree candidates. The admission criteria is somewhat competitive with the acceptance rate of 47%.
#3 in Best Sports Communication Colleges & Universities in America
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
4 Year • Stillwater, OK • 4 reviews
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus is a public university based in Stillwater, Oklahoma. It is an institution with an enrollment of over 4,220 bachelor’s degree candidates. The admission criteria is somewhat competitive with the acceptance rate of 74%.
#4 in Best Sports Communication Colleges & Universities in America
Butler University
4 Year • Indianapolis, IN
Butler University is a private not-for-profit university based in Indianapolis, Indiana. It is an institution with an enrollment of over 1,054 bachelor’s degree candidates. The admission criteria is somewhat competitive with the acceptance rate of 65%.
#5 in Best Sports Communication Colleges & Universities in America
best journalism schools
More details coming up on best journalism schools, sports communication degree jobs and best sports journalism degree.
Washington and Lee University
Any student pursuing a degree in journalism has to look into Washington and Lee University. Washington and Lee is a small private not-for-profit university located in the distant town of Lexington. A Best Schools rank of #47 out of 2,576 colleges nationwide means Washington and Lee is a great university overall.
There were about 7 journalism students who graduated with this degree at Washington and Lee in the most recent data year.
#2
Northwestern University
Northwestern University is a good decision for students interested in a degree in journalism. Located in the city of Evanston, Northwestern is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Schools rank of #14 out of 2,576 schools nationwide means Northwestern is a great university overall.
There were approximately 271 journalism students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern in the most recent year we have data available. Those journalism students who get their degree from Northwestern University earn $9,558 more than the standard journalism grad.
#3
Georgetown University
Any student pursuing a degree in journalism needs to check out Georgetown University. Georgetown is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Washington. A Best Schools rank of #18 out of 2,576 schools nationwide means Georgetown is a great university overall.
There were about 21 journalism students who graduated with this degree at Georgetown in the most recent data year.
#4
Columbia University in the City of New York
Columbia University in the City of New York is a wonderful decision for students interested in a degree in journalism. Columbia is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of New York. A Best Schools rank of #22 out of 2,576 colleges nationwide means Columbia is a great university overall.
There were roughly 259 journalism students who graduated with this degree at Columbia in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the journalism degree program at Columbia University in the City of New York make $12,758 more than the standard college graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.
#5
University of Wisconsin – Madison
UW – Madison is a very large public university located in the city of Madison. A Best Schools rank of #69 out of 2,576 schools nationwide means UW – Madison is a great university overall.
There were roughly 246 journalism students who graduated with this degree at UW – Madison in the most recent year we have data available.
sports communication degree jobs
Criminal Investigation
If you major in criminology or forensics, your bachelor’s degree in science may lead you to a career in crime investigation. This may include working as an officer or detective with a city, county or state police force, or you may choose to work as an agent with other types of government agencies. If you focus on crime scene investigation, you might also want to focus your studies in the scientific principles of chemistry, physics and biology.
Medicine & Research
In a Bachelor of Science program, you can also major in a variety of health-related studies. This may include pursuing a degree in nursing. Or, if you’re planning on attending medical school, you may want to major in pre-med. Other majors in science may lead you to careers in pharmaceutical development and research, health policy development and reform, nutrition and health informatics.
Engineering
As a Bachelor of Science candidate, you might study subjects that lead you to work in architecture or other forms of structural engineering. You may choose to work in community development and planning as well. Some majors may lead you to career opportunities in mechanical design and manufacturing systems design and implementation. Some universities may also offer academic paths in aeronautical and space engineering.
Business & Technology
A Bachelor of Science degree can also land you a job in the business and technology fields. You may want to pursue a career in accounting or finance, or you may elect to work in business administration. Careers in information technology such as computer programming, systems analyst jobs and software engineering can begin with a bachelor’s degree in science.
best sports journalism degree
What Are Some Characteristics of Top Sports Journalism Schools?
Degrees dedicated to sports journalism are hard to find, although concentrations within journalism degree programs are available. You may find journalism schools with sports reporting research institutes or affiliated sports writing professional associations. These could help you make valuable contacts. Good schools might also provide internship opportunities with professional sports organizations, student newspapers or television studios.
What Are Three Top Sports Journalism Schools?
Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
IUPUI is a campus of the Indiana public university system. IUPUI’s School of Journalism provides a concentration in sports journalism for undergraduates. Its master’s degree in sports journalism was the first such program in the country. As a student you can listen to guest speakers or participate in courses sponsored by IUPUI’s National Sports Journalism Center. You could also contribute to a student-operated website, IUPUI Student Media, or report for the Final Four Student News Bureau.
Multiple amateur and professional sports organizations are headquartered in Indianapolis, including the Indianapolis Colts, the Indiana Pacers and the Indy Racing League. These resources, along with the Associated Press Sports Editors professional organization, provide both undergraduate and graduate students with internships and opportunities to be mentored by professionals. Available degrees are listed below.
- Bachelor of Arts in Journalism – Sports Journalism
- Master of Arts in Sports Journalism
Pennsylvania State University (PSU) in University Park
PSU was tied as a 71st ranked global university in 2019, according to U.S. News & World Report; it was tied for 59th among national universities in the same year. PSU’s John Curley Center for Sports Journalism hosts an annual Final Four sports writing seminar and guest lectures by sports radio and television professionals. Centers for journalistic integrity and media influence might also be of interest. PSU’s Center for Sports Business & Research and the Institute for Sports Law, Policy and Research provide additional resources.
As an undergraduate in the Bachelor of Arts in Journalism program, you can complete internships with off-campus publications or on-campus radio stations and student newspapers. Undergraduate research opportunities for course credit are also available for outstanding students. Available programs are:
- Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
- Certificate in Sports Journalism
University of Texas at Austin (UT – Austin)
UT – Austin was a 36th-ranked global university and tied for 49th among national universities, according to U.S. News & World Report in 2019. UT – Austin’s School of Journalism annually allows upper-division students to further specialize in its competitive sports journalism program. As a journalism major, you could apply for summer study abroad in China, the Czech Republic, Spain or Austria. Internships for credit are also available.
Undergraduate and graduate students can also take advantage of the university’s Texas Program in Sports and Media. This program provides funding for research assistantships and research-related expenses. It also offers classes, seminars, symposiums and archival collections of sports research and reporting. Students can also gain experience through internships with campus student media outlets like The Daily Texan, Texas Newswatch and Texas Student Television. The following degree programs are available:
- Bachelor of Journalism
- Professional Master’s in Journalism – Culture, Entertainment and Sports
Ten Schools with Sports Journalism Programs
| COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY | INSTITUTION TYPE | LOCATION | ESTIMATED UNDERGRAD IN-STATE TUITION (2018-2019)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan State University | 4-year, Public | East Lansing, MI | $14,500 |
| Quinnipiac University | 4-year, Private | Hamden, CT | $48,000 |
| Arizona State University | 4-year, Public | Tempe, AZ | $11,000 |
| Syracuse University | 4-year, Private | Syracuse, NY | $52,000 |
| University of Missouri | 4-year, Public | Columbia, MO | $10,000 |
| Springfield College | 4-year, Private | Springfield, MA | $37,000 |
| University of Massachusetts – Amherst | 4-year, Public | Amherst, MA | $16,000 |
| Hofstra University | 4-year, Private | Hempstead, NY | $46,000 |
| University of Maryland | 4-year, Public | College Park, MD | $11,000 |
| Husson University | 4-year, Private | Bangor, ME | $18,000 |
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