Program Overview
The Sports Journalism program at Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication prepares students for careers in sports media. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering all aspects of sports journalism, from writing and reporting to photography and videography. Students gain hands-on experience through internships with professional sports teams, media outlets, and the Cronkite News. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in the sports media industry, with many working for major sports media organizations such as ESPN and Fox Sports.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Sports Journalism, BA
Program Description:
The Sports Journalism program at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication prepares students for careers in the dynamic and growing field of sports media. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers all aspects of sports journalism, from writing and reporting to photography and videography. Students gain hands-on experience through internships with professional sports teams, media outlets, and the Cronkite News.
Objectives:
- To provide students with a strong foundation in the principles of journalism, including accuracy, fairness, and ethical reporting.
- To develop students' writing, reporting, and multimedia storytelling skills.
- To prepare students for careers in a variety of sports media roles, including reporter, writer, editor, producer, photographer, and videographer.
- To offer students opportunities to work with professional sports teams and media outlets.
Outline:
2024-2025 Major Map:
The Major Map provides a detailed outline of the program's curriculum, including the required courses, elective courses, and internship opportunities.
Core Courses:
- Sports Writing
- Sports Photography
- Sports Strategic Communications
- Broadcast Sports Reporting
- Live Sports Production
- Play-by-Play
- Sports Marketing and Campaigns
Elective Courses:
- Sports Media Law and Ethics
- Sports Analytics
- Sports Social Media
- Sports Public Relations
- International Sports Journalism
- Sports History
- Sports Broadcasting
Internship Opportunities:
- Professional sports teams (Diamondbacks, Suns, etc.)
- Arizona State University athletics
- Local, regional, and national sports media outlets (ESPN, Fox Sports)
- Cronkite News Sports Bureau
Semester-Long Immersive Learning Experiences:
- Cronkite Agency (work with sports clients)
- Cronkite News Sports Bureau (report from sports events in Phoenix and Los Angeles)
Accelerated Bachelor's + Master's Degree Program:
This program allows students to complete both a bachelor's degree in Sports Journalism and a master's degree in Mass Communication in as few as five years.
Barrett, The Honors College:
High-performing students can apply to join Barrett, The Honors College, which offers additional academic challenges and opportunities.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
- Coursework assignments
- Exams
- Portfolio projects
- Internships
Assessment Criteria:
- Writing and reporting skills
- Critical thinking and analysis
- Creativity and innovation
- Ethical and responsible journalism practices
- Multimedia storytelling skills
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Hands-on projects
- Individualized instruction
Faculty:
The Sports Journalism program is taught by experienced faculty who are experts in the field of sports media. Most faculty members have worked in professional sports media organizations.
Unique Approaches:
- The program offers a strong emphasis on hands-on learning through internships and immersive learning experiences.
- Students have the opportunity to work with professional sports teams and media outlets.
- The program is located in Phoenix, Arizona, a major sports market.
Careers:
Career Paths:
- Sports writer
- Sports reporter
- Sports editor
- Sports producer
- Sports photographer
- Sports videographer
- Sports marketing and communications specialist
- Sports social media manager
- Sports public relations specialist
Career Opportunities:
- Professional sports teams
- Sports media outlets (ESPN, Fox Sports, etc.)
- Sports agencies
- Sports marketing firms
- Public relations firms
Career Outcomes:
- Graduates of the Sports Journalism program are well-prepared for careers in the sports media industry.
- Many graduates have gone on to work for major sports media organizations such as ESPN, Fox Sports, and the Associated Press.
- Other graduates have found success in professional sports teams, sports agencies, and marketing firms.
Other:
Admission Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Strong writing and communication skills
- Interest in sports and sports media
Tuition and Fees:
- Tuition for the Sports Journalism program is $12,000 per year for in-state students and $27,000 per year for out-of-state students.
- Fees vary depending on the number of credit hours taken.
Financial Aid:
- Financial aid is available to eligible students.
- Students can apply for scholarships, grants, and loans.
Global Opportunities:
- Students have the opportunity to study abroad and gain international experience in sports journalism.
- The program offers study abroad programs in countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and South Africa.
Contact Information:
- Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication
- Cronkite Building, Room 302
- Tempe, AZ 85287
- Phone: (602) 496-5555
- Email: attendcronkite@asu.edu
