If you have a knack for writing and can’t stand to miss a sports game, you may be well suited for a sports journalism degree.

This degree program teaches you how to develop communication skills to report on local, national, and international sports. A sports journalism degree can serve as preparation for a number of professionally and personally fulfilling careers, from on-air announcers to sports video editors.

Sports journalism majors often build skills in sports analysis, discussion, and reporting both on and off-screen.

Sports Journalism Degrees Online

Degrees in Sports Journalism focus on clearly written, spoken, and visual communication. During a sports journalism bachelor’s program, you can learn how to think critically about sports and how to create compelling stories based on your analysis.

Working as a sports journalist requires an advanced level of accuracy, clarity, and creativity. As a result, while completing a bachelor’s in a sports journalism degree online, you can expect to study subjects like:

• Writing and grammar
• Video and photo editing
• Ethics
• Broadcasting
• News reporting
• Public relations
• Graphic design
• Marketing

Most sports journalism programs also include hands-on experiences, such as internships or practicums. These components of your degree program allow you to get a full understanding of what it’s like to work in the field. After graduating with a sports journalism degree, you may be ready to pursue a position with a diverse set of employers.

High-quality sports journalists make important contributions to the reports, broadcasts, and publications of many different types of organizations, including:

• Television networks
• Sports blogs
• Radio stations
• Newspapers
• Magazines
• Publishing companies
• Sports agencies
• Colleges and universities

Some sports journalists work as on-air announcers, analysts, and commentators, while others write scripts, stories, and promotional materials.

As a sportswriter, you might work for a specific company or offer your services on a freelance basis to various clients. Sports journalism professionals also often find success in the world of public relations, where they represent a particular sports team, association, or athlete. In this position, you might create press releases and develop social media content.

Graduates of sports journalism programs may also go on to work in photography, editing, production, directing, and videography. These roles involve capturing the action and excitement of sports and presenting them from a unique and original perspective.

Sports Journalism Careers & Salaries

A sports journalism degree may help you qualify for career opportunities both in front of and behind the camera or microphone. Graduates of these degree programs often go on to work as announcers, reporters, and writers.

In general, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers related to sports journalism have average or above-average salaries. These are some of the potential career paths for sports journalism professionals.

The salary range for sports journalists varies widely based on where you live and what type of work you do. For example, a sports announcer who works on television typically earns more than one who works on radio.

Sports Journalism Bachelor’s Curriculum & Courses

The curriculum of a sports journalism bachelor’s degree differs based on the school you attend, but most programs incorporate reporting skills for different types of media—including print, television, and radio. These are some common courses sports journalism students take:

• Principles and History of Journalism: This is an opportunity to explore the history of journalism and the principles that have guided journalists in their decisions.
• Grammar for Journalists: This class centers on the grammar skills that are essential to clear communication and effective reporting.
• Coding for Journalists: Many journalists work primarily online, so this course provides students with a basic understanding of programming and web design.
• News Reporting and Writing: By learning the rules of reporting and writing, you can develop essential writing and reporting skills for print and online publications, broadcasting, and public relations.
• Sports Multimedia Journalism: The focus here is the use of digital tools that multimedia sports journalists rely on, including video and photo editing software.
• Sports Reporting: Students will practice pitching, developing, and writing sports stories and meeting deadlines.
• Ethics and Diversity: It will be important to discuss ethical problems that occur in the world of sports media, including working with diverse populations.
• Introduction to Editing: Students will receive instruction in editing copy, graphics, and photos.
• Sports Marketing and Campaigns: Students who hope to pursue a career in public relations learn how to develop an effective marketing campaign.
• Television Sports Reporting: With a focus on television broadcasting, you’ll learn how to develop advanced skills in sports writing, reporting, and editing.

A sports journalism program may also include elective courses that allow you to tailor your degree to your specific career goals.

Admissions Requirements

Every sports journalism program has its own set of criteria for admission. Common requirements include:

• Transcripts. You’ll submit official transcripts from your high school and any undergraduate institutions you have attended.
• Test scores. Some schools, but not all, require students to submit minimum ACT or SAT scores.
• Recommendations. You could ask previous instructors or supervisors to explain why you are a good choice for the program.
• Personal statement. You may be asked to write a brief essay explaining your interest in the program and your future goals.

In most cases, you will also complete an online application and pay an application fee.

Accreditation

Schools that want to demonstrate that they offer high-quality educational experiences can apply for national or regional accreditation. They must demonstrate that they meet strict academic standards.

Attending a regionally accredited school is especially beneficial. Regional accrediting bodies have stringent assessments for colleges and universities, so you are more likely to receive a quality education if you attend a school with this type of accreditation. It is also easier to transfer credits from regionally accredited schools, which is especially crucial if you change schools midway through your degree.

Graduate schools and prospective employers also tend to favor a degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

There are many financial aid resources available for students who want assistance in funding their higher education.

Filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a common first step in pursuing need-based aid. This application determines whether you are eligible for federal student loans as well as other forms of federal aid.

Many states also offer financial aid programs that you can apply for separately. Scholarships can be another vital avenue for aid. You can search an online database or speak to your school’s financial aid office about scholarship programs that are designed for your major or personal background.

If you are currently employed, you could speak to your employer about potential tuition assistance or reimbursement programs. Many employers help fund workers’ education as a form of professional development.

What Is a Sports Journalism Online Degree?

A sports journalism online degree is a bachelor’s program that centers on the skills that professionals need to report on sports events, personalities, and news.

Sports journalists can work in written and oral media formats, including television, radio, online, and print publications. While completing a sports journalism degree, students can develop skills in written communication, editing, production, and on-air broadcasting. They can also hone their grammar, critical thinking, and interviewing abilities.

Many sports journalism programs also involve internships, which allow students to get hands-on experience in the field. Internships are often valuable when applying for jobs with prospective employers.

Is Sports Journalism a Good Degree?

Yes, sports journalism is a good degree for many undergraduate students. A sports journalism major offers a strong foundation for many types of careers, several of which have competitive salaries.

Some sports journalism graduates go on to become announcers, commentators, writers, and editors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, several of these positions, including writers and editors, have salaries that are well above the average for all occupations.

Many sports journalists enjoy meeting new people and attending prominent sporting events. Experienced sports journalists may also have the opportunity to become sports news producers or directors.

What Can You Do with a Sports Journalism Major?

After graduating with a sports journalism bachelor’s degree, you may be well-positioned to apply for a variety of jobs with different employers.

Television networks, radio stations, news media companies, and online publications hire sports journalists to cover breaking news stories, sports events, and athlete profiles. Sports radio and television announcers often have sports journalism degrees as well.

If you prefer to work behind the scenes, a sports journalism degree may strengthen your resumé for a position as an editor, writer, or producer.

Sometimes, graduates of sports journalism bachelor’s programs decide to continue their education in master’s in sports journalism online or on-campus programs.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Journalism Online?

The length of an online sports journalism degree depends on the number of credit hours required and your personal circumstances. Full-time students who attend a traditional 16-week semester generally graduate in 4 years.

Some schools offer accelerated or condensed programs that can be completed more quickly. If you attend summer classes or took college credits in high school, you may also be able to graduate in a shorter timeframe.

Students with other obligations and responsibilities, such as work or childcare, may choose to attend part-time. In those cases, it may take longer to finish your degree.

How Much Do Sports Journalists Make?

Sports journalists earn a range of salaries depending on their employer, location, and years of experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for news analysts, reporters, and journalists as a whole is $48,370, while announcers have a median salary of $37,630.

Your potential earnings differ based on the type of broadcasting you pursue. For example, news analysts, reporters, and journalists who work in radio and TV broadcasting have median earnings of $49,720. Meanwhile, the median wage for those who work for newspapers and other publishers is $38,210 per year.

Other areas of employment related to sports often have higher salaries. For instance, professionals who become producers and directors have median annual salaries of $79,000.

Do You Need a Degree in Sports Journalism to Become a Sports Journalist?

While it’s possible to build a career as a sports journalist without earning a degree, attending an accredited sports journalism program may give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs.

While pursuing your degree, you will be exposed to cutting-edge media techniques and technologies that may otherwise be difficult to learn. This knowledge could help you prove your expertise to potential employers who are looking for field-ready professionals.

Many sports journalism programs also include internships or practicums that provide a professional experience with real-life employers. This exposure and networking opportunity might allow you to make critical professional connections.

Is a Sports Journalism Degree Worth It?

A sports journalism degree is worth it for students with a passion for sports. Sports journalism is an exciting, evolving field with opportunities for employment and growth. Some professionals in the field even get to travel and take part in national and global events.

Sports are an extremely popular form of entertainment around the world, which helps stabilize the job market for sports journalists. This stability translates to sportswriters as well as off-air talent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for media and communication occupations overall is expected to grow by 6% over the next ten years.

Getting Your Sports Journalism Degree Online

If you love learning about, discussing, and analyzing sports, you might consider a sports journalism degree. This degree program can help you develop the skills necessary to work as a sports journalist, editor, or producer.

Sports journalism colleges focus their programs on essential communications skills, and many incorporate professional experiences into their curriculums. During your program, you’ll likely study television, radio, print, and online journalism.

Earning a sports journalism degree may be the first step toward a rewarding career. You can start your educational journey today by researching online schools with accredited sports journalism bachelor’s degree programs.