Information on Graduate Degree Programs in Sports Broadcasting
Majors Overview July 3, 2015This article talks about graduate degree programs in sports broadcasting and their education requirements, coursework, career choices, and job and wage outlook.
Graduate Programs in Sports Broadcasting
Schools do not offer sports broadcasting as a degree on its own, but rather as part of a group of courses or as a specialization in a broadcasting concentration. Coursework in these 2-year programs typically consists of hands-on experiences in production studios or college publications, and lecture-based classes. In some instances, entry level positions in sports broadcasting require candidates to hold a master’s degree.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited school; applicants for admission are also required to be fluent in written and spoken English. Prospective students may also have to submit essay responses, Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores, work history, and letters of recommendation. Completion of the Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling Examination (GPSE) and meeting of a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) standard may also be requirements in some schools.
Coursework
Program coursework is devised to enhance students’ reporting and writing skills. Course venues are devised to simulate real-life workplace settings characterized by a high-pressure deadline atmosphere. Fieldwork experience may be gained by students via internships and classroom assignments. Programs also focus on new areas of sports reporting wherein students learn about developing a Twitter page, blogs, and Web pages. Core sports broadcasting coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Internship
•Communication through words and images
•Business of Sports
•Online sports reporting
•Broadcasting Ethics
•Studio and field electronic production
•Graduate thesis or comprehensive professional project
•Mass communication law
•Society and Sports
Career Choices
Program graduates can seek various positions open to them in both behind the scenes and in front of the camera. Supervisory positions typically require advanced degrees. Program graduates can pursue possible job positions such as:
•Reporter
•Announcer
•Analyst
•Program Director
•Assistant producer
•Producer
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, a slower-than-average job growth of two percent has been predicted for radio and television announcers (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). This slow rate is attributed partly to continually improved technology. In May 2012, radio and television announcers brought in an average annual wage of $41,860 (BLS).
