Sports analysts examine sports teams and competitions in detail and can work for many types of media outlets. Learn more about the available programs, online study options, common course topics and the career outlook.
What Degree Programs Can Prepare Me for a Sports Analyst Career?
Sports analysts dissect plays, moves, strategies and other facets of sports teams. Some work on-camera for news stations, while others provide in-game analysis for large networks or write weekly columns. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most analysts need a bachelor's degree (www.bls.gov). You can find related programs in journalism, communications and broadcasting, such as a Bachelor of Science in Journalism or Bachelor of Arts in Sports Communication. These programs generally include an internship, where you can train to work for a variety of media outlets, such as news stations, newspapers or websites.
If you wish to continue your education, you can find master's degree programs that offer concentrations in sports reporting, sports communication or similar areas. Most master's programs take two years to complete and may require that you take varied electives to learn about journalism areas outside of your specialty.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Relevant Programs</b></td><td> Bachelor of Science in Journalism or Sports Communication, master's programs with concentrations in sports reporting</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Options</b></td><td> Yes, both at the undergraduate and graduate level</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Study Details</b></td><td> E-mail, learning material, discussions, assignments, exams</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> News reporting, media ethics, sports psychology, magazine writing</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Career Opportunities</b></td><td> Sports analyst, sports reporter</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 11% decline (<i>for all news analysts, reporters and correspondents</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2021)</b></td><td> $38,864 (<i>for all sports reporters</i>)**</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, **PayScale.com</i>
</p><h3 id="section---HowCanIStudyOnline">How Can I Study Online?</h3><p>Online degree options are available at the bachelor's and master's levels and are designed for students who want a flexible learning environment. Your online curriculum will be similar to that of a traditional program. Many online programs have instructors who also teach on campus. You can interact with your classmates and instructor, as well as access course materials, using a course management system, e-mail, video chat or other online tools.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatMightIStudy">What Might I Study?</h3><p>Bachelor's programs typically include classes that cover communications, news reporting and media writing topics. If you're enrolled in a sports-oriented program, you may explore topics like amateur and professional sports coverage, media relations, production techniques and sports history. Whether you're studying through an undergraduate or graduate program, you might find courses similar to the following:
</p><ul><li>Media ethics
</li><li>Sports psychology
</li><li>Magazine writing
</li><li>Multimedia reporting
</li><li>Public relations
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatIsTheJobOutlook">What is the Job Outlook?</h3><p>The BLS predicted a 11 percent decline in employment for all analysts, reporters and correspondents between 2019 and 2029. New media publications, including online newspapers or blogs, will offer the best job opportunities. The BLS also noted that applicants with a background in journalism as well as another area, such as sports, could have better opportunities for career advancement.</p>
