Top Sports Journalism Schools
Learn about the top three schools in the field of sports journalism. Find out what makes these schools the best, including school rankings and program offerings.
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.
<h2 id="section---WhatAreThreeTopSportsJournalismSchools">What Are Three Top Sports Journalism Schools?</h2><h3 id="section---IndianaUniversityPurdueUniversityIndianapolisIUPUI">Indiana University - Purdue Global Indianapolis (IUPUI)</h3><p>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.
</p><p>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.
</p><ul><li>Bachelor of Arts in Journalism - Sports Journalism
</li><li>Master of Arts in Sports Journalism
</li></ul><h3 id="section---PennsylvaniaStateUniversityPSUInUniversityPark">Pennsylvania State University (PSU) in University Park</h3><p>PSU was tied as a 71st ranked global university in 2019, according to <i>U.S. News & World Report</i>; 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.
</p><p>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:
</p><ul><li>Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
</li><li>Certificate in Sports Journalism
</li></ul><h3 id="section---UniversityOfTexasAtAustinUTAustin">University of Texas at Austin (UT - Austin)</h3><p>UT - Austin was a 36th-ranked global university and tied for 49th among national universities, according to <i>U.S. News & World Report</i> 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.
</p><p>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 <i>The Daily Texan</i>, <i>Texas Newswatch</i> and Texas Student Television. The following degree programs are available:
</p><ul><li>Bachelor of Journalism
</li><li>Professional Master's in Journalism - Culture, Entertainment and Sports
</li></ul><h2 id="section---TenSchoolsWithSportsJournalismPrograms">Ten Schools with Sports Journalism Programs</h2><p></p><table border="1"><tr><th>College/University</th><th>Institution Type</th><th>Location</th><th>Estimated Undergrad In-State Tuition (2018-2019)*</th></tr>
<tr><td>Michigan State University</td><td>4-year, Public</td><td>East Lansing, MI</td><td>$14,500</td></tr>
<tr><td>Quinnipiac University</td><td>4-year, Private</td><td>Hamden, CT</td><td>$48,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>Arizona State University</td><td>4-year, Public</td><td>Tempe, AZ</td><td>$11,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>Syracuse University</td><td>4-year, Private</td><td>Syracuse, NY</td><td>$52,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>University of Missouri</td><td>4-year, Public</td><td>Columbia, MO</td><td>$10,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>Springfield College</td><td>4-year, Private</td><td>Springfield, MA</td><td>$37,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>University of Massachusetts - Amherst</td><td>4-year, Public</td><td>Amherst, MA</td><td>$16,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>Hofstra University</td><td>4-year, Private</td><td>Hempstead, NY</td><td>$46,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>University of Maryland</td><td>4-year, Public</td><td>College Park, MD</td><td>$11,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>Husson University</td><td>4-year, Private</td><td>Bangor, ME</td><td>$18,000</td></tr>
</table><p><i>*Source: NCES, U.S. Department of Education</i></p>