Sport Communication (BA)

Why Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Communication at Indiana State? 

Turn your passion for sports into an exciting career sharing sports news and stories. The Sport Communication Bachelor of Arts degree at Indiana State University puts you at the intersection of sports, media, and public relations. Learn how to create content that scores: from social media posts and highlight reels to press releases and marketing campaigns. Whether you’re live behind the mic or crafting compelling multimedia features, you can become the voice that brings the game to life. 

Tell Stories That Matter in Sports 

The world of sports media is always changing. At Indiana State, you’ll enjoy a backstage pass to the latest in sports news and digital storytelling. You’ll learn to cover games, interview athletes and sports professionals, and build a portfolio that shows off your skills in broadcasting, newswriting, marketing, and fan engagement. By graduation, you’ll have solid real-world experience connecting with sports fans, athletes, and influencers across the athletics landscape. 

Learn from Our Excellent Faculty

Indiana State’s sport communication faculty are seasoned professionals with extensive knowledge of sports media, public relations, and digital broadcasting. In our small classes, you’ll receive one-on-one guidance and mentorship from professors who will help you build your network through internships and hands-on projects. They will guide you through the creative process as you develop marketing campaigns, create and assemble multimedia content, and gain practical experience at live sporting events.  

Step Into the Production Studio 

From day one in the Sport Communication BA program, you’ll be close to the action. Our Department of Communication features state-of-the-art production studios, including a podcast space and multimedia labs. You may also join student-run groups like Student Media and Sycamore Video, where you’ll create content, broadcast games, and cover Indiana State Athletics.

What You'll Learn in the Sport Communication Program 

The Bachelor of Arts in Sport Communication blends media, sports, storytelling, and public relations into a single degree. From filming live on the field to covering sports news, you’ll explore everything from video production to sport sponsorship, strategic sport marketing, public relations, and more. You’ll also gain real-world experience through internships in sport communication and management. 

Required Courses 

Directed Foundational Studies (3 credits) 

• ENG 313 – New Media Writing 

Foundational Core (30 credits) 

• SPM 190 – Career Exploration in Sport
• COMM 204 – Media and Society 

OR

• SPM 280 – Contemporary Issues in Sport
• COMM 220 – Print-Based Media Production 

OR 

• ARTD 220 – Introduction to Graphic Design
• COMM 288 – Sports Media Production
• COMM 388 – Sport Communication
• COMM 414 – Special Topics 

OR 

• SPM 419 Strategic Management in Sport
• COMM 472 – Social Media Management
• SPM 320 – Sport Marketing
• SPM 355 – Public Relations in Sport
• SPM 475 – Global Development in Sport 

OR 

• SPM 479 – Sport Perspectives Abroad

Professional Development Core (9 credits) 

• COMM 200 – Multimedia Practicum
• COMM 300 – Advanced Multimedia Practicum
• COMM 492 – Professional Internship in Communication
• SPM 390 – Career Development in Sport
• SPM 490 – Sport Management Internship 

Field of Study Electives (12 credits) 

Students will complete 12 credits from the following options: 

• ARTD 220 – Introduction to Graphic Design
• COMM 309 – Reporting
• COMM 312 – Persuasion Theories
• COMM 320 – Time-Based Media Production
• COMM 326 – Introduction to Health Communication
• COMM 328 – Health Communication Theory
• COMM 333 – Applied Health Communication
• COMM 343 – Field Video Production
• COMM 381 – Political Communication
• COMM 390 – PR Writing
• COMM 420 – Interactive Media Production
• COMM 421 – Investigative Journalism
• COMM 435 – Digital Storytelling
• COMM 455 – Organizational Communication
• COMM 483 – Gender Communication
• COMM 492 – Professional Internship in Communication
• SPM 322 – Innovations in Sport Marketing
• SPM 388 – eSports Fundamentals
• SPM 425 – Sport Sponsorship
• SPM 429 – Sales Management in Sport
• SPM 490 – Sport Management Internship 

Transfer Credit

Indiana State University accepts credit from regionally accredited colleges and universities within the United States, and from selected schools located outside the United States. Credit also may be granted for military training and experience. Previously earned college credit can be applied toward completion of the program per Indiana State's transfer guidelines. 

Career Possibilities for Sport Communication Majors

A degree in Sport Communication opens the door to exciting careers where you get to tell the stories behind the scores. Whether you’re dreaming of being a sports broadcaster, social media manager, content creator, public relations specialist, sports journalist, or sports marketing manager, this field combines your passion for athletics with powerful communication skills. 

And, if you’re looking to level up even more, you may choose to continue your studies in graduate programs focused on sport management, business, and communication. 

Accreditation

Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.