Sports Communication: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for aspiring professionals in the dynamic world of sports media, this program equips learners with the strategic communication skills needed to excel across diverse platforms and industries. It emphasizes the integration of storytelling, visual media, and real-time reporting to effectively engage audiences in fast-paced sports environments.
- Sports Writing: Develops the ability to craft compelling narratives, news articles, and feature stories tailored to different media formats, emphasizing clarity, accuracy, and journalistic integrity.
- Photography and Visual Storytelling: Focuses on capturing high-impact images and video content that convey the emotion, action, and essence of athletic events and sports culture.
- Broadcast Journalism: Trains students in on-air delivery, scripting, and performance for radio and television, with an emphasis on real-time reporting and audience engagement.
- Sports Production: Covers the technical and creative aspects of producing live and recorded sports content, including directing, editing, and managing multi-platform broadcasts.
- Game Rules and Sports Knowledge: Provides in-depth understanding of the rules, strategies, and cultural significance of major sports, enabling accurate and informed reporting.
- Media and Public Relations: Explores the principles of managing athlete and team narratives, crafting press materials, and navigating relationships with the media and public.
- Sports Promotion and Marketing: Teaches techniques for building fan engagement, organizing events, and promoting athletic programs through digital and traditional channels.
Sports Communication Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Sports Communication Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Sports Communication degrees, including Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes, Communications Teachers, Postsecondary and Public Relations Specialists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 404,540 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes 13-1011 | $96,310 | $48,530 - $239,200 | 14,220 | $46.30 |
| Communications Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1122 | $77,800 | $47,100 - $160,210 | 29,260 | N/A |
| Public Relations Specialists 27-3031 | $69,780 | $40,750 - $129,480 | 280,590 | $33.55 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists 27-3023 | $60,280 | $34,590 - $162,430 | 41,550 | $28.98 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys 27-3011 | $45,680 | $26,000 - $131,780 | 23,880 | $21.96 |
| Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other 27-2099 | N/A | N/A | 15,040 | $20.99 |
Salary Comparison
Sports Communication Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $45,700 in Vermont to $94,060 in District of Columbia—a 106% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, California, and Connecticut. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 404,540 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Sports Communication by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 80 institutions offering Sports Communication programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Sports Communication is found at Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) (132 graduates), University of Wisconsin-Madison (102 graduates), Rowan University (92 graduates), Texas Tech University (TTU) (85 graduates), and University of Rhode Island (URI) (67 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,202 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Admissions | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
132 | N/A | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Other Award
|
102 |
SAT: 1360-1510 ACT: 28-32 |
Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| Rowan University |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
92 |
SAT: 1100-1310 ACT: 26-30 |
Glassboro, New Jersey | Public | rowan.edu |
| Texas Tech University (TTU) |
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
85 |
SAT: 1090-1270 ACT: 22-28 |
Lubbock, Texas | Public | ttu.edu |
| University of Rhode Island (URI) |
Bachelor's
|
67 |
SAT: 1030-1270 ACT: 26-31 |
Kingston, Rhode Island | Public | web.uri.edu |
| University of Nebraska (UNL) |
Bachelor's
|
63 |
SAT: 1090-1330 ACT: 22-28 |
Lincoln, Nebraska | Public | unl.edu |
| Full Sail University |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
47 | N/A | Winter Park, Florida | Private | fullsail.edu |
| Montclair State University |
Bachelor's
|
39 | SAT: 940-1225 | Montclair, New Jersey | Public | montclair.edu |
| Oklahoma State University (OSU) |
Bachelor's
|
38 |
SAT: 1030-1240 ACT: 20-27 |
Stillwater, Oklahoma | Public | okstate.edu |
| St Bonaventure University (SBU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
33 |
SAT: 1050-1260 ACT: 23-30 |
Saint Bonaventure, New York | Private | sbu.edu |
| Clemson University |
Bachelor's
|
33 |
SAT: 1230-1390 ACT: 28-32 |
Clemson, South Carolina | Public | clemson.edu |
| University of Georgia (UGA) |
Other Award
|
31 |
SAT: 1160-1390 ACT: 25-32 |
Athens, Georgia | Public | uga.edu |
| Emerson College |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
30 |
SAT: 1250-1410 ACT: 30-33 |
Boston, Massachusetts | Private | emerson.edu |
| Sacred Heart University (SHU) |
Bachelor's
|
26 | N/A | Fairfield, Connecticut | Private | sacredheart.edu |
| Ithaca College (IC) |
Bachelor's
|
24 |
SAT: 1190-1370 ACT: 27-31 |
Ithaca, New York | Private | ithaca.edu |
| Bradley University |
Bachelor's
|
23 |
SAT: 1090-1300 ACT: 25-31 |
Peoria, Illinois | Private | bradley.edu |
| Butler University |
Bachelor's
|
23 |
SAT: 1180-1360 ACT: 26-31 |
Indianapolis, Indiana | Private | butler.edu |
| DePaul University |
Bachelor's
|
22 |
SAT: 1130-1340 ACT: 26-31 |
Chicago, Illinois | Private | depaul.edu |
| Siena College |
Bachelor's
|
19 |
SAT: 1093-1360 ACT: 26-29 |
Loudonville, New York | Private | siena.edu |
| Ferris State University (FSU) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
13 |
SAT: 890-1120 ACT: 18-26 |
Big Rapids, Michigan | Public | ferris.edu |
| Piedmont University |
Bachelor's
|
11 |
SAT: 990-1170 ACT: 18-24 |
Demorest, Georgia | Private | piedmont.edu |
| Franklin College |
Bachelor's
|
11 |
SAT: 1020-1200 ACT: 21-27 |
Franklin, Indiana | Private | franklincollege.edu |
| Susquehanna University |
Bachelor's
|
11 |
SAT: 1090-1290 ACT: 22-31 |
Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania | Private | susqu.edu |
| High Point University (HPU) |
Bachelor's
|
10 |
SAT: 1110-1300 ACT: 23-31 |
High Point, North Carolina | Private | highpoint.edu |
| Husson University |
Bachelor's
|
10 | SAT: 1000-1220 | Bangor, Maine | Private | husson.edu |
| Iona University |
Master's
|
9 |
SAT: 1055-1265 ACT: 20-28 |
New Rochelle, New York | Private | iona.edu |
| Illinois Media School (IMS) |
Other Award
|
9 | N/A | Chicago, Illinois | Private | beonair.com |
| Mississippi College (MC) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | ACT: 19-26 | Clinton, Mississippi | Private | mc.edu |
| Duquesne University |
Bachelor's
|
8 |
SAT: 1160-1350 ACT: 26-31 |
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | duq.edu |
| Ohio Media School (OMS) |
Other Award
|
8 | N/A | Valley View, Ohio | Private | beonair.com |
| Northwestern University |
Post-Master's
|
7 |
SAT: 1490-1560 ACT: 33-35 |
Evanston, Illinois | Private | northwestern.edu |
| University of Evansville (UE) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | N/A | Evansville, Indiana | Private | evansville.edu |
| Rider University |
Bachelor's
|
7 |
SAT: 1100-1310 ACT: 22-29 |
Lawrenceville, New Jersey | Private | rider.edu |
| Temple University |
Other Award
|
7 | N/A | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Public | temple.edu |
| Illinois Media School (IMS) |
Other Award
|
7 | N/A | Chicago, Illinois | Private | beonair.com |
| Colorado Media School |
Other Award
|
7 | N/A | Denver, Colorado | Private | beonair.com |
| Fairfield University |
Bachelor's
|
6 |
SAT: 1240-1380 ACT: 29-32 |
Fairfield, Connecticut | Private | fairfield.edu |
| Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) |
Bachelor's
|
6 |
SAT: 970-1210 ACT: 19-26 |
West Palm Beach, Florida | Private | pba.edu |
| Morehouse College |
Bachelor's
|
6 | ACT: 19-23 | Atlanta, Georgia | Private | morehouse.edu |
| Webster University |
Bachelor's
|
6 |
SAT: 1006-1233 ACT: 20-28 |
Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | webster.edu |
| Franklin Pierce University |
Bachelor's
|
6 | SAT: 945-1140 | Rindge, New Hampshire | Private | franklinpierce.edu |
| Wingate University |
Bachelor's
|
6 |
SAT: 990-1270 ACT: 18-24 |
Wingate, North Carolina | Private | wingate.edu |
| Miami University |
Bachelor's
|
6 |
SAT: 1210-1380 ACT: 26-31 |
Oxford, Ohio | Public | miamioh.edu |
| University of Wisconsin |
Other Award
|
6 | ACT: 18-24 | Whitewater, Wisconsin | Public | uww.edu |
| Florida Southern College (FSC) |
Bachelor's
|
5 |
SAT: 1170-1310 ACT: 25-30 |
Lakeland, Florida | Private | flsouthern.edu |
| Point Park University |
Bachelor's
|
5 |
SAT: 1035-1240 ACT: 19-27 |
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | pointpark.edu |
| Albion College |
Bachelor's
|
4 | N/A | Albion, Michigan | Private | albion.edu |
| Miami Media School |
Other Award
|
4 | N/A | Doral, Florida | Private | beonair.com |
| Butler Community College |
Associate's
|
3 | N/A | El Dorado, Kansas | Public | butlercc.edu |
| Culver-Stockton College (C‑SC) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | ACT: 18-21 | Canton, Missouri | Private | culver.edu |
| University of Mount Olive (UMO) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | ACT: 17-22 | Mount Olive, North Carolina | Private | umo.edu |
| University of North Dakota (UND) |
Other Award
|
3 | N/A | Grand Forks, North Dakota | Public | und.edu |
| Robert Morris University (RMU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | N/A | Moon Township, Pennsylvania | Private | rmu.edu |
| Waynesburg University |
Bachelor's
|
3 |
SAT: 1000-1220 ACT: 16-25 |
Waynesburg, Pennsylvania | Private | waynesburg.edu |
| Warner University |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 840-1070 ACT: 14-20 |
Lake Wales, Florida | Private | warner.edu |
| Newman University |
Bachelor's
|
2 | N/A | Wichita, Kansas | Private | newmanu.edu |
| Tabor College (TC) |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 830-1130 ACT: 18-23 |
Hillsboro, Kansas | Private | tabor.edu |
| Louisiana Christian University (LCU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | N/A | Pineville, Louisiana | Private | lcuniversity.edu |
| Campbell University |
Bachelor's
|
2 | N/A | Buies Creek, North Carolina | Private | campbell.edu |
| Gaston College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
2 | N/A | Dallas, North Carolina | Public | gaston.edu |
| Ashland University |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1020-1255 ACT: 20-25 |
Ashland, Ohio | Private | ashland.edu |
| Oklahoma City University (OCU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | ACT: 20-26 | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | Private | okcu.edu |
| Pacific University |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 990-1240 ACT: 17-28 |
Forest Grove, Oregon | Private | pacificu.edu |
| Lipscomb University |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1145-1350 ACT: 22-29 |
Nashville, Tennessee | Private | lipscomb.edu |
| LeTourneau University (LETU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1140-1370 ACT: 23-30 |
Longview, Texas | Private | letu.edu |
| Ohio Media School |
Other Award
|
2 | N/A | Norwood, Ohio | Private | beonair.com |
| Ohio Media School |
Other Award
|
2 | N/A | Columbus, Ohio | Private | beonair.com |
| Lewis-Clark State College (LC State) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | N/A | Lewiston, Idaho | Public | lcsc.edu |
| Olney Central College (OCC) |
Associate's
|
1 | N/A | Olney, Illinois | Public | iecc.edu |
| Indiana University (IU Indianapolis) |
Master's
|
1 |
SAT: 1040-1230 ACT: 21-28 |
Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | indianapolis.iu.edu |
| Valparaiso University (Valpo) |
Master's
|
1 |
SAT: 1080-1310 ACT: 25-30 |
Valparaiso, Indiana | Private | valpo.edu |
| Briar Cliff University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | N/A | Sioux City, Iowa | Private | briarcliff.edu |
| Simpson College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | ACT: 31-33 | Indianola, Iowa | Private | simpson.edu |
| Upper Iowa University (UIU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 970-1160 ACT: 14-21 |
Fayette, Iowa | Private | uiu.edu |
| Concordia University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | N/A | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | csp.edu |
| Long Island University (LIU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 1140-1350 ACT: 25-30 |
Brookville, New York | Private | liu.edu |
| Seton Hill University |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 1070-1270 ACT: 21-27 |
Greensburg, Pennsylvania | Private | setonhill.edu |
| York College of Pennsylvania (YCP) |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 1030-1230 ACT: 22-28 |
York, Pennsylvania | Private | ycp.edu |
| University of Sioux Falls (USF) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | N/A | Sioux Falls, South Dakota | Private | usiouxfalls.edu |
| Southern Utah University (SUU) |
Other Award
|
1 | N/A | Cedar City, Utah | Public | suu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Sports Communication programs
How much can I earn with a Sports Communication degree?
Salaries for Sports Communication graduates vary by role and location. Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes earn a median of $96,310 annually, while Communications Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $77,800. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $94,060 compared to $45,700 in Vermont. Approximately 404,540 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Sports Communication programs?
Currently 80 accredited institutions offer Sports Communication degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) (132 graduates), University of Wisconsin-Madison (102 graduates), and Rowan University (92 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Sports Communication growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 13 in 2010 to 1,202 in 2023-24. This represents a 9,146% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Sports Communication degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes, Communications Teachers, Postsecondary, and Public Relations Specialists. Related occupations employ approximately 404,540 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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