Although a few online degree programs in
journalism exist, the online curriculum rarely incorporates instruction
in sports journalism. This concentration is mostly reserved for
on-campus programs at the graduate level.
Overview of Online Bachelor's Degrees in Journalism
An online Bachelor of Arts in Journalism helps students develop
skills in research, writing, reporting and interviewing. Students also
learn to write for and use electronic media, such as websites, blogs and
online publications. The curriculum typically includes an introduction
to journalism law, which covers the rights and responsibilities of fair
and objective journalism in today's society. Graduates usually walk away
from the program with a collection of their work that can be utilized
as a professional portfolio to showcase their journalistic skills to
potential employers. Depending on the program, individuals interested in
sports journalism may be able to take 1-2 courses that emphasize the skills needed within that specialty.
Online bachelor's degree programs in journalism typically require
four years to complete. Required credits comprise of general education
coursework, major core requirements and electives, such as sports
journalism courses, that allow students to customize their learning.
Some online journalism programs at this level are only offered on a
degree-completion basis, which offer the upper-division coursework
required to complete a bachelor's degree. This option applies to
students who've already completed general education courses and other
requirements prior to program acceptance.
Online Courses for a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism
Courses introduce students to the fundamentals of news reporting.
They typically provide students with the opportunity to hone their
skills in writing for print, electronic media, magazine features and
broadcast productions.
Ethics in Journalism Course
Through examination of case studies and class discussion, this online
course provides an overview of ethical standards within the
communications and mass media industry. Course assignments ask students
to evaluate and apply ethical standards to contemporary issues facing
journalists.
News Writing and Reporting Course
Students learn to gather, evaluate and write news stories for
electronic and print media. They focus on developing their writing
skills while becoming familiar with current trends in the journalism
industry, such as convergence, objectivity and fairness.
Sports Writing Course
This course provides instruction and practice in writing and
reporting stories on a variety of sports topics. Themes covered include
traditional play-by-play, locker room interviewing and non-traditional
sports activities. Instructors typically expect students to attend
sporting events and submit writing assignments based on them.
Graduates of an online bachelor's degree program in journalism may
pursue career opportunities as entry-level news analysts or reporters.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment
opportunities for news reporters, correspondents and analysts was
expected to decline six percent during the 2008-2018 decade (
www.bls.gov).
As of May 2009, the BLS listed the annual median income for reporters
and correspondents as $34,360. Gaining experience and building a
professional portfolio benefits career advancement, although a master's
degree, such as one in sports journalism, may help individuals land
highly competitive positions as reporters, editors or anchors within the
sports industry.
Overview of On-Campus Master's Degrees in Sports Journalism
Graduate students studying sports journalism gain an in-depth
understanding of sports in a social context, including how social issues
impact sports and sports impact society. Students learn about the
history of sports as well as the evolution of sports media coverage.
Professors provide advanced practical instruction in reporting and
writing for print, online publications and magazines. Students apply
their knowledge to cover a wide range of sporting events, including
amateur sports, local youth athletics, national events, intercollegiate
sports and professional sports organizations.
A master's program in sports journalism typically takes two years to
complete. Experienced professionals teach courses, which provide
students with opportunities to gain advanced hands-on experience in the
field. Composed of core requirements and electives, the curriculum
allows students to focus their learning on specialty areas within the
sports journalism field, such as feature writing or broadcast
production.
On-Campus Courses for a Master's Degree in Sports Journalism
Classes provide the advanced instruction and practice needed for
students to become accomplished writers. They practice accurate and
careful reporting and gain a deeper understanding of sports as a
business and social phenomena.
Students learn about different sports broadcasting methods. Most
programs provide hands-on experience through college television and
radio broadcasts. Topics focus on the writing and editing process for
long segments, live event play-by-play and television-interviewing
techniques.
This course examines how media has evolved from radio, magazines and
network television into a multi-dimensional network of electronic media,
Internet coverage, national cable stations and massive-rights fees.
Students become familiar with how media works as a major revenue source
for sports as an entertainment industry.
Instructors give an advanced overview of the laws governing free
speech and commerce in journalism at the municipal, state and federal
levels. The course places an emphasis on the ethical guidelines for
professional journalistic behavior.
Master's degree-holders in sports journalism can combine their
education and experience to gain employment as reporters or editors in a
variety of media markets, including the more highly competitive ones in
major metropolitan areas. They may become editors of newspaper sports
sections or sports-themed books. The BLS projected job growth for
editors, writers and authors to grow by eight percent between 2008 and
2018. Editors made a median annual salary of $50,800 in May 2009, with
the highest number of job opportunities existing within the newspaper,
periodical, book and publishing industry.
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