Best Sports Journalism Schools (2023)

Journalism programs which are entirely dedicated to sports are a bit hard to find. Although concentrations in sports are available, a complete degree program about sports is eccentric. It is one of the most exciting careers one could ever have.

Imagine yourself sitting in a press box of your favourite baseball match? The rise of ESPN and a plethora of other cable sports networks have flooded the market with a need for good sports broadcasters. So if you want to start a career in sports journalism, you have come to the right place. I have enlisted the top 10 sports journalism schools that will help you land a very successful career in this article. These universities and colleges mentioned below are chosen after in-depth research on their prospects, internship opportunities, job assistance, affordability, campus life and many more. So what are we waiting for? Let us get down to business!

Table of Contents

1. Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)

Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) is considered one of the top-rated universities that offer sports journalism programs. The university is the first to bring sports journalism as a masters degree in this country.

You will get great exposure studying at this university. Students will get chances to report to IUPUI Student Media or report for the university’s Final Four Student News Bureau. Students will get internship opportunities at various press report meetings to learn practical experience.

Founded In: 1969
Tuition: $ 23,305 (before aid)
SAT Avg: 24
ACT Avg: 1050
Acceptance Rate: 81%
GPA: 3.0
Rank: #1 of Best Sports Journalism Schools in the US
Contact: +1 317-274-5555
Financial Aid: For information please click here

(Video) Pat McAfee's Advice To People Wanting To Work In Sports Media

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2. Pennsylvania State University (PSU)

Pennsylvania State University (PSU), located in University Park, is considered one of the finest universities that offer magnificent programs. The campus life at this university is fantastic. One of the highlights of this school is it is a very diverse environment.

One of the highlights of studying here is students will get a chance to take part in PSUs John Curley Center for Sports Journalism, where they will learn everything from a practical approach. You can complete internships with off-campus publications or on-campus radio stations.

Founded In: 1855
Tuition:$ 36,932 (before aid)
SAT Avg: 1100
ACT Avg: 28
Acceptance Rate: 76%
GPA: 3.2
Rank: #2 of Best Sports Journalism Schools in the US
Contact: +1 814-865-4700
Financial Aid: For details please click here

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3. The University of Texas at Austin

The sports journalism program offered by the University of Texas at Austin is considered one of the best programs one can ever join. If you like a program that primarily focuses on getting hands-on experiences, I highly recommend this university.

The school offers a plethora of opportunities for sports journalism. They have their journals where you can publish reports regarding the news. Additionally, students can do summer study abroad in China, the Czech Republic, Spain or Austria.

Founded In: 1929
Tuition: $27,728 (before aid)
SAT Avg: 1050
ACT Avg: 29
Acceptance Rate: 32%
GPA:3.3
Rank: # 3 of Best Sports Journalism Schools in the US
Contact: +1 512-471-3434
Financial Aid: For details please click here

(Video) Is a Journalism Degree Worth It?

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4. Northwestern University

The reason why Northwestern University is top-rated is because of its journalism programs. You can opt for the Journalism Residency Program, The Media on the Hill Program, and Medill Investigative Lab. These programs will help students become first-class reporters.

These programs are highly recommended. Moreover, the university has an excellent campus with beautiful infrastructure. Additionally, the university focuses on following a holistic approach towards their rigorous curriculum where they give students plenty of opportunities to explore their interests.

Founded In: 1851
Tuition: $78,654 (before aid)
SAT Avg: 1450
ACT Avg: 28
Acceptance Rate: %
GPA: 3.3
Rank: #4 of Best Sports Journalism Schools in the US
Contact: +1 847-491-3741
Financial Aid: The School does not offer scholarships currently

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5. University of Missouri—Columbia

Nicknamed as Mizzou, the University of Missouri, located in Columbia, is a fine university with a lot to offer. The highlight of this university is its beautiful campus and amazing infrastructure. The place is filled with beautiful mountains, and it is a great place to study.

If you are looking for a journalism program that focuses on not only sports journalism but also different concentrations, I would highly recommend this top-rated university. There are over 30 different interest areas (i.e. concentrations) available to undergraduate journalism students.

Founded In: 1839
Tuition: $ 27,197(before aid)
SAT Avg: 1100
ACT Avg: 21
Acceptance Rate: 81%
GPA:3.0
Rank: #5 of Best Sports Journalism Schools in the US
Contact: +1 573-882-2121
Financial Aid: The School does not offer scholarships currently

(Video) How to Get into Sports Broadcasting (5 Tips!)

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Best Sports Journalism Schools (1)

6. Boston University

Boston University is a fantastic place to do your undergraduate degree. It is a university that has tremendous diversity and focuses on bringing a close-knit community where each and every student in this university makes friends and gets the feeling of a sense of belonging.

Let me say something which puts you in awe; The school itself has produced 24 Pulitzer Prize winners—combines a liberal arts background with plenty of pre-professional training in the field. The sports journalism program comes with internet and magazine journalism.

Founded In: 1867
Tuition: $75,002 (before aid)
SAT Avg: 1430
ACT Avg: 33
Acceptance Rate: 19%
GPA: 3.1
Rank: #6 of Best Sports Journalism Schools in the US
Contact: +1 617-353-2000
Financial Aid: The School does not offer scholarships currently.

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7. University of Florida

The University of Florida has one of the largest departments for The College of Journalism and Communications. The sports journalism program offered by this university gives you a complete hands-on training experience where they will not bore you with lectures continuously.

Journalism students can cover breaking news at the 14,000 square-foot Innovation News Center, which is a popular broadcast in the town. These practical experiences play a major role in shaping a journalism career for all students.

Founded In: 1906
Tuition:$21,211 (before aid)
SAT Avg: 1100
ACT Avg: 36
Acceptance Rate: 37%
GPA:3.6
Rank: #7 of Best Sports Journalism Schools in the US
Contact: +1 352-392-3261
Financial Aid: Below are some of the best funding programs,
Presidential Scholarships- 5000$-Educational Fund

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(Video) WEEK IN THE LIFE OF A SENIOR SPORTS JOURNALISM MAJOR!!!

8. NYU

New York University is hands down a great place to study as the whole culture around the university is so much fun as well as productive. If you want to choose between Journalism and Media Criticism, both have concentrations in sports journalism, and both are top-rated programs.

The school focuses on giving a completely practical approach to students. If you want to explore different places and how they work on sports journalism, I recommend the popular study abroad program in this school where they get a chance to work in Ghana, the Czech Republic, China, and England.

Founded In: 1831
Tuition:$75,502 (before aid)
SAT Avg: 1150
ACT Avg: 35
Acceptance Rate: 16%
GPA: 3.7
Rank: #8 of Best Sports Journalism Schools in the US
Contact: 212-998-4500
Financial Aid: Below are some of the best funding programs,
Merit-Based Scholarships- Educational Fund

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Best Sports Journalism Schools (2)

9. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a huge public university, and doing your journalism degree at this place can be a great choice as they have employed the best faculties who are industry experts in journalism. You will get a chance to find a mentor-mentee relationship at your university.

Arizona State University has its own department for journalism. The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication is a fantastic place to do your bachelor’s degree as they give main priority to a practical approach towards learning journalism.

Founded In: 1885
Tuition: $29,103 (before aid)
SAT Avg: 1100
ACT Avg: 21
Acceptance Rate: 86 %
GPA:3.0
Rank: #8 of Best Sports Journalism Schools in the US
Contact: 855-278-5080
Financial Aid: For details please click here

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10.Emerson College

Emerson College is a great place to do your journalism degree. Emerson is located in Boston, just blocks from the statehouse. The program really strives to be proactive in embracing technological advances in the field. Emerson College is highly recommended.

(Video) Best Journalism Schools: Find Out Here!

The college boasts several award-winning on-campus media outlets (including newspapers and radio stations). There is a wide array of interesting student groups, including Captured Emotion which is one of the most popular non-fiction works.

Founded In: 1880
Tuition:$72,222 (before aid)
SAT Avg: 1200
ACT Avg: 34
Acceptance Rate: 33%
GPA: 3.5
Rank: #10 of Best Sports Journalism Schools in the US
Contact: +1 617-824-8500
Financial Aid: For details please click here

Apply for Admission

FAQs

What degree is best for sports journalism? ›

As you prepare yourself to dive into sports journalism, many people will tell you that it's best to study either English or journalism. These are the traditional tracks. They are good choices for people who are certain of what they want to do.

Is sports journalism hard to get into? ›

Journalism is a competitive career area and without prior experience you will find it difficult to gain formal work experience on sports desks. It's likely that you will have to learn to be a journalist before you can become a sports writer. To help your chances: Develop a portfolio of your work.

What college has the best sports media program? ›

Best Sports Communication Colleges & Universities in America
  • Butler University. ...
  • LeTourneau University. ...
  • University of Evansville. ...
  • Providence College. ...
  • Bradley University. 4 Year • Peoria, IL. ...
  • Ithaca College. 4 Year • Ithaca, NY. ...
  • Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix. 4 Year • Phoenix, AZ. ...
  • Emerson College. 4 Year • Boston, MA.

Do sports journalists make good money? ›

As of Oct 24, 2022, the average annual pay for a Sports Journalist in the United States is $44,064 a year.

How do you become a NFL reporter? ›

To begin a career as a sports reporter, a candidate should first earn a bachelor's degree in journalism. Students will learn journalistic skills such as feature writing, editing, reporting, and communication. They will take courses in multimedia journalism, sports in society, and English composition.

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