Program Contact: Wasim Ahmad 203-582-7493
The Master of Science in Sports Journalism and Media prepares students from all academic and professional backgrounds for careers in traditional areas of broadcast and multimedia, online sports reporting, as well as for the emerging areas of sports social media reporting, audio podcasting, and the statistical and graphical analysis of sports stories.
Students are challenged to develop story ideas through reasoning and observation, to analyze data and public documents, to wisely conduct interviews, to learn the technical skills to acquire and edit video and audio, and, above all, to write with discipline, poise and creative vitality. In short, our program prepares students for the daily test-of-strength that is sports reporting in the 21st century regardless of the distribution platform.
Students who successfully complete the program will be properly trained for a number of career opportunities including on-camera reporters and anchors for broadcast, cable and network television news; play-by-play announcers, analysts and talk show hosts for sports audio and podcasting; producers for broadcast, cable and network television news; producers for news websites and apps; and writers for broadcast news and websites.
Courses are offered in our professional all-digital broadcast production environment. Our facilities include two high-definition studios, three podcast studios, two LiveU units for performing live shots in the field, two 4K video editing suites, HD editing suites for single or group projects and other areas designed to support both studio and remote productions.
Video cameras, audio recorders, lights and other gear required to capture interviews and events in the field are available to students through our well-stocked and expertly maintained equipment inventory. In addition, students will have access to the university's state-of-the-art M&T Bank Arena for the coverage of games and interviews.
MS in Sports Journalism and Media
To earn the master’s degree, students must complete 33 credits with a minimum 3.00 GPA and no grade less than a C. Any course with a grade of less than C must be retaken. Full-time students can complete the program in one calendar year. Part-time students can do it in two.
Program of Study
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| JRN 504 | Sports Writing, Reporting & Content Creation | 3 |
| JRN 524 | Sports TV Reporting and Anchoring | 3 |
| JRN 562 | Sports Law and Ethics | 3 |
| JRN 563 | Sports Data Visualization & Analytics | 3 |
| JRN 564 | Sports Audio & Podcasting | 3 |
| JRN 565 | TV Sportscast Producing & Anchoring | 3 |
| or JRN 595 | Sports Newsroom Clinical | |
| JRN 567 | Sports Social Media | 3 |
| JRN 589 | Critical Issues in Sports | 3 |
| JRN 601 | Capstone Project | 3 |
| Elective Courses | 6 | |
| Select two electives from those available in consultation with your adviser. Students may take any course in any School of Communications graduate program with permission of program director. Electives are offered on an as-needed basis and may not be available during a given student’s program of study. Frequently offered electives include: | ||
| Special Topics in Journalism | ||
| TV Sports Game Coverage | ||
| Crafting the Sports Feature | ||
| TV Sportscast Producing & Anchoring | ||
| Sports Newsroom Clinical | ||
| Total Credits | 33 | |
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students should be able to demonstrate the following competencies:
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Understand sports journalistic practices, legal and ethical standards and technologies, and be able to apply critical thinking to develop and produce stories.
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Analyze and evaluate information based on journalistic practices of research, interviews and observation.
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Report, compose and present sports-centric journalistic stories in a variety of media platforms, using methods such as social media, data visualization and mining, audio storytelling, photography, videography, and more that inform, enlighten and entertain a variety of audiences.
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Engage in the ethical practice of journalism.
Admission
To qualify for admission, candidates must have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning and have a minimum GPA of 3.00. Journalism experience is not required.
Admission to the MS in Sports Journalism and Media program is competitive and based on undergraduate performance as measured by GPA, experience in any career field for students returning to school and the required documents listed below.
Applications are considered on a rolling basis, and students apply to enter during the fall. Applications are evaluated once all materials and fees are received by Quinnipiac.
A complete application consists of the following:
- application form
- application fee
- two professional recommendations
- personal statement explaining decision to pursue graduate study
- current resume
- portfolio of writing or work samples (i.e., college papers, videos, audio clips or published work of any kind)
- official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work