A degree in Sports Communication can open doors to careers in sports journalism, broadcasting, marketing, and team management. If you’re passionate about sports and communication, choosing the right school is crucial. With the right education, you’ll gain hands-on experience in media production, sports journalism, event management, and public relations. You’ll be equipped with the knowledge and skills to keep up with the quickly evolving sports industry, staying ahead of trends in digital media, fan engagement, and brand strategy.
Here are the top 10 colleges offering a Sports Communication degree in 2025, including the standout features of each program.
DePaul University (Chicago, IL)
Why DePaul?
Interdisciplinary coursework – Combines classes from the College of Communication and Driehaus College of Business.
Proximity to major sports teams – Access to the Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls, Cubs, and White Sox.
Strong alumni connections – Internship opportunities with alumni working in sports communication.
Experiential learning – Focus on oral, written, and visual communication skills.
Urban location – Located in a diverse, global sports market.
Mission Statement: DePaul University’s mission is “to foster academic excellence, promote social responsibility, and encourage lifelong learning in a diverse urban setting.”
University of Nebraska – Lincoln (Lincoln, NE)
Why University of Nebraska?
Dedicated learning communities – Media Smarts and Press Box communities offer immersive experiences.
Sports Media Club – A student-run organization that connects students with industry professionals.
Student-run media outlet (UNLimited Sports) – Offers hands-on reporting and broadcasting experience right on campus.
Faculty connections with major networks – Partnerships with ESPN, FOX Sports University, and Big Ten Network.
Internship opportunities with Husker Athletics – On-the-ground experience in college sports media.
Mission Statement: The University of Nebraska, “through its three primary missions of teaching, research, and service, the university is the state’s primary intellectual center providing leadership throughout the state through quality education and the generation of new knowledge.”
Grace Christian University (Grand Rapids, MI)
Why Grace?
Biblical foundation – Courses integrate biblical principles into leadership and sports communication.
Faith-based sports communication approach – Learn how to boldly share your faith in the sports industry and make an eternal impact to those around you.
Smaller, supportive community – Professors mentor students in a highly personalized environment. Students will grow through meaningful relationships that transform their life and deepen their faith.
Hands-on experience – Opportunities in sports media, management, and event planning. Internships with local Grand Rapids sports teams.
Focus on character development – Students learn leadership with an emphasis on biblical values.
Mission Statement: Grace Christian University exists to “Graduate Courageous Ambassadors for Christ Who Make an Eternal Impact Wherever They Go.”
Rowan University (Glassboro, NJ)
Why Rowan?
One of the largest Sports Communication programs in the U.S. – Over 300 students in the program.
Five specialized concentrations – Students can focus on Esports, Journalism, Communication Studies, PR/Advertising, or Radio/TV/Film.
Located in a major media market – Near Philadelphia, offering direct access to a vast array of media opportunities.
Strong media partnerships – Students work with professional teams and regional networks.
Multiple student media outlets – Opportunities with Rowan Television Network, Rowan Radio, and The Whit.
Mission Statement: “Rowan University will become a new model for higher education by being inclusive, agile, and responsive, offering diverse scholarly and creative educational experiences, pathways, environments, and services to meet the needs of all students; maintaining agility by strategically delivering organizational capacity across the institution; and responding to emerging demands and opportunities regionally and nationally.”
Ithaca College (Ithaca, NY)
Why Ithaca?
Direct access to Ithaca College Athletics – Students produce live and recorded content for games.
Internships with ESPN, NBA, and the NFL – Hands-on opportunities with major sports organizations.
Super Bowl and NCAA event experience – Students work at large-scale national sporting events.
Courses in digital marketing, sports journalism, and advertising – Broad, career-focused curriculum.
Strong alumni network – Graduates work in high-profile sports media roles and mentor students.
Mission Statement: Ithaca College’s mission is to “educate, engage, and empower students through theory, practice, and performance.”
Emerson College (Boston, MA)
Why Emerson?
Internships with professional sports teams – Red Sox, Celtics, and WooSox partnerships.
Global experience – Students travel to Barcelona to meet with BARCA marketing and PR managers.
Urban sports media hub – Boston-based access to major sports communication markets.
Courses taught by industry professionals – Many faculty are Sports Communication experts and alumni of Emerson.
Strong industry connections – Access to top media professionals for networking.
Mission Statement: “Emerson College educates students to assume positions of leadership in communication and the arts and to advance scholarship and creative work that brings innovation, depth, and diversity to these disciplines.”
University of Rhode Island (Kingston, RI)
Why University of Rhode Island?
Comprehensive interdisciplinary curriculum – Integrates historical, analytical, and professional perspectives.
Hands-on experience required – Mandatory internships provide industry readiness.
$1.25 million Broadcast Center – State-of-the-art facilities for student training.
Connection to Rhode Island’s growing sports industry – Emerging opportunities in regional sports media.
Small student-to-faculty ratio – More personalized learning experience.
Mission Statement: “The University of Rhode Island is the state’s flagship land and sea grant research institution, with a commitment to urban initiatives.”
Butler University (Indianapolis, IN)
Why Butler?
Located in a major sports city – Indianapolis hosts the NCAA Final Four and Indianapolis 500.
Student-led sports media outlet – Students gain experience covering live sporting events.
High-tech production truck – Industry-standard equipment for live event production.
Internships with the Colts, Pacers, NCAA, and more – Strong professional connections.
Emphasis on both technical and editorial skills – Prepares students for diverse media careers.
Mission Statement: “Butler University, founded on ideals of equity and academic excellence, creates and fosters a collaborative, stimulating intellectual learning environment. We are inspired to boldly innovate and broadly educate, enriching communities and preparing all learners to lead meaningful lives.”
Fairfield University (Fairfield, CT)
Why Fairfield?
Close proximity to ESPN, NBC Sports, WWE, and the YES Network – Strong industry partnerships.
18,000-square-foot Media Center – State-of-the-art media production facilities.
Specialized sports media courses – Focused curriculum in digital media and broadcasting.
High-tech podcast and TV studios – Hands-on training in sports media production.
Internships with national and regional sports networks – Real-world experience in top markets.
Mission Statement: “Fairfield University is Catholic in both tradition and spirit and celebrates the God-given dignity of every human person. As a Catholic institution, we welcome individuals of all beliefs and traditions who share our passion for scholarship, justice, truth, and freedom, and we value the diversity their membership brings to our community.”
Bradley University (Peoria, IL)
Why Bradley?
First named School of Sports Communication – Honoring alum Charley Steiner.
260+ internship placements since 2015 – High success rate for student career development.
Exclusive partnership with NBC/Universal – 46 students interned at the Olympics since 2010.
Hands-on experience from day one – Students produce live broadcasts for ESPN3.
95% career placement rate – Graduates work with teams like the Chicago Bears and White Sox.
Mission Statement: Bradley University “empowers students for immediate and sustained success in their personal and professional endeavors by combining professional preparation, liberal arts and sciences, and co-curricular experiences. Alongside our dedication to students, we embrace the generation, application, and interpretation of knowledge.”
Choosing the Right School for You
Finding the right Sports Communication program is about more than just rankings ,it’s about finding the best learning environment for you and opportunities that will set you up for your career goals. Some schools emphasize hands-on experience, offering students opportunities to work directly with professional teams, produce live broadcasts, and intern at major sports networks. Others focus on interdisciplinary education, blending communication, business, and media courses to prepare students for a rapidly evolving industry.
Location can also play a crucial role, with programs in major sports hubs providing direct access to teams, media companies, and networking opportunities. Some universities like Grace Christian University prioritize faith-based learning, integrating biblical principles into leadership and communication training.
No matter your path the best program is the one that aligns with your passions and aspirations. Research each option, connect with current students, and choose a school that will help you build the skills, experience, and industry connections needed to succeed.
