Newman University is now offering a Bachelor of Arts program in Sports Communication. The new major, which was introduced in the fall 2010 semester, blends business and communication courses to prepare students for a variety of careers in the rapidly growing sports communication arena.
“The new Sports Communication degree program will provide students with a well-rounded business and communication foundation,” said Teresa Raehpour, assistant professor of communication and director of the Sports Communication program. “It also offers students opportunities to get hands-on, resumé building and professional networking experience in a sports-related field in their interest.”
The diverse program is structured with three parts. The first gives students a background in both business and communication. The second is more specialized, with students’ course work focusing on a particular area of interest. In the third part, students participate in a Cooperative Education program to gain hands-on experience.
The coop-ed portion provides opportunities for internships that may include jobs with local television and radio media groups, nonprofit agencies, professional sports teams and other businesses. Through the internships, students have the opportunity to practice in areas such as sports writing, play-by-play and broadcast announcing, sports photography, public relations, sports merchandising and marketing, sports administration, athletic first aid, sports statistical analysis and research, fitness and nutrition counseling, sports-related computer technology, and other areas.
Students will also have opportunities to gain enhanced work experience at various sports-related fundraising events.
Sports business is a fast-growing career field. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook for 2010-2011 predicts employment in the sports business field will increase through 2018. In addition to preparing students for this growth, the program can help students interested in pursuing an advanced degree.
The major consists of 45 credit hours in addition to the university’s general education requirements.
To learn more about the Sports Communication program, contact Raehpour at 316-942-4291, ext. 2439 or at [email protected], or visit the Sports Communication page on Newman’s website at http://www.newmanu.edu/studynu/undergraduate/sports-communication.
