Virginia Tech® home

Sports Media and Analytics Major

Communication Studies

The sports media and analytics major prepares you to produce and deliver sports news, consider ways to promote the sports industry, and analyze data related to sports accomplishments, fan participation, and social media.

12

FIRST STUDENTS GRADUATED IN 2019

$1 Million

INVESTED IN DIGITAL STUDIO

3

SPORTS MEDIA FACULTY EXPERTS

50%+ 

STUDENTS COMPLETING SPORTS-RELATED INTERNSHIPS

Total Credit Hours: 120

Sports Media and Analytics courses (46 hours)

General Education (45 hours)

Minor and Elective Hours (29 hours)

What You'll Study

  • 120 credit hours for a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, including Virginia Tech's Pathways 
  • 46 credits in sports media and analytics, including:
    • Introduction to Sports Media
    • Sports Journalism
    • Public Relations and Sports
    • Social Media Analytics
    • Topics in Sports Communication 

Related Links

What Is a Major in Sports Media and Analytics? 

A sports media and analytics degree prepares you for careers in sports communication and broadcast performance. Our students study sports journalism and work in our digital broadcast studio, newsroom, and media lab. You will learn in real-world environments through extensive field work on campus. Through internships, you will also build your professional network. 

Why Study Sports Media and Analytics Here?

Our students work with faculty who have extensive experience in sports journalism, broadcast play-by-play, and public relations. Students find internships with ESPN, Fox Sports, sports teams, and television stations. Students do on-campus sports reporting for the Collegiate Times and Virginia Tech TV. They complete production and play-by-play work for the VT Athletics Department. The ACC network also offers local production opportunities for students to participate in.

Beyond the Classroom

Investigate 

Talk to a professor about designing your own research project or investigating a topic that interests you. You'll work closely with a faculty mentor to plan a course of action, discuss your findings, and write a report. You can also assist a faculty member with their research project or volunteer as a study participant.

 

research

Get Experience

Sports media and analytics students do on-campus sports reporting for the Collegiate Times and Virginia Tech TV. They do production and play-by-play work for the Virginia Tech Athletics Department and will be involved with local productions for the new ACC Network. Our students find internships with ESPN, Fox Sports, various sports teams, and television stations. By working in the field, you'll earn job experience and learn more about your future career while networking with professionals.

 

internship

Come With Us

We host an annual faculty-led study abroad experience at Virginia Tech's Steger Center for International Scholarship in Riva San Vitale, Switzerland. The program includes a one-credit course in Blacksburg during the spring semester and two weeks of study in Switzerland, with online course components during the first summer session after you return from the trip. 

 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

study abroad

Get involved

Our students started a chapter of the National Sports Media Association. They arranged for ESPN's Rece Davis and producer Jim Gairo to speak at a group meeting. You can also participate in the Virginia Tech chapters of the Society of Professional Journalists and Women in Sports Media. 

faculty
Loading player for https://video.vt.edu/media/1_v83se2oi...

What Our Students Are Saying

Careers and Further Study

What do I do with a sports media and analytics major?

You will learn a set of skills that translate well to a wide range of careers. Working with faculty experts and gaining experience in the field puts you ahead of the competition. Some common jobs our graduates earn include: 

  • Sports multimedia reporter
  • Play-by-play announcer
  • Sports data analyst
  • TV sports anchor
  • Sports broadcast producer/director
  • Sports marketing manager
  • Sports team communication manager
  • Athletic conference media specialist
  • Bowl game public information manager