Sports Media and Analytics Major
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
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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
- Undergraduate Research and Independent Study
- Internships
- Study Abroad
- Student Organizations
- Media Production Studio
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.
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.
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.
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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.
What Our Students Are Saying
"These experiences are possible because of the knowledge and skills from my classes and professors in the program who have helped prepare me for a job in the sports industry."
Monica Becerra, '19
Careers and Further Study
Monica Becerra, '19
As a strategic communication intern with Virginia Tech Athletics, she works behind the scenes on game days, with the wrestling team, and in the office with professionals in the field. She also served as a marketing intern for the Washington Redskins. Monica is completing a Master of Sports Administration and MBA Dual Degree at Ohio University.
Trey Lyle, '19
Sports media and analytics combines Trey's love of sports and communication. He participated in the National Sports Media Association student chapter at Virginia Tech, Virginia Tech Television (VTTV) and WUVT, allowing him to put the knowledge from his classes to work. Trey worked on campus with Virginia Tech Athletics in their Strategic Communication department and completed an internship with ESPN Richmond.
Matthew Atkins, '19
Working in student media at WUVT, the hands-on learning in class, and professor support in internship exploration led him to his current role at SiriusXM. The faculty he worked with were extremely knowledgeable about their subjects and had real-world experience, which helped prepare him for the situations he faces working for a large media organization.
Liam Sment, ‘20
Liam used several on-campus opportunities to practice what he was learning in his Sports Media and Analytics classes. These experiences included serving as the in-stadium voice for the Virginia Tech Men’s and Women’s Soccer Team and as the only student photographer at the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament in 2020. Liam plans to pursue a career in digital media and content creation.
Evan Hughes, '21
Through classes such as Bill Roth's play-by-play class, Sports Journalism and SportsCenter, Evan was able to learn practical skills from terrific professors that he could use in the field. With the launch of 3304 Sports, the multi-media online platform for student sports journalism at Virginia Tech, Evan broadcasted Virginia Tech athletics and covered live sporting events while gaining real-world experience. With the launch of the ACC Network, he gained experience broadcasting ACC events he uses in his professional role. Evan is now the Assistant Director of Broadcast Services at Virginia Tech. He serves as the radio Voice of Hokies’ Women's Basketball and Baseball from LEARFIELD.
Ben Anderson, '19
Ben graduated with a degree in multimedia journalism and a minor in sports media and analytics. Through his first year experience program, he became involved with HokieVision and got hands-on experience with video production and broadcasting. His experience led to an internship with the Minnesota Vikings as their full-time video intern. Ben now works as the assistant video coordinator for the University of Miami football program.
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
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