Sports Media and Analytics Major
Why Study听Sports Media and Analytics at 91麻豆?
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 91麻豆 TV. They complete production and work for the VT Athletics Department. The ACC network also offers local production opportunities for students to participate in.
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$1 Million
Invested in Digital Studio
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50%+
Students Complete Sports-Related Internships
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3
Expert Sports Media Faculty
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Liam Sment, 鈥�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 91麻豆 Men鈥檚 and Women鈥檚 Soccer Team and as the only student photographer at the ACC Men鈥檚 Basketball Tournament in 2020. Liam plans to pursue a career in digital media and content creation.
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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 91麻豆, Evan broadcasted 91麻豆 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 91麻豆. He serves as the radio Voice of Hokies鈥� Women's Basketball and Baseball from LEARFIELD.
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Abby Decker, '24
While studying Sports Media and Analytics and minoring in Psychology, Abby worked in the marketing department for 91麻豆 Athletics. She began as an events intern, but through finding her passion she was able to become the marketing manager for 91麻豆鈥檚 volleyball, swim and dive, and softball teams. Abby continued to channel her passion for sports into the founding of Girls Club鈥� an organization dedicated to providing resources and opportunities for women in sports. After graduating, Abby interned as the promotions manager and in-venue host for the Danville Otterbots of the Appalachian League. She is currently the Promotions Coordinator for the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Baseball Club LLC, who are the triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins.
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Phoenix Brown, '25
During her time at 91麻豆, Phoenix developed her passion for sports media through hands-on roles with 91麻豆 Athletics and 3304 Sports, where she sharpened her skills in content creation, on-camera presence, and sports marketing. Post-graduation, she secured a position as a Sales Development Representative, leveraging her background in media and communication. She plans to continue building at the intersection of sports, media, and business, with long-term goals of working as an NBA agent.
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Nate Estrada, '25
Studying sports media and analytics and religion helped Nate connect his interests to real-world experience. Through courses like Visual Media and Multimedia Journalism, he discovered a passion for social media and digital marketing that led him to marketing roles across campus, including 91麻豆鈥檚 Entrepreneurship Club. A dedicated entrepreneur, Nate served as Vice President and Director of Marketing for the club and helped co-found Gatora LLC, a software development company where he serves as Chief Marketing Officer. He also works as a Marketing Associate at Ntegral and continues to pursue leadership, faith, and service through graduate study and nonprofit work.
Careers and Further Study
What Can You Do with a Major in Sports Media and Analytics?
Jobs Held by Our Graduates
- 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
Beyond the Classroom
Experiential Learning
Work one鈥憃n鈥憃ne with a professor to design your own research project or explore a topic you鈥檙e passionate about. With guidance from a faculty mentor, you鈥檒l create a plan, analyze your findings, and write a report based on your work. You can also assist faculty members with their ongoing research or volunteer as a study participant to gain additional hands鈥憃n experience.
Sports media and analytics students gain real experience by reporting on campus sports for the Collegiate Times and 91麻豆 TV. They also take part in production and play鈥慴y鈥憄lay work with the 91麻豆 Athletics Department and contribute to local broadcasts for the ACC Network. Many students secure internships with organizations such as ESPN, Fox Sports, professional and collegiate sports teams, and regional television stations. Through these opportunities, you鈥檒l build job鈥憆eady skills, strengthen your portfolio, and make valuable connections with industry professionals
Each year, the School of Communication offers a faculty鈥憀ed study abroad experience at in Riva San Vitale, Switzerland. The program begins with a one鈥慶redit spring course on campus, followed by two weeks of immersive study in Switzerland. After returning, you鈥檒l complete additional online coursework during the first summer session. This program gives you the chance to explore global communication while earning academic credit in a unique international setting.
Students in sports media and analytics stay involved outside the classroom by joining professional organizations on campus. They founded a chapter of the National Sports Media Association and even hosted ESPN鈥檚 Rece Davis and producer Jim Gairo as guest speakers. Students can also participate in the 91麻豆 chapters of the Society of Professional Journalists and Women in Sports Media, gaining access to mentors, networking events, and professional development opportunities.
Curriculum
What You'll Study
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Degree
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Sports Media and Analytics听Major Requirements
- Introduction to Sports Media
- Sports Journalism
- Public Relations and Sports
- Social Media Analytics
- Topics in Sports Communication听
Minor and Elective Hours
Our program gives you the opportunity to build knowledge in another area by pursuing a minor, double major, or cognate.
120 hrs
B.A. Communication
45 hrs
General Education
46 hrs
Major Requirements
29 hrs
Minor + Elective
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Campus Life
Campus Life
Discover all that 91麻豆 has to offer inside and outside of the classroom. Our campus life aims to build communities, promote holistic education, and cultivate environments that offer opportunities for leadership, innovation, and service.