School of Journalism, College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences partner to offer minorStudents who love sports now have a new opportunity to get in on the action. Beginning this summer, the West Virginia University P.I. Reed School of Journalism and the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences are launching a minor in sport communication.
The minor – available to students outside the School of Journalism – prepares students to understand the business of sports and to work with athletes, the media, corporate sponsors and the public to effectively communicate their client’s message. Students will gain practical skills as professional communicators in the multibillion-dollar sports industry.
Job areas associated with sport communication include sports information, media sales, sponsorships and endorsements, and community relations.
“We know that students are passionate about sports and are eager to break into the industry,” said Maryanne Reed, dean of WVU’s School of Journalism. “This minor is an opportunity for students to match their passion to a profession that offers a wide range of career choices.”
Dana Brooks, dean of the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, says the minor is a unique partnership between two academic programs with different strengths.
“The School of Journalism offers hands-on, practical skills in media writing, public relations and strategic communications, while the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences provides a solid understanding of the issues affecting professional and college sports today,” Brooks said.
The minor requires 18 hours – nine from the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences and nine from the School of Journalism. This blended minor includes both campus and online courses, and most courses are offered in the summer terms.
For more information, visit http://journalism.wvu.edu/online or http://www.wvu.edu/~physed/.