B.A. in Creative Industries and Entrepreneurship
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B.A. in Sport Media
York, Pennsylvania
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Sport Media at York College of Pennsylvania offers a dynamic and specialized program designed to equip students with comprehensive professional and technical skills applicable to the diverse and expanding field of sport communication. The program provides a positive environment rich in academic and practical experiences, allowing students to delve into the intricacies of how sports are communicated across various media platforms. Graduates are prepared for a range of exciting career opportunities within the sports industry, from broadcasting and production to media relations and content creation, understanding how to effectively communicate to specific audiences within the unique context of sports.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.A. in Sport Media at York College provides a strong foundation in sport communication, combining theoretical knowledge with extensive hands-on experience. While specific course names may vary, the program typically covers areas such as sports broadcasting, production, performance, directing, engineering, and program planning and evaluation. Students learn crucial skills in crafting compelling narratives, operating media equipment, and understanding the business of sports media. The program often includes practical coursework in audio and video production, news gathering and reporting for sports, copywriting, and announcing, ensuring students are proficient in industry-standard tools and techniques.
Research Focus: The "research focus" within the Sport Media program at York College is largely applied and industry-oriented. Students engage in studying audience behaviors, media consumption trends in sports, and the effectiveness of different communication strategies within the sports industry. This involves analyzing sports content across various platforms, evaluating public relations campaigns in sports, and understanding the impact of social media on fan engagement. While not traditional scientific research, students conduct inquiry to inform their practical media projects, such as researching target demographics for a sports broadcast or analyzing successful sports marketing campaigns to inform their own creative work.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a core strength of the Sport Media program, providing students with invaluable real-world experience. A significant component of the program often involves practicum hours, where students gain hands-on experience with York College Athletics and Campus Recreation, starting with event-focused communication tasks and progressing into roles aligned with their specific interests within sport media. The program emphasizes direct application of skills in areas like live sport productions, social media content creation, and broadcast operations. These experiences, combined with potential internships with local media companies or sports organizations, ensure graduates are well-prepared for entry into the competitive sport communication field. Faculty members often bring industry experience, providing practical insights and networking opportunities.
Global Perspective: The B.A. in Sport Media program at York College of Pennsylvania inherently fosters a global perspective by addressing a field that transcends national borders. International sports events, global sports leagues, and the widespread consumption of sports media mean that graduates must understand diverse cultural contexts and international communication practices. While the curriculum may primarily focus on the American sports media landscape, the principles of effective communication in sports are universal. Students are prepared to analyze how sports are portrayed globally, how international sporting events are covered, and how different cultures engage with sports media, equipping them to navigate and contribute to the increasingly globalized world of sport communication.
Location
York, Pennsylvania
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 26920
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
York College of Pennsylvania offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students in achieving their academic goals while easing financial burdens. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and other special talents among international applicants.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students applying to York College are considered for merit-based scholarships automatically during the admissions process. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall application strength. High-achieving students can receive significant tuition discounts, which help make studying in the U.S. more affordable.
International Student Scholarships: York College provides dedicated scholarships for international students, which may include renewable awards throughout the duration of their degree program. These scholarships acknowledge the diverse backgrounds and contributions international students bring to the campus community.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain academic departments at York College offer scholarships to students who demonstrate exceptional performance or promise in their chosen field of study. International students are encouraged to explore these opportunities by contacting their academic departments directly.
York College of Pennsylvania's Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Sport Media equips graduates with a unique blend of communication skills, technical proficiency, and a deep understanding of the sports industry. This specialized degree prepares students for diverse and exciting roles in the rapidly evolving world of sports communication, from behind-the-scenes production to on-air talent and strategic media management.
Sports Reporter/Journalist: Covers sports events, teams, and athletes for various media outlets, including newspapers, websites, television, or radio, delivering news, analysis, and feature stories.
Sports Broadcaster/Announcer: Provides commentary, play-by-play, or analysis for live sporting events on television or radio, requiring strong verbal communication, quick thinking, and in-depth sports knowledge.
Sports Production Assistant/Associate Producer: Supports the creation of live or recorded sports broadcasts, working on tasks like camera operation, graphic creation, teleprompter operation, or managing game footage.
Sports Information Director (SID)/Media Relations Specialist: Manages media relations for collegiate or professional sports teams, writing press releases, coordinating interviews, maintaining statistics, and managing social media presence.
Digital Content Creator (Sports): Develops engaging video, audio, and written content specifically for sports-related websites, social media platforms, podcasts, or online streaming services.
Sports Marketing/Promotions Coordinator: Works to promote sports teams, leagues, events, or athletes through various marketing channels, often focusing on social media, content campaigns, and fan engagement.
Sports Video Editor: Edits raw video footage of sporting events or interviews into highlights packages, documentaries, promotional videos, or segments for broadcast, web, or social media.
Radio Operations Manager (Sports Radio): Oversees the technical and operational aspects of a sports radio station, including scheduling, equipment maintenance, and ensuring smooth broadcast delivery.
Social Media Manager (Sports Team/League): Manages the official social media channels for a sports organization, creating content, interacting with fans, and developing strategies to enhance online presence and engagement.
Athletic Communications Specialist: Focuses on communicating messages for athletic departments, often encompassing public relations, media outreach, website content management, and internal communications for college sports.
