Bachelors of Actuarial Science
The Actuarial Science program at Franklin College provides a comprehensive foundation i...
Bachelors of Sports Communication
Franklin, Indiana
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Sports Communication program at Franklin College, housed within the award-winning Pulliam School of Journalism, is designed to prepare storytellers to survive and thrive in the rapidly evolving sports industry. Recognizing the revolutionary changes in sports, from the legalization of sports betting to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation for college athletes, the program aims to equip students with the skills to navigate this dynamic landscape. Students learn to tell compelling stories, whether as sports journalists or as spokespersons for franchises or universities, focusing not just on how the game is played, but on the intricate business, political, and public policy maneuvers that shape every contest. The program emphasizes "learning by doing" to ensure graduates possess a depth of knowledge and practical experience.
Curriculum: The Sports Communication curriculum at Franklin College is fast-paced and demanding, mirroring the nature of the sports world itself. Students gain comprehensive skills in various facets of sports communication, including game coverage, fact gathering, and strong narrative writing. Core courses cover subjects like foundations of sports media, sports reporting, sports media production, international sports culture, and sports marketing. The curriculum also integrates technical skills such as broadcast journalism, multi-camera production, and single-camera production, ensuring graduates are proficient across various media platforms. Students study the business of sports, the intricacies of sports law and ethics, and the role of public relations within the athletic sphere.
Research Focus: A key component of the Sports Communication program at Franklin College is its culminating in-depth senior research project. Students dedicate a semester to reporting on a sports-related story of personal interest, producing a comprehensive package that often includes a website, a 1,000-word written story, a video, interactive graphics, and other professional storytelling elements. This extensive project serves as a significant research endeavor, requiring thorough investigation, analysis of sources, and the application of journalistic principles. This prepares students to delve deeply into complex sports topics, conduct independent research, and present their findings in a professional, multimedia format.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is deeply embedded in the Sports Communication program, operating under the Pulliam School of Journalism's guiding principle of "learning by doing." Students actively put their acquired skills to work in real-world settings. While specific sports communication outlets are not explicitly listed in the same manner as TheStatehouseFile.com for general journalism, the program's emphasis on practical experience and its location in a state with a strong sports presence (Indiana) strongly suggest extensive opportunities. Alumni of the Pulliam School of Journalism have secured positions with major sports organizations like the Indianapolis Colts, INDYCAR, and Pacers Sports & Entertainment, indicating robust career pathways facilitated by the program's industry connections and practical training. Students are expected to build professional portfolios, demonstrating their readiness for the workplace.
Global Perspective: Franklin College broadly encourages its students to gain a global perspective, and this is particularly relevant for Sports Communication majors given the international nature of sports. While specific Sports Communication-focused study abroad programs are not exclusively detailed, the college's Office of Global Education offers numerous opportunities for international travel. These include month-long Immersive Term study away courses, semester or year-long programs at partner universities, and international internships. Engaging with different cultures and sports environments abroad can provide invaluable insights into international sports management, global media coverage of sports, and the cultural impact of athletic events worldwide, enhancing a sports communicator's breadth of understanding.
Location
Franklin, Indiana
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 40010
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $40
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% 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 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Franklin College offers a range of scholarship opportunities to support international students in pursuing their academic goals. These scholarships are designed to recognize outstanding academic achievement, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement, making higher education more accessible and affordable for students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships upon admission. These awards are competitive and primarily based on academic performance, standardized test scores, and personal achievements. Scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and may be renewable each year based on satisfactory academic progress.
Specialized Scholarships: In addition to general merit awards, Franklin College provides targeted scholarships for students excelling in specific fields such as science, arts, athletics, or community service. Some scholarships also focus on promoting diversity and inclusion by supporting students from underrepresented regions or backgrounds.
A Bachelor of Sports Communication from Franklin College equips graduates with a unique blend of journalistic, communication, and sports industry knowledge, preparing them for a dynamic range of careers. The program's hands-on approach ensures graduates are ready to contribute effectively in various roles.
Sports Journalist/Reporter: Covering sports events, writing articles, conducting interviews, and producing news content for newspapers, magazines, websites, or broadcast media.
Sports Information Director (SID): Managing media relations, statistics, press conferences, and website content for college athletic departments or professional sports teams.
Sports Public Relations Specialist: Developing and executing PR strategies for athletes, teams, leagues, or sports organizations to manage their public image and promote events.
Sports Content Creator: Producing engaging multimedia content (videos, podcasts, social media updates, articles) for sports brands, media outlets, or individual athletes.
Sports Broadcaster/Commentator: Providing play-by-play or color commentary for live sports events on television, radio, or streaming platforms.
Social Media Manager (Sports Focus): Managing and growing the social media presence for sports teams, athletes, or sports media companies.
Sports Marketing Specialist: Developing and implementing marketing campaigns for sports products, events, or teams, often involving branding, advertising, and fan engagement.
Event Coordinator (Sports): Planning and managing logistics for sports events, from small tournaments to large-scale professional competitions.
Digital Media Specialist (Sports): Overseeing the digital presence of sports organizations, including website management, app development, and online content strategy.
Agent/Athlete Representation Communications: Handling media inquiries, public appearances, and strategic communication for professional athletes.
