The Media School
Concentration in Sports Media (Bachelor of Arts in Media)
Students on Summer 2022, Fall 2022, or Spring 2023 requirements MDAC07
Sports Media students learn about the process of communication within the sporting world. They build a foundation based on sports writing, broadcasting, online media, advertising and video production, and learn the differences between content rooted in journalism and content rooted in organizational communication. Throughout the program, students receive valuable hands-on training in their focal area that prepares them for fulfilling careers as sports commentators, broadcasters, content creators and managers in the sports media world.
Requirements
The major requires at least 36 credit hours (12 in the Media Core and 24 in the Concentration), including the requirements listed below.
- Media School Core.
- Introduction to Media. One (1) course:
- MSCH-C 101 Media
MSCH-C 101 Media
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Examines the role media play in our lives-at work, at school, among family members, friends, and lovers-and analyzes pressing issues in media and society today, such as privacy, globalization, and convergence.
- Fall 2023CASE SHcourse
- Managing Media. One (1) course:
- MSCH-C 203 Foundations of Journalism
- MSCH-C 204 Behind the Prize
- MSCH-C 208 Principles of Public Relations
- MSCH-C 209 Introduction to Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communication
MSCH-C 203 Foundations of Journalism
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- A robust introduction to the field of journalism and the underlying principles of journalism. Explores the role of journalists and media in American society, the influences of news and entertainment media on audiences, and the role of journalism in modern media environments.
MSCH-C 204 Behind the Prize
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Pulitzer-winning reporters and other award-winning journalists visit the class to share behind-the-scene details of their projects, their ethical choices and the doubts and challenges they faced along the way. The class explores how journalistic prizes are selected and how they shape the future, not just of journalism, but of democracy.
MSCH-C 208 Principles of Public Relations
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Introduction to public relations. Examines theory and practice of public relations, how public relations operates in organizations, and its impact on stakeholders and society. Topics include approaches to persuasion, media relations, crisis communication, reputation management, and ethics.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of JOUR-J 321, MSCH-C 208, or MSCH-R 321.
MSCH-C 209 Introduction to Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communication
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Examines principles of media advertising and applications across platforms and audiences. Analyzes the advertising industry structures and processes, including the roles of agencies, creative teams, station representatives, and buyers. Topics include the social and individual effects of advertising, ethical issues in advertising, and considerations for advertising in a global marketplace.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of MSCH, C 209, MSCH-A 300, MSCH-A 320, MSCH-A 337.
- Thinking Media. One (1) course:
- MSCH-C 213 Introduction to Media Psychology
- MSCH-C 218 Sports, Media and Society
- MSCH-C 219 Media in the Global Context
MSCH-C 213 Introduction to Media Psychology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Examines the construction of social meaning associated with mediated messages as well as the range of uses of and consequences of exposure to mediated messages in individual groups, organizations, and society.
- Fall 2023CASE SHcourse
MSCH-C 218 Sports, Media and Society
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Examination of the social and financial relationships between sports organizations, media and society. Study of the social implications of sports media content in light of economic connections between sports media and college and professional sports teams, including how television contracts influence media coverage and how organization-based media influence audience perceptions.
MSCH-C 219 Media in the Global Context
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Surveys media industries, products, and publics outside the United States context (e.g., Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America). Analyzes regional media in relation to local/global historical, economic, and social processes. Screenings may be required.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of MSCH-C 219 or CMCL-C 202.
- Fall 2023CASE GCCcourse
- Fall 2023CASE SHcourse
- Making Media. One (1) course:
- MSCH-C 250
- Introduction to Media. One (1) course:
- Concentration.
- Sports Media Core. Five (5) courses:
- MSCH-B 330 Sports Media Literacy
- MSCH-B 331 Managing Sports Media
- MSCH-B 332 Sports Writing and Reporting
- MSCH-B 333 Sportscasting
- MSCH-B 334 Social Media in Sports
- MSCH-B 340 Sports Video Storytelling
- MSCH-B 341 Multimedia Sports Content
- MSCH-B 350 Esports Journalism
- MSCH-B 360 Sports Media Topics
- MSCH-B 430 Sports Media Laboratory
- MSCH-B 432 Advanced Sports Writing
- MSCH-B 445 Sports and Television
- MSCH-X 472 Media Internship
MSCH-B 330 Sports Media Literacy
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Introduces key concepts, historical elements, and future considerations within the areas of sports and media, emphasizing how these two fields interact. Geared toward preparation for careers in sports journalism and sports media.
MSCH-B 331 Managing Sports Media
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- MSCH-C 218, MSCH-C 227, or MSCH-B 330
- Description
- Overview of the sports media industry including processes of content distribution, finance, and technology. Provides historical background of the business of media. Students learn about the symbiotic financial relationship between sports and the media, including team- and league-based media that compete with traditional media.
MSCH-B 332 Sports Writing and Reporting
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- MSCH-C 225, MSCH-H 225, or MSCH-C 251
- Description
- Develops the research, writing, and reporting skills necessary to effectively cover teams, leagues, athletes, and other parts of the sports industry. Provides opportunities to gain hands-on experience writing and researching sports stories.
MSCH-B 333 Sportscasting
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- MSCH-C 225, MSCH-C 226, MSCH-C 250, MSCH-H 225, or MSCH-J 343
- Description
- Introduces the art and technique of sportscasting. Develops skills in proper breathing, script writing and delivery, extemporaneous on-camera discussion, reporting, anchoring, producing, and filming packages.
MSCH-B 334 Social Media in Sports
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- MSCH-C 101 or MSCH-B 330
- Description
- Introduces the theory and practice of social media usage within sports media. Builds skills in content creation and management on the major social networks and explores the implications of audience demographics and communication theory for social media engagement.
MSCH-B 340 Sports Video Storytelling
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- MSCH-C 225, MSCH-C 226, MSCH-C 250, MSCH-H 225, or MSCH-J 343
- Description
- Introduces the skills needed to produce video packages used in sports journalism, including how to find, set up, film, write, and edit a story. Explores techniques used to tell a story with a visual narrative.
MSCH-B 341 Multimedia Sports Content
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 250; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Project-based course that focuses on the creation and production of sports media content in multiple media formats. Emphasizes the development of expertise across written content, audio content, and video content, and the integration of social media as a platform for the publication of that content.
MSCH-B 350 Esports Journalism
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or better in MSCH-C 225, MSCH-C 251, or MSCH-B 332
- Description
- Introduces key concepts, historical elements, and future considerations within the areas of sports and media, emphasizing how these two fields interact. Geared toward preparation for careers in sports journalism and sports media.
MSCH-B 360 Sports Media Topics
- Credits
- 1–4 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Focuses on emerging trends in sports media, including related social and political issues, content creation and production, and special event coverage.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated for credit up to 4 times for a maximum of 8 credit hours.
MSCH-B 430 Sports Media Laboratory
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- MSCH-C 227 or MSCH-B 330; and MSCH-B 332, MSCH-B 333, MSCH-B 334, MSCH-B 340, or MSCH-B 350; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Simulates a working sports media newsroom. Focuses on the production of professional-caliber sports media content and building skills in senior-level editing, management, and decision-making that are needed in the process of creating, promoting, and disseminating such content.
MSCH-B 432 Advanced Sports Writing
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- MSCH-B 332, MSCH-J 301, or consent of instructor
- Description
- Explores advanced techniques in sports writing, including research skills, longform approaches to writing, character profiles, and multi-part stories. Requires the production of multiple major stories and submission for publication to sports media outlets.
MSCH-B 445 Sports and Television
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- C- or higher in MSCH-C 203, MSCH-C 207, MSCH-C 208, MSCH-C 209, or MSCH-B 330
- Description
- Seminar exploring issues in televised sports in support of and in conflict with other cultural icons in society, business, and education. Includes writing on the ways sports, as program content, influences the television industry and on the ways television influences college and professional sports.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of MSCH-B 445 or MSCH-S 445
- Fall 2023CASE SHcourse
MSCH-X 472 Media Internship
- Credits
- 1–3 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- At least junior standing; at least 12 credit hours completed in the school; and application for internship credit approved by the school
- Notes
- Application is available on the Media School website
- Description
- Faculty-supervised work in a media field related to student's academic interests. Credits based on at least 45 work hours per credit hour with a maximum of 6 credit hours applied toward the B.A. in Media or the B.S. in Game Design. Student must write a critical analysis paper and be evaluated by a workplace supervisor.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours in CMCL-C 382, MSCH-I 382, MSCH-I 497, MSCH-X 472, or TEL-T 497.
- Grading
- S/F grading.
- Sports Media Electives. Three (3) courses:
- Additional course(s) from the Sports Media Core list
- MSCH-C 320 Social Media Tactics
- MSCH-D 331 Social Media Cultures
- MSCH-H 300 Honors Media Law in the Digital Age
- MSCH-H 310 Honors Media Topics (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-H 410 Honors Media as Social Institutions
- MSCH-J 331 Podcasting and Audio Storytelling
- MSCH-J 343 Broadcast News
- MSCH-J 353 Advanced Broadcast News
- MSCH-J 360 Journalism Specialties (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-J 385 Television News Reporting and Producing
- MSCH-J 431 Advanced Podcasting and Audio Storytelling
- MSCH-P 356 Multi-Camera TV Studio Production II
- MSCH-S 348 Audience Analysis
- MSCH-X 360 The Media School in Los Angeles (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
MSCH-C 320 Social Media Tactics
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Provides the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to better understand social media, how they are utilized across fields such as advertising, journalism, media management and public relations, and what tactical and strategic considerations are necessary to most effectively use social networking tools in commercial and non-profit communication.
MSCH-D 331 Social Media Cultures
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 101; or consent of instructor
- Description
- None
- Repeatability
- Social media technologies are an integral part of social life. This course helps students develop a vocabulary for understanding social media critically and analytically. Content includes a history of social media technologies, examinations of how people construct identities and relationships on social media, and how misinformation affects online experiences.
MSCH-H 300 Honors Media Law in the Digital Age
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- C- or better in MSCH-C101 and MSCH-C250; Must be a current MSCH honors student
- Description
- History and philosophy of laws pertaining to media, including free press, free speech, right of privacy, copyright, government regulation, and business law affecting media operations. Stresses responsibilities and freedoms in a democratic media system.
- Fall 2023CASE SHcourse
MSCH-H 310 Honors Media Topics
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- Must be a current Ernie Pyle Scholar (EPS), Media Scholar (MS), Media School Academic Honors Scholar, or Hutton Honors College student
- Description
- Covers a variety of topics from various media disciplines, including advertising, game design, journalism, law and public policy, media criticism, media production, and public relations. Develops advanced understanding of media topics and how media systems connect with culture, politics, and society. Evaluates and critically analyzes the underlying assumptions of media.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 9 credit hours.
MSCH-H 410 Honors Media as Social Institutions
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- C- or higher in MSCH-H 300 or MSCH-J 300; must be a current MSCH honors student
- Description
- Examines functions and impact of mass media in society with primary focus on the United States. Discusses values of media organizations and professional and ethical values of journalists. Includes critical analysis of the relationship between media and society and the effect of political, economic, and cultural factors on media operation.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of MSCH-H 410, MSCH-J 410, JOUR-H 410 or JOUR-J 410
- Fall 2023CASE AHcourse
MSCH-J 331 Podcasting and Audio Storytelling
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 226 or MSCH-C 250; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Explores podcasting and audio storytelling as mediums of expression and content, through both listening and production. Provides practice in technical skills for audio storytelling and the application of those skills to the processes of finding stories, interviewing guests, and writing scripts.
MSCH-J 343 Broadcast News
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 251
- Description
- Basic television newsgathering skills, including generation of strong visual story ideas, shooting and editing with digital equipment and application of broadcast news ethics. Practice in telling stories effectively using video, natural sound, interviews and words. Emphasizes enterprise reporting, interviewing techniques and writing for broadcast.
MSCH-J 353 Advanced Broadcast News
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- C- or higher in MSCH-C 251, or consent of instructor
- Description
- Advanced, accelerated emphasis on enterprising and executing broadcast stories of local and regional relevance. Report, shoot and edit news packages for use in weekly news broadcasts. News judgment, fairness, accuracy and technical skills are emphasized. Introduction to news producing and to creating social media relative to broadcast news.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of JOUR-J 353, JOUR-J 384, or MSCH-J 353.
MSCH-J 360 Journalism Specialties
- Credits
- 1–4 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Topical course dealing with changing subjects and material from term to term.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated for credit with different topics in JOUR-J 360 and MSCH-J 360.
MSCH-J 385 Television News Reporting and Producing
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-J 353
- Description
- Advanced writing, reporting and editing techniques. Producing television news stories and programs in field and studio environments with emphasis on conventional and innovative broadcast story forms. Practice in presentation skills and social media as applied to broadcast news stories with local and regional significance. Students produce a weekly news broadcast.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of JOUR-J 385 or MSCH-J 385.
MSCH-J 431 Advanced Podcasting and Audio Storytelling
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- MSCH-J 331 or consent of instructor
- Description
- Imparts an understanding of how audio production and editing work in a professional setting. Hones the technical skills required for production. Focuses on improving work quality, developing the speed and efficiency required in professional settings, and learning the critical listening skills needed to edit individually and in collaboration.
MSCH-P 356 Multi-Camera TV Studio Production II
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- C- or higher in MSCH-C 228, or consent of instructor
- Description
- Advanced, hands-on course in TV studio production. Builds on existing proficiency within the TV studio environment through directing shows, developing content, and operating gear in a multi-camera TV studio. Provides instruction and practice in high-level communication skills required to produce multi-camera studio projects.
MSCH-S 348 Audience Analysis
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 207; or consent of instructor
- Description
- The behavior, descriptors, and measurement of telecommunications audiences. Sample survey, focus groups, and other research methods used by the telecommunications industry.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of MSCH-S 348 or TEL-T 348.
- Fall 2023CASE SHcourse
MSCH-X 360 The Media School in Los Angeles
- Credits
- 1–4 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- Must be accepted into the Media School's Semester in Los Angeles program
- Description
- Focuses on topics relevant to the Media School's Semester in Los Angeles program. Explores various aspects of the entertainment and media industries under the instruction of industry professionals.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 15 credit hours.
- Additional Requirements.
- At least nine (9) credit hours in the concentration must be at the 300–499 level.
- Except for the GPA requirement, a grade of C- or higher is required for a course to count toward a requirement in the concentration.
- A GPA of at least 2.000 for all courses taken in the concentration—including those where a grade lower than C- is earned—is required.
- Sports Media Core. Five (5) courses:
- Major GPA, Hours, and Minimum Grade Requirements.
- Major GPA. A GPA of at least 2.000 for all courses taken in the major—including those where a grade lower than C- is earned—is required.
- Major Minimum Grade. Except for the GPA requirement, a grade of C- or higher is required for a course to count toward a requirement in the major.
- Major Upper Division Credit Hours. At least 18 credit hours in the major must be completed at the 300–499 level.
- Major Residency. At least 18 credit hours in the major must be completed in courses taken through the Indiana University Bloomington campus or an IU-administered or IU co-sponsored Overseas Study program.
- College Breadth. At least 58 credit hours must be completed in courses from College of Arts and Sciences disciplines outside of the major area.
Major Area Courses
Unless otherwise noted below, the following courses are considered in the academic program and will count toward academic program requirements as appropriate:
- Any course at the 100-499 level with the
MSCHprefix--as well as any other subject areas that are deemed functionally equivalent - Any course contained on the course lists for the academic program requirements--as well as any other courses that are deemed functionally equivalent--except for those listed only under Addenda Requirements
- Any course directed to a non-Addenda requirement through an approved exception
- Any course, consistent with the policies herein, that is part of a concentration, track, and/or specialization being pursued as part of this academic program
The above courses cannot be applied toward the College Breadth requirement in the major.
Exclusions
The following courses cannot be applied toward major requirements or the College Breadth requirement:
- No common exclusions
This program of study cannot be combined with the following:
- Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (JOURBAJ)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Cinematic Arts (CINEARTBFA)
- Bachelor of Science in Game Design (GAMEDSGNBS)
- Certificate in New Media and Interactive Storytelling (NMISTACRT1)
- Minor in Black Cinema and Media Studies (BLKCNMDMIN)
- Minor in Cinema and Media Studies (CNMDASTMIN)
- Minor in Fashion Media (FAMEDIAMIN)
- Minor in Film Production (FILMPRDMIN)
- Minor in Game Design (GAMEDSNMIN)
- Minor in Global Media (GLVMDIAMIN)
- Minor in Media and Creative Advertising (MDCRADMIN)
- Minor in Media and Diversity (MDIADIVMIN)
- Minor in Media Law and Ethics (MDLWETMIN)
- Minor in Media Persuasion (MDIAPRSMIN)
- Minor in Media, Sex and Gender (MDGNDRMIN)
- Minor in Public Relations (PBLCRELMIN)
- Minor in Sports Media (SPORTMDMIN)
- [Discontinued credential name unavailable] (NMISTACRT)
Exceptions to and substitutions for major requirements may be made with the approval of the unit's Director of Undergraduate Studies, subject to final approval by the College of Arts and Sciences.
The Bachelor of Arts degree requires at least 120 credit hours, to include the following:
- College of Arts and Sciences Credit Hours. At least 100 credit hours must come from College of Arts and Sciences disciplines.
- Upper Division Courses. At least 42 credit hours (of the 120) must be at the 300–499 level.
- College Residency. Following completion of the 60th credit hour toward degree, at least 36 credit hours of College of Arts and Sciences coursework must be completed through the Indiana University Bloomington campus or an IU-administered or IU co-sponsored Overseas Study program.
- College GPA. A College grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.000 is required.
- CASE Requirements. The following College of Arts and Sciences Education (CASE) requirements must be completed:
- CASE Foundations
- CASE Breadth of Inquiry
- CASE Culture Studies
- CASE Critical Approaches: 1 course
- CASE Foreign Language: Proficiency in a single foreign language through the second semester of the second year of college-level coursework
- CASE Intensive Writing: 1 course
- CASE Public Oral Communication: 1 course
- Major. Completion of the major as outlined in the Major Requirements section above.
Most students must also successfully complete the Indiana University Bloomington General Education program.
Students learn how sports media messages are distributed and consumed; what role self- and government regulation play in sport industry; how consumers of sports media are influenced by sports news and sports organization messaging; and the role of sports in selling products as well as in promoting ideas.