Sports Media
You like to cross the finish line first. We like that top-notch ranking, too. The College of Communication’s Sports Media major is the only degreed program of its kind in Indiana and one of only a handful of degreed programs in the Midwest. You’ll be able to take advantage of competitors with a unique and innovative skill set that puts you ahead of the pack and is founded on the integration of sports journalism and digital sports production.
Sports media careers have become some of the most highly competitive and sought-after positions in the job market. It’s a multi-billion-dollar industry that drives audience interaction and interest in sports on a worldwide scale. And, you’ll have access to hands-on learning day-one in one of the richest sports cities in the world that plays home to the NCAA, Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Fever, Indiana Pacers, and the Indy 500 to name just a few.
COLLEGE OF COMMUNICATION REQUIREMENTS
120 Total Credit Hours (Includes Butler University Core Requirements)
COM 101 Rhetoric and the American Democratic Tradition
SW 266-CCM Media Literacy
Communication & Culture course (selected from approved list)
Second major, minor or concentration area required
Description of Sports Media Major (SPM) – Major 41/42 Required Credit Hours
SPM offers a solid foundation in media production, writing, and multimedia storytelling. Hands-on opportunities provide students with the skills and understanding necessary to thrive in the modern sports media landscape. SPM has a strong relationship with the vibrant Indianapolis sports scene. It regularly hosts speakers from the sports media industry and often sends students out to work with events/organizations such as the Indy 500, the Indiana Pacers, the Indianapolis Colts, the Big Ten Football Championship, and the NCAA.
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
SPM 101 Introduction to Sports Media
SPM 120 Introduction to Sports Production
SPM 220 Sports Shooting and Editing
SPM 320 Live Sports Production
SPM 458 Perspectives in Sports Media OR
CCM 470 Sports, Media and Culture
SPM 405 Sports Newsroom
SPM 400 Sports Media Capstone
SPM 440 Internship
JR 112 Introduction to Multimedia Journalism
JR 210 Reporting and Writing
JR 312 Multimedia Journalism
JR 414 Media Law OR
CME 452 Entertainment Media and the Law
COM 245 Media Analytics
COM 480 Media Entrepreneurship
STR 356 Sports Promotion
One elective from the following approved courses:
SPM 101 Introduction to Sports Media
SPM 140 Esports: The World of Competitive Gaming
JR 412 In-Depth Journalism
SPM 310 Sports Fan Identity, Attitudes, and Behaviors
JR 417 Global Media
SPM 390 Special Topics
JR 421 Media Ethics
SPM 458 Perspectives in Sports Media
JR 427 Special Topics
JR 325 Gender and News: Global Views
CCM 470 Media, Sports and Culture
JR 409 Media Economics and Regulation
CCM 390 Special Topics
JR 414 Media Law
CME 452 Entertainment Media and the Law
JR 411 Multimedia Newsroom
The information found on this website with respect to major/minor/program requirements is primarily directed at providing prospective students a general roadmap of the curriculum. Current Butler students are expected to review their degree audit report at my.butler.edu and speak with their advisor regularly for detailed information regarding their specific degree requirements and their progress toward degree completion.
Student Work
Experiential Learning
Caroline Crosby, a junior Sports Media major, is working for the NCAA® this semester as an extern in the Division I Women’s Basketball Championships and Alliances Division. Part of her role consists of traveling to San Antonio, Texas, for three weeks to help organize the NCAA® Women’s Basketball tournament.