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Sports and Adventure MediaMajor

Sports and adventure fans want information fast and on-the-go, and employers are looking for professional communicators with specialized skills to handle the demand.

By the numbers1

Only known undergraduate major in the country to focus on sports and adventure media

By the numbers115

One of 115 programs accredited worldwide by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications

Overview

What is Sports and Adventure Media at WVU like?

Description

Are you a natural storyteller with a passion for the outdoors? Are you ready to immerse yourself in high-tech media to bring the big game to life?

Sports and adventure media professionals are in the moment — on the sidelines capturing game-day video or traveling across state lines for a travel blog — and they put the audience right there with them.

They use the latest technologies to produce stories for web and social media or make advertising pitches to worldwide brands. They are camera operators who coordinate promotions or make edits from the production room. And they experience rock climbing, mountain biking and rafting GoPro-style.

As a Sports and Adventure Media major, you’ll develop skills in storytelling, audience engagement, media ethics, audio/video production, writing and marketing, preparing you to enter an ever-changing digital media landscape and stand out as a leader in the field.

Sports and Adventure Media program highlights:

Living-Learning Communities
Research/Academic Opportunities

At a Glance

Admission Requirements
Careers and Employers
Cost and Aid
Courses and Plan of Study
Fast Facts
Related Majors and Minors
Related Pathways

College/School:
Reed College of Media
Division:
Department:
Degree Designation:
BSJ
Degree Program:
Journalism
Program:
Sports and Adventure Media

Next Steps

Interested in this major? Here are some suggested next steps:

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Fast Facts

What makes Sports and Adventure Media at WVU unique?

Academic
Accreditation
Facility
Financial Support
Go First
Other

Robust student media with the award-winning Daily Athenaeum student newspaper and U92 student radio station.
One of only 115 journalism/communication programs accredited worldwide by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC)
On-campus facilities include the Media Innovation Center, University Forest and Zip Line Canopy Tour
Funding available for study abroad and major market internships
Only known undergraduate major in the country to focus on sports and adventure media
Adventure WV program
Highly competitive D1 athletic program
Partnership with Big 12 Now on ESPN+ allows students to report from the sidelines and provide technical support on game day for ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, Fox FS1 and SkyCam Tech
Purpose Center - Discover your values and strengths to guide your educational path and personal journey

Research and Academic Opportunities

Big 12 Now on ESPN+
Picture yourself in front of an ESPN camera, reporting live from a Big 12 game in the WVU Coliseum or on Mountaineer Field. Students report from the sidelines and provide technical support on game day for ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, Fox FS1 and SkyCam Tech.

The Perfect Place for Adventure
West Virginia is the ideal setting for professional field experiences like whitewater rafting, rock climbing and mountain biking. Students also have the opportunity to travel to places like Arches National Park in Utah as part of the Adventure Travel Writing and Photography Course.

WVU News
Learn to write, report, shoot, direct, anchor, edit and produce a newscast, working alongside professionals in a modern, HD television studio. Covering events on campus and throughout the Morgantown community, the newscast streams on Pittsburgh's KDKA-TV website, on the HD Media website and airs statewide on West Virginia Public Broadcasting and the City of Morgantown’s Public Access Channel.

The Daily Athenaeum
Official student newspaper at WVU. The DA was founded in 1887 and draws students from all disciplines to contribute original content for publication. Today, the DA is a 24/7 digital-first media organization that includes print, online, video and podcasting.

U92
Since 1982, U92 The Moose, WWVU-FM is the source of new music and broadcaster development at West Virginia University. U92 plays a daily mix of fresh alternative music, along with news, sports, and specialty and curated genre shows.

Living-Learning Communities (LLCs)

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU. Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Student Organizations

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the student organizations you can join.

Careers

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Graduates can pursue careers as sports writers, announcers, video producers, digital media editors, social media specialists, promotions coordinators and multimedia specialists.

Possible Careers

Wondering what you can do with a degree from WVU's Sports and Adventure Media major? Check out these ideas from WVU Career Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Bright Outlook
Green Occupation
Requires a Graduate Degree

Broadcast Technicians

Set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to transmit radio and television programs. Control audio equipment to regulate volume level and quality of sound during radio and television broadcasts. Operate transmitter to broadcast radio or television programs.
Possible job titles for this career include: Audio Engineer.
$60,700Median Salary

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Career Options - Sports and Adventure Media

Sports and Adventure Media students get experience covering Big 12 sporting events and adventure experiences for live production while in school so they’re ready to pursue careers as:
- Sports writers
- Announcers
- Video producers
- Digital media editors
- Social media specialists
- Promotions coordinators
- Multimedia specialists
Possible job titles for this career include: .
NaNMedian Salary

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Editors

Plan, coordinate, or edit content of material for publication. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication. Includes technical editors.
Possible job titles for this career include: Editor.
$73,080Median Salary

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Film and Video Editors

Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.
Possible job titles for this career include: Editor.
$63,520Median Salary

Learn More
Media Programming Directors

Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in preparation of radio or television station program schedules and programs, such as sports or news.
Possible job titles for this career include: Director.
$85,320Median Salary

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News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Analyze, interpret, and broadcast news received from various sources.
Possible job titles for this career include: Anchor.
$56,680Median Salary

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Photographers

Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise or other subjects, using digital or film cameras and equipment. May develop negatives or use computer software to produce finished images and prints. Includes scientific photographers, aerial photographers and photojournalists.
Possible job titles for this career include: Commercial Photographer.
$40,170Median Salary

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Public Relations Specialists

Engage in promoting or creating an intended public image for individuals, groups or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media.
Possible job titles for this career include: Account Executive.
$67,440Median Salary

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Radio and Television Announcers

Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio or television. May announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.
Possible job titles for this career include: Anchor.
$41,750Median Salary

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This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.

Courses

What are the courses like in Sports and Adventure Media at WVU?

JRL 424:
Adventure Travel Writing and Photography

Learn how to engage an audience by curating content and video and producing and packaging this information in explainer and short social videos for a professional digital publication. In addition, students obtain first-hand experience producing mobile-first content.

JRL 435:
Live Sports Video Production

Master production and coverage of live sporting events, including television terminology, camera operation, live directing, live technical directing, digital signage execution and instant replay. Get real-world practice with more than 10 of WVU’s Division I sports.

JRL 448:
Digital Publication: Social Video

Learn how to engage an audience by curating content and video and producing and packaging this information in explainer and short social videos for a professional digital publication. In addition, students obtain first-hand experience producing mobile-first content.

JRL 484:
Advanced Sports Video Production

Go live on location at sports events, including WVU’s Division I games, and adventure events, like Bridge Day in Fayetteville, West Virginia, to create video packages for the student-run Mountaineer Playbook broadcast news program. This course focuses on in-the-field reporting, studio operations and producing.

MDIA 325:
Podcast Reporting and Production

Podcasting is a growing aspect of the media industry. In this course, students will learn how to report and produce a professional-level podcast through a class podcast series as well as through listening to and critiquing class assignments and professional podcasts.

MDIA 361:
Media Relations In Sport

Provides an in-depth understanding of how effective public relations plays an integral role in any sports organization via a myriad of communication efforts used in the dissemination of information to the media and the public.

Cost and Aid

How much does Sports and Adventure Media at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

View Tuition and Fees

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

Find Scholarships

Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.

Visit the Net Price Calculator

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Extra Merit-based Scholarships

Incoming freshmen to the Reed College of Media may qualify for Innovators scholarships based on GPA. No additional application is necessary. These scholarships are in addition to University scholarships.

See if You Qualify

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Sports and Adventure Media at WVU?

To be admitted to WVU's Sports and Adventure Media major, you must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements for the 2024-25 academic year. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Related Majors and Minors

What other options does WVU have?

Advertising and Public Relations
Advertising and public relations professionals plan, design and direct communications, and find fulfilling careers in a variety of industries and locations around the world.

Learn More
Journalism
Journalism today is about connecting people with their communities and the world. Journalism students learn how to ask tough questions and deliver meaningful answers to the people who want and need to know through a variety of media.

Learn More
Sport Management
The sport industry is ever-growing and requires a properly trained workforce. We’ll provide you with the actual skills and experiences you need to succeed in the profession.

Learn More
Sport and Exercise Psychology
Combine your passion for sports with an evidence-based approach to psychology. You’ll learn about the theory and practice behind working with athletes, exercisers and performers from all backgrounds and domains.

Learn More
Wildlife and Fisheries Resources
If you’re passionate about the outdoors and the conservation of natural resources and animal habitats, this major is for you.

Learn More

What minors could I consider?

Event Planning
Minor
Journalism
Minor
Sport Communication
Minor
The sport business industry is one of the largest and fastest growing industries in the U.S., generating billions of dollars each year. The sport communication minor can prepare you for a career in this exciting field. Students will gain a foundational understanding in media writing, public relations and strategic communications, as well as an understanding of the issues affecting professional and collegiate sports today.

Related Pathways

What majors share similar career interests with this major at WVU?

Behavioral and Social Sciences
Studying human behavior and interactions will help you understand and change society – and pursue careers that help people improve their lives.

Learn More
Business and Communications
Our world relies on the exchange of information, ideas, goods and services. Majors in this pathway ready you for the rapidly evolving business and media fields.

Learn More

Next Steps

I like this major. What are the next steps?

Apply Now

Your first step to becoming a Mountaineer is applying for admission. Our online application makes the process as convenient as possible.

Request Information

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