Sports Media

Applying to FIU and Admission to the Major

Students who select Sports Media as a major when they apply to FIU as transfer students or from high school must meet the following criteria to be admitted to the major:

• GPA of 2.75 or greater

Applying to FIU

Students who have questions about the FIU application process may e-mail Alexia Freeman at afreeman@fiu.edu. You may also call OneStop at 305-348-7000. Tell OneStop you want to transfer to the Sports Media major, part of the B.S. in Digital Communication & Media at FIU.

Sports Media Curriculum

Students in the Sports Media major must satisfy all the following requirements as instructed.

Core Degree Requirements (12 credits): All students in this degree must complete a degree core that includes five courses:

• MMC3003. Journalism & Media Orientation – 0 credits – A course designed to provide students with a comprehensive overview of academic policies, procedures and requirements for matriculation and graduation from the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media.

• MMC3303  Global Media and Society – 3 credits satisfies Global Learning – The course will familiarize students with a multi-cultural global perspective of a multi-media world. The aim of the course is to create a foundation of global media literacy.

• MMC3123  Writing for Media   – 3 credits – Writing for Media introduces students to professional media writing in journalism, broadcasting, digital media and social media.

• MMC4200  Media Law and Ethics  – 3 credits – An in-depth examination of legal and ethical issues confronting media professionals.

• VIC3400. Visual Design for Globalized Media – 3 credits satisfies Global Learning*  The course explores the relationship between images and messages in global media and the primary role that visual design plays in globalized media presentations.

Major Specific Requirements (27 Credits): 

• MMC 3113 Sports Journalism in Contemporary Society (3). An introductory course designed to enhance student’s understanding ofcurrent trends in sports journalism and the role it plays in contemporary society.
• MMC 3451 Sports Information Research and Data (3). Sports Information, Research and Data offers an in-depth exploration of advancedstatistical analytics pivotal in developing meaningful sports journalism in today’s new media world. Prerequisites: MMC 3113, MMC 3003,and 2.85 cumulative GPA.
  
• JOU 3313 Multiplatform Sports Writing (3). Multiplatform Sports Writing offers an in-depth exploration of sports writing as a fundamental tool for print, digital, broadcast and new media outlets. Prerequisites: MMC 3113, MMC 3003, and 2.85 cumulative GPA.
• RTV 3503 Sports Broadcasting and Performance (3). This course will help students develop an understanding and perspective of the sportsbroadcasting industry, including play-by-play, anchoring, reporting, writing, and other essential elements. Prerequisites: MMC 3003 and 2.85 cumulative GPA.
• DIG 3142 – Sports Journalism and Social Media (3). An in-depth examination of how social media developed into its place within today’s sports media fields, and where it’s headed. This course will enhance understanding of the current trends of social media within sports journalism, and how new media platforms have changed the landscape. Prerequisite: MMC 3113.
• JOU 3317 – Field Reporting for Sports Broadcast (3). Field Reporting for Sports Broadcast is an in-depth exploration of advanced storytelling for televised and streamed broadcasts, allowing students to construct meaningful content befit of the new media world. Utilizing previous LCSJM courses as a baseline, it will differentiate writing for publications from writing for on-air platforms, dividing the latter into news, features and editorial segments. Change-of-voice tools, phonetics and body language are among the elements that will be utilized.
• MMC 3128 – Evolution of Sports Media Podcasting (3). An in-depth exploration into the construction of sports podcasts, allowing students to craft content befit of today’s broadcast world. Utilizing previous LCSJM courses as a baseline, it dives deeper into the rise of podcasting as a new media platform, and sports’ overwhelming presence inside it, inspiring students to chart their own path. Also included in the process is an investment in today’s prominent sports podcasters, examining their key strategies. Prereq: MMC 3113
• MMC4940 Media Practicum (3).
• JOU4341C Journalism Capstone (3).

Area of Concentration – 12 credits
All students enrolled in the Sports Media major must have a declared area of concentration (AoC):

• The AoC requires 12 credits of 3000/4000-level complementary coursework
• AoC courses may be taken within or outside of the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media
• The AoC is not a minor or a certificate, but you may pursue a minor or certificate program and have that count as your AoC
• Consult with your advisor for what would be suit your career and individual goals.

Sample Areas of Concentration:

• Creative Digital Filmmaking (also a certificate program)
• Spanish-language Reporting
• Social Media and E-Marketing (also a minor within the School of Business)

School of Journalism & Media Electives: Students in the Sports Media major who have satisfied all of their General Education, Core Degree and Major-Specific requirements and who are still shy of the 120 credits needed to graduate, may choose any course at the 3000/4000 level from ADV, COM, DIG, JOU, MMC, PUR, RTV, SPC.

Note: Students may replace one of these courses with a sports-oriented internship, with permission from Prof. Tim Sullivan.