Program Overview

University of Florida: Journalism | Sports and Media Program

The University of Florida offers a Bachelor of Science in Journalism with a specialization in Sports and Media. This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in journalism, with a focus on sports media and communications.

Program Description

In the Journalism major, students become proficient in multiple areas of journalism, reporting, and storytelling. Students learn core skills in interviewing, writing, multimedia/visuals, broadcast, and public records, as well as legal and ethical principles and practices. The Sports and Media specialization teaches students to be skilled in multiple areas of sports media and communications, including reporting, writing, video, audio, social media, and more.

Program Requirements

• College: Journalism and Communications
• Degree: Bachelor of Science in Journalism
• Specialization: Sports and Media
• Credits for Degree: 120

Curriculum

The curriculum provides a foundation in reporting, writing, numeracy, the use of public records, First Amendment/media law, history of media, and storytelling in a variety of platforms. Specialized coursework is offered in a variety of subjects, and the curriculum is designed to allow flexibility for faculty to develop curriculum in evolving areas.

Required Core Coursework

• JOU 2100: Broadcast Writing Bootcamp (1 credit)
• JOU 3015: Principles of Journalism (3 credits)
• JOU 3101: Reporting (3 credits)
• JOU 3110: Applied Fact Finding (3 credits)
• JOU 3220C: Visual Journalism (3 credits)
• JOU 3346L: Multimedia Reporting (3 credits)
• MMC 2450: Data Literacy for Communicators (1 credit)
• MMC 2604: Media, Cultures, and Identity (3 credits)
• or JOU 4714: Race, Sports and Media (3 credits)

Sports and Media Core Coursework

• JOU 4313C: Sports Reporting (3 credits)
• or RTV 3593: Multimedia Sports Reporting (3 credits)
• MMC 3210: Sports Media Law and Ethics (3 credits)
• MMC 3703: Sports Media and Society (3 credits)
• PUR 3463: Sports Communication (3 credits)
• RTV 3502C: Fundamentals of Sports Production (3 credits)
• RTV 4959C: Sports Capstone (3 credits)

Professional Electives

• Any other course taken in the College of Journalism and Communications at or above the 3000 level (JOU, RTV, PUR, ADV)

Critical Tracking

Critical Tracking records each student’s progress in courses that are required for entry to each major. The critical-tracking requirements are as follows:

• Semester 1: Complete 1 of 8 critical tracking courses
• Semester 2: Complete 1 critical-tracking course
• Semester 3: Complete 1 critical-tracking course
• Semester 4: Complete 1 critical-tracking course
• Semester 5: Complete 1 critical-tracking course
• Semester 6: Complete 1 critical-tracking course
• Semester 7: Complete 1 critical-tracking course
• Semester 8: Complete 1 critical-tracking course

Student Learning Outcomes

• Content: Apply basic numerical and statistical concepts used by journalists
• Critical Thinking: Conduct research and evaluation information that is accessible through advanced database and public records
• Critical Thinking: Demonstrate reporting skills that reflect a diverse and pluralistic society
• Critical Thinking: Understand and apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press
• Communication: Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the journalism and communications professions and audiences

Assessment Types

• Exams
• Story Evaluation

Graduation Requirements

To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college, and major requirements. The program provides students with a comprehensive education in journalism, with a focus on sports media and communications, preparing them for careers in traditional and new media platforms.