It’s been five years since we published our list of the top five sports broadcasting schools in the U.S. It’s been nine years since our initial Top 20 ranking in 2013.
It’s time to update the list.
The list of top sports broadcasting schools has remained largely the same over the past decade. There are some new additions, and some schools have risen or fallen slightly. Still, though, largely the same.
Excellence is rooted in consistency.
Traits of top sports broadcasting schools:
1. Quality instruction
The best instructors are those who are, or have been, sports broadcasters.
2. Campus radio and/or TV stations
Having a place to get reps is mandatory. A perk of Big 10, SEC and ACC schools is being in conferences whose TV networks provide professional-quality broadcast opportunities for students.
3. Alumni involvement
The best schools have alumni who return to campus to mentor, teach, and help graduates get jobs.
Read our 2017 ranking of the Top 5 sports broadcasting schools for more tips on what to look for when choosing a good one.
The Top 20 sports broadcasting schools:
- Syracuse
- Arizona State
- Ball State
- Notre Dame
- Virginia Tech
- Indiana
- Ohio U.
- Missouri
- Oklahoma State
- Maryland
- St. Cloud State
- Penn State
- Bradley
- Northwestern
- Kansas
- Miami
- Hofstra
- Florida
- Ohio State
- Fordham
Honorable Mention top sports broadcasting schools
Schools are listed in alphabetical order.
- Emerson
- Gonzaga
- Iowa
- Ithaca
- Michigan State
- NAU
- Oregon
- TCU
- Washington State
A special note about Big Ten, SEC and ACC schools
Schools in the Big Ten, SEC and ACC are worth an additional look, regardless of their placement on our lists. The reason, as mentioned at the top of this page, is because of the relationships they have with their respective conference broadcast networks. Each of the three conferences streams broadcasts produced entirely by students, including the on-air talent.
The games are in big-time settings and the production quality is high. Everyone steps their game up and it looks great on a demo reel.
Since the webcasts reflect the quality of each school’s sports broadcasting curriculum, these schools generally provide excellent classroom instruction.
Schools with a sports broadcasting, sports communications or sports media major
These schools take the education of sports broadcasters seriously enough that they’ve created majors, or at least sports media concentrations, that are more specialized than a general broadcasting major.
Schools are listed in alphabetical order.
- Arizona State
- Austin Peay
- Belhaven
- Clemson
- Evansville
- Indiana
- Ithaca
- Marist
- Marshall
- Morehouse
- Nebraska
- Newman
- Oklahoma State
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Southeastern Louisiana
- Syracuse
- TCU
- Texas
- Waynesburg
- Western Illinois
Two more factors to consider when choosing a sports broadcasting school
Geography
You can’t put a price on happiness. Choose to live someplace you are going to enjoy.
Cost
Not every school is going to be in everyone’s budget. Don’t sweat it, though. Read on . . .
You can launch a successful sports broadcasting career from anywhere. Though a ton of sportscasters have graduated from Syracuse, their number is far surpassed by sportscasters who went elsewhere.
Your success will depend upon the degree to which you take advantage of the opportunities provided to you. If you are at a school where the quality of instruction is less, seek outside mentors. If you aren’t getting the reps you want, create your own opportunities doing webcasts of local high school and small college games.
Success will depend most upon the opportunities you create for yourself beyond the school curriculum, having mentors to critique your work and what you do with the opportunities you are given.
The most successful sportscasters are the most invested — the most disciplined and hard working.
I’m glad to help
We’ve advised hundreds of students — and parents of students — about what colleges might be best for them.
Do you have questions or comments? Please leave them below. I enjoy helping!
Jon Chelesnik,
Owner, STAA
67 Comments
Melissa
What about Lipscomb University for Sports Broadcasting? It looks like they have a good program but they are not listed here. Any thoughts?
Jon Chelesnik
(I’m sorry for my late reply. It’s due to my ignorance regarding the new spam filtering software on our website. I’m still pleased to reply even though it’s likely too late to be of use).
I’ve met just one sportscaster from Lipscomb. That is an indication to me that their program might not be on par with the nation’s best. However, that one sportscaster graduated just back in 2021 and was fairly well-prepared for the job market.
Tracy
What do you think about Fairfield University?
Tracy
What do you know about Marist?
Tracy
Do you know anything about Canisius College, Niagara University or Saint Bonaventure?
Jon Chelesnik
(I’m sorry for my late reply. It’s due to my ignorance regarding the new spam filtering software on our website. I’m still pleased to reply even though it’s likely too late to be of use).
Glad to chime-in on those schools:
* Fordham. One of the oldest sports broadcasting programs in the country. That means a strong alumni network; that’s always helpful when students seek mentors and when grads hit the job market. The caliber of instruction is also strong.
* Marist. Good, though not great. Their grads aren’t quite as polished as students from the top schools. Still, the fact that they have a sports broadcasting, sports communications or sports media major is meaningful.
* Fairfield & Niagara. The fact that I didn’t know they have a broadcasting program doesn’t speak well to it’s possible place among the elite.
* Canisius. 2023 grad Griffin DellaPenna is quite talented. A large part of that is because he’s a quality person but the school also earns credit. On the flip side, he is the first sportscaster I’ve come across from Canisius.
* St. Bonaventure. Might have the second best broadcasting program on the list of schools you asked about. Seem to be stronger in producing TV sportscasters than radio.
Tracy
Thank you for your response.
If you had a choice between Hofstra, Ithaca or Duquesne. How would you rank them?
Jon Chelesnik
Hofstra and Ithaca are close. Hofstra’s history, and likely larger alumni network within the industry, might give them an edge. A person won’t go wrong with either.
Stephanie
My son would like to do sports broadcasting. I am trying to find options for this.
Jon Chelesnik
(I’m sorry for my late reply. It’s due to my ignorance regarding the new spam filtering software on our website. I’m still pleased to reply even though it’s likely too late to be of use).
The lists on this page are a great starting point for exploration. How old is your son?
Samantha Galuris
Thank you for providing this list of the top sports media schools.
I am very interested in attending South Carolina. Are you aware of any contacts or scholarships I can reach out to or apply for.
Thank you
Jon Chelesnik
(I’m sorry for my late reply. It’s due to my ignorance regarding the new spam filtering software on our website. I’m still pleased to reply even though it’s likely too late to be of use).
Were you able to gain the info you sought about South Carolina?
Christine
What’s your opinion on the U of Georgia sportscasting certificate?
Jon Chelesnik
(I’m sorry for my late reply. It’s due to my ignorance regarding the new spam filtering software on our website. I’m still pleased to reply even though it’s likely too late to be of use).
Georgia has a strong program for sportscasters, especially for aspiring TV sports anchor/reporters.
Jake
Thank you for the list, any insight on university of michigan?
Jon Chelesnik
(I’m sorry for my late reply. It’s due to my ignorance regarding the new spam filtering software on our website. I’m still pleased to reply even though it’s likely too late to be of use).
Michigan has a healthy enrollment in their program. From what I’ve seen, though, their students are not as strong in the fundamentals as the top schools. The program at Michigan State seems to be ahead of that at Michigan.
Mark Robbins
Hi, Jon —
First of all, thank you for the helpful rankings and comments that you put together. It is helping significantly as my son Caleb now decides on where to go to college this fall. He is fortunate to have been admitted to Indiana U.’s Media School, Michigan State’s School of Communications, Ohio U’s Scripps School and Ithaca College’s Sports Media program. He is waitlisted at Syracuse Newhouse. We live in Michigan. All things being equal, he’d choose Indiana from among where he’s been admitted. He had a great visit to the Media School last month, and also is drawn to the Big Ten atmosphere and opportunities. He is interested broadly both in sports broadcasting and journalism. The catch is that each school, either being in state or having extended generous financial packages, other than Indiana, will cost somewhere between $23,000-$30,000 in total. Indiana would cost around $51,000. We have the money saved up in 529s to cover Caleb for that expense, and he’s likely not going to go to graduate school, so it’s there to be used. Still, how much greater value do you believe Indiana would bring to Caleb’s sports media education than Michigan State or Ohio? He’s sort of ruled Ithaca out because it doesn’t offer the big college social environment that Caleb wants. Thank you very much for any thoughts you may have. Sincerely, Mark Robbins, 248-881-3826
Jon Chelesnik
(I’m sorry for my late reply. It’s due to my ignorance regarding the new spam filtering software on our website. I’m still pleased to reply even though it’s likely too late to be of use).
You and I have corresponded at length since you posted here, so I won’t rehash all of it. What school did Caleb end up choosing?
Pari K
What are your thoughts on Dean college now that John Rooke is there?
Jon Chelesnik
Hi Pari. Thank you for your question.
I am a big fan of John’s, as an instructor, broadcaster and person. He teaches his students well.
When John was at Emerson, they were cranking out quality sportscasters. Dean is doing okay but has yet to reach that point. It’s understandable, though, because John started Dean’s sportscasting program from scratch. Emerson has a long track record.
Dean has students working in the Cape League, NECBL and Futures League, in minor league hockey, in college sports at Dean and at other nearby schools who don’t have broadcasting on their campus.
They also have academic partnerships with the Patriots, Revolution, Providence Bruins, WooSox.
An up-and-coming program certainly worthy of consideration.
Lynn
Thank you for this list. I looked over this post and your post and follow up questions from your 2013 list. A number of years ago you were saying that you hadn’t really heard of many successful grads from Univ. of MD – College Park in the field. What changed your mind to put them at #10 on your new list?
Jon Chelesnik
Great question about Maryland, Lynn. My change of opinion about the Terps is based upon how much more familiar I’ve become with their program over the past decade. Perhaps they’ve been strong for a long time and I simply lacked sufficient familiarity with them. Or maybe their program has simply improved over the past decade. Whatever the reason, their program is currently strong!
Diane
My son will be a senior in HS this fall and interested in sports broadcasting. I’m curious why Notre Dame ranks 4 on your list. I know they have a journalism program, but I see nothing about sports broadcasting within the curriculum. Thoughts?
Jon Chelesnik
Hi Diane. Notre Dame is quality over quantity. They don’t crank out sportscasters in large numbers, but they do produce them in great quality. Off the top of my head in recent years: Jack Collinsworth, Mike Golic Jr., Caroline Pineda and Mike Monaco to name a few of the highest profile ones. Conor Clingen and David Korzeniowski are up-and-comers. And I know there are others I am leaving out.
Rick
What do you think about Springfield College in Massachusetts?
Jon Chelesnik
Hi Rick. Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, I lack any insight into Springfield College.
Chris
Thank you for this information Jon. What are your thoughts regarding the growing conference consolidation and its impact on the rankings of these programs. For example if the ACC disbands over next 2-3 years how do you see Syracuse Miami Virginia Tech broadcasting programs being affected? Thoughts on impact on resources? Am I overthinking or valid concern? Specifically curious on Syracuse as Vtech and Miami may be attractive to Sec or big 10. Syracuse maybe not. Thanks!
Jon Chelesnik
Fabulous question, Chris. Conference affiliation doesn’t impact the quality of a school’s sports broadcasting program. The money earned from conference affiliation stays within the athletic department. Strong broadcasting programs like the ones you mentioned are so because of the investments those schools make in their facilities, opportunities and, most importantly, people. The outstanding instructors at schools like Syracuse, Virginia Tech, Arizona State, etc. will stay regardless of conference affiliation.
Again, that is a very cool question, Chris. Feel free to ask follow-ups if you have them.
Amy
If my son is more interested in the camera and production side of broadcasting rather than talent-in-front-of-the-screen, what would you recommend? We are looking at ASU, U of Florida, South Carolina. He is also interested in digital media content creation. Thoughts on these schools and other options? He is a strong student who would like a warmer climate and a bigger school. Which of these do you like, and where else to look for camera/production/digital media content creation?
Jon Chelesnik
Hi Amy! TCU is a great school for your son to consider. They have an outstanding department head in Chuck LaMendola and a partnership with a regional sports TV network where students get opportunities in production. They do produce on-air talent but they especially excel at the production side. Fort Worth is largely warm weather, too.
Most sports broadcasting, sports communications or sports media majors today include digital media content creation. That includes, of course, ASU, South Carolina and the other schools on the list above featuring that same tile
Let me know if you have more questions. I enjoy answering them.
Amy
Thank you very much, Jon. What do you think about University of Florida or Auburn on the TV production side? My son is accepted at ASU but waiting to hear from Florida, South Carolina, and Auburn. TCU is likely on the expensive side for us (another of our sons got in there and got very little merit aid). Any other TV production program recommendations at medium sized schools?
Jon Chelesnik
You’re welcome, Amy!
Northern Arizona U. has an outstanding TV production program and is likely much more affordable than TCU. The head of the program is a fabulous guy named Rory Faust. He would gladly answer questions you might have about their program.
Most schools that have a healthy program for TV sportscasters also excel in production instruction. Students work together in front of, and behind, the camera. Florida, South Carolina and Auburn certainly fit into that category. I would even rank them in that order, if forced to. Really, though, it’s splitting hairs. All three are similarly strong and would be great choices.
There is a strong chance that a college grad gets their first job in the state where they attended school. Therefore, your son might consider where he would like to live upon graduating — Florida, South Carolina, Alabama, Arizona, etc.
Steve Jones
Our son is a rising senior in high school and wants to pursue sports broadcasting in college. His list is Syracuse, Ithaca, Fordham, Seton Hall, Rowan, Virginia Tech, and University of Florida. Trying to be diverse with state vs. private and admission criteria. We live in NJ and were quite impressed with Seton Hall. Bob Ley and Bob Picozzi are both alumni. Wondering your thoughts on this list and specifically Seton Hall. Virginia Tech also looks quite appealing but we haven’t visited the campus yet. Thank you for your input.
Jon Chelesnik
Thank you for your question, Steve. I am unfamiliar with the program at Rowan, but the rest of your list is strong.
Syracuse and VaTech are among the best in the nation. Not coincidentally, the head of the Tech program — Bill Roth — is a Syracuse alumnus. He’s also a fabulous instructor. Fordham has one of the nation’s deepest sports broadcasting traditions. Florida is strong, especially if your son wants to pursue TV more than radio. I’m a fan of instructor Jeremy Menard at Ithaca because I’m seeing the folks he is cranking out of there and I’ve known him for many years. Seton Hall is more middling, though grads John Fanta and Clayton Collier are both doing well in TV.
Steve Jones
Thank you for your response, Jon. The information you provide here is invaluable. Our son just got his acceptance letter and merit award from Seton Hall. Just a brief follow up on the Rowan program. Neil Hartman is the director there. He has worked in the Philadelphia market for 30+ years. Good internships and connections with many Philly area teams.
Jon Chelesnik
Hi Steve,
Congratulations to your son. That is great news!
Thank you for the info about the program at Rowan. It is certainly helpful.
Happy holiday season!
Jon
Jo
Hi! My son is a rising high school senior in Vermont. He grew up in MD and has always been interested in sports. He has looked at Marist, Fairfield, Sacred Heart, Curry, and Sienna, and numerous colleges for his older brother. Our other son, the older brother, is a sophomore at the College of the Holy Cross. He is dual majoring in Political Science and English. He has been interviewing, writing for blogs and the newspaper, and calling games for Holy Cross on the radio and loving Holy Cross. We hope to find a good fit for our middle son. Our middle son is a different student and prefers to watch and listen verses reading and writing. He works hard and is capable of accomplishing anything because he has great work ethic. I hope to one day see and or hear them together on the radio or tv. We would like to have our middle son 3 1/2 hours away or so. Has Ithica really changed a lot because back in the late 80’s I don’t recall it having a great reputation? How does Sacred Heart rank? Holy Cross? Any other schools that have good learning support and a good program?
Thanks in advance!
Jon Chelesnik
Hi Jo. It sounds like you’ve had a full house over the years!
I wasn’t familiar with Ithaca in the late 80’s. And outside their sports broadcasting program, I don’t know what their reputation is today. The sports broadcasting program, though, has been elevated since Jeremy Menard joined the staff last decade. Of the school’s you’ve referenced, they are easily the best for sportscasting.
I believe Sacred Heart has a sports Communication & Media/Broadcasting major. That’s a good thing. However, I know of multiple folks who have transferred out of the program to complete their sports broadcasting pursuits at schools like Hofstra, Seton Hall and others. It is my observation that graduates of the program are less prepared for the job market than graduates from many other programs.
Holy Cross is a fine school, but there are much better options for aspiring sportscasters.
Julie O.
Thank you for this helpful list and the great insight you offer as answers to our questions!
I have a rising high school sophomore who wants to pursue a career in sports broadcasting. For the past two summers, he’s completed a 1-week sports broadcasting camp run by a company that offers it at college campuses across the U.S. (they’re not affiliated with any college/university program).
I’d like to help him continue skill building and want to get him into a more robust program next summer, maybe one that is affiliated with a strong collegiate program. Can you offer any insight into the best pre-college sports broadcasting programs available to high school students? Location is not a limitation for us. Thank you!
Jon Chelesnik
Hi Julie,
It sounds like your son has attended Jeremy Treatman’s sportscasting camps. He’s been hosting them for a long time and, from what I’ve gathered, does a terrific job. Props to your son for his ambition.
Yours is an interesting question about pre-college sports broadcasting programs that might be affiliated with a strong college program. Arizona State has done something the past few summers, but I don’t know if it is open to non-ASU students. If you will email me at jon@staatalent.com, I’ll send you contact info for a person at ASU who would know.
The ASU summer program might be just for play-by-play broadcasters. In what aspects of sportscasting is your son interested?
Jon
Julie O
Thanks so much. Yes that’s the one…my son really enjoyed it both summers. He attended at a different campus each time and found the experience was slightly different and impacted by the equipment the hosting campus has. We absolutely recommend the program to anyone considering it. I’ll email you about ASU – thanks for your contact info, much appreciated!
Jon Chelesnik
Hi Julie. It’s neat to hear about how the camp experience differs, but is always good, based upon the location. I didn’t know that. Very cool!
Shanna Bauman
My son is a sophomore currently as well and I would love more info on the camps your son has done. We have looked into these three that our college advisor recommended – ASU, UCLA and Wake Forest – they all offer summer camps for broadcasting.
Jon Chelesnik
Appalachian State is another school that has a fabulous summer program for sports broadcasters.
Leslie
Hi! My son is a HS Sophomore interested in a career in sports broadcasting. He attended Play by Play Sports Broadcasting camp over the summer and loved it. We are just beginning our college search and have many of the names on our list that you have discussed – Emerson, Marist, Hofstra etc. Here in NJ Rowan University has a huge Sports Media program. My son however would like a New England school as he is a New England Sports Fan – What can you recommend besides Emerson? URI? UConn? I wish there was a Seton Hall/Rowan/Montclair type school in Boston (campus, strong sports school, sports media degree).
Jon Chelesnik
Hi Leslie. Boston College might be worth a look. I know of at least two TV sportscasters who graduated from BC, Julia Morris and Prescott Rossi. There are certainly more. Northeastern has a terrific program, especially if hockey is among your son’s interests. UCONN is a great school, but not so much for aspiring sports broadcasters.
Jackson
Hey Jon. I am a High School senior in Michigan and currently applying to college and wanting to major in Sports Media, Broadcasting, and Journalism. I am weighing my options and am deciding between Michigan State University and the University of Kansas, Central Michigan University, and a few others. From what I have already researched, KU’s broadcasting program has a much more in depth, sports-focused area of the program while MSU and Central seems to be more news radio/television focused, and not so much sports. KU’s athletics are also very enticing and so is the fact that multiple sports broadcasters/journalists who I know attended KU. I want to know if in the long run, and to better set me up for a great career in the sports broadcasting industry, would it be worth it for me to attend KU over my in-state options? Or will attending MSU set me up just the same.
Jon Chelesnik
Hi Jackson. Thank you for your message. Terrific question. My answer pains me to write because I am a proud Kansas State University grad. You are right on, though: our arch-rival KU is a terrific destination for aspiring sportscasters. It has been for several decades. You’ll receive quality instruction and lots of on-air reps.They also have a strong, underrated alumni network within the industry. If staying closer to home and/or if the cost savings of attending MSU or Central Michigan is important, you can build a strong foundation for your career at those schools, as well. Michigan State has especially seemed to be on the rise over the past four years or so. I don’t know if that is real, or if it is simply because I’ve been seeing more, polished graduates coming from East Lansing in that time. Bottom line: you’ll get what you need for sportscasting at any of the schools, as long as you put in the work. Therefore, let geography, environment and finances be your guides. Let me know if you have more questions, Jackson. And please let me know where you end up choosing!
Dayna Winslette
My nephew is a high school senior who is interested in going into sports broadcasting. He has experience more behind the camera than in front of it and is trying to decide which he wants to do. We live in Georgia and want to keep him in-state for tuition reasons. Other than UGA (which can be expensive and overwhelming for someone from a small town), what other schools could you recommend for him? If it has a football program (DI, DII, doesn’t matter), even better because he would love to continue playing in college if he can. Thanks in advance for your help!
Jon Chelesnik
Hi Dayna,
Georgia Southern, Georgia State and Georgia College & State University MIGHT have what your nephew is looking for. Of the three, I am most confident about Georgia Southern because they produce so many broadcasts on ESPN+ that there is a strong chance that students play a role in the production.
Rex
Hey Jon! I am a high school junior and am trying to find a school for sports broadcasting in the southern (warmer climate) of the US. I am more interested in the technical side of broadcasting (camera operating, production) than the face in front of the camera. What are your thoughts about AI and its effects on broadcasting? Also, do you know anything about Sports Documentary making? I am interested in that as well. Thank You!
Jon Chelesnik
Hi Rex. Thank you for visiting our website and leaving a message.
It’s funny you asked about AI and sportscasting. Just yesterday I stumbled across this article addressing the topic:
https://thedmonline.com/what-does-the-future-of-sports-broadcasting-look-like/
One school leaps immediately to mind that fits your interest: TCU. They have modern facilities, a working relationship with FOX Sports Southwest and fabulous instruction led by Chuck LaMendola. Chuck is a great dude. His email address is c.lamendola@tcu.edu. If you contact him to ask him questions, feel free to tell him that I suggested you reach out to him.
Any school that includes TV among their sports media major will help you develop off-camera skills. Arizona State, Alabama, Georgia and Florida all fit the bill and are in warm weather locations. Perhaps Baylor, too.
Carl Bernstein
What schools in North Carolina would be the best for this? Western Carolina seems like a good area but I don’t know which school would lead me to be a play-by-play announcer best
Jon Chelesnik
Hi Carl. UNC and Appalachian State are fabulous options. Elon and East Carolina are also worth reviewing.
Molly Sheeder
Stumbled across this looking at options for my daughter who is currently a senior at a tiny high school in west-central PA. She is obviously also interested in Sports broadcasting/journalism/communications. She’s not 100% sure exactly what route she wants to pursue. She’s pretty open to going anywhere. I’m curious if you feel anywhere is better than another for female students wanting to go into this field. Thanks!!!
Jon Chelesnik
Hi Molly. Thank you for your question. It’s one I’ve not received before. Love it!
I don’t know of a school whose sportscasting program might be more favorable to women. And fortunately, I certainly have not heard of a school with a program that is unfavorable to women.
Two women do come immediately to mind who lead the sportscasting departments at their schools. Both are women I have come to personally know over the years and for whom I have great respect:
1. Olivia Stomski: Director of the Newhouse Sports Media Center at Syracuse.
2. Beth Haag: Assistant Teaching Professor-Greenlee School of Journalism and Communications at Iowa State.
Syracuse has had a sports broadcasting major forever. Iowa State is currently preparing for launch of their sportscasting-specific major.
Kansas University has long been a terrific school for aspiring sportscasters. Ann Brill is their Dean of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Jamie Lynn Gilbert is the Associate Director of Student Media at North Carolina State.
Perhaps your daughter might feel that one of those schools is an especially comfortable fit.
Molly Sheeder
Thank you!! Appreciate your quick reply. Thoughts on Penn State for such a major?
Jon Chelesnik
Hi Molly. Glad to try to help. Penn State is an outstanding choice. One especially great thing about PSU is their Career Placement and Internship program, led by Bob Martin. They also have a large enough alumni network to be helpful.
Memphis Coles
Hi there,
I am specifically interested in play-by-play sports broadcasting and I wanted to know your recommendation for that area specifically. Also, I noticed Full Sail University was not on the list and I know they have a sports broadcasting program. I wanted to know if you knew about the program there. Thank you for this helpful article.
Jon Chelesnik
The Full Sail program is outstanding. The reason they aren’t on the list is only because they’re not a traditional four-year school. I am usually much against broadcasting “trade schools.” Full Sail, though, is legit — especially for aspiring TV sports anchor/reporters. They seem to crank out far fewer play-by-play broadcasters. Perhaps I’m wrong, though.
Most of the schools on this list excel at producing play-by-play broadcasters and TV sports anchor/reporters. Perhaps I give the ever so slightest nod to Syracuse, Arizona State and Oklahoma State for RADIO play-by-play (versus streaming). Most all the schools on the list are good with streaming play-by-play folks. (The role of the play-by-play broadcaster is much different when there is no picture).
Chris
Where do you like for Sports Broadcasting Master’s Degree, as delineated from a Communications Master’s program?
Jon Chelesnik
Syracuse is easily the No. 1 Masters program. Any school that has a strong undergrad sportscasting program will also have a strong Masters program, if they offer one.
I’m not a believer, though, in the value or necessity of a sports broadcasting Masters. This blog post explains why: https://staatalent.com/the-journalism-masters-myth/
One benefit that isn’t included in the blog post is getting more on-air reps if you need to further polish your craft before hitting the sportscasting job market.
Jon Chelesnik
A person can thrive, and set themself up for post-graduate success, at any of these schools. The thing that will determine the value of the college experience is the degree of effort that is put into it. Schools provide different levels of instruction and on-air opportunities. Deficiencies in either can be made up for through aggressiveness by the individual.
Instruction not great? Seek outside mentors to critique your work and offer guidance? Not getting the on-air reps you want? Cover games on your own.
A student will get out of their college experience whatever they put into it.
Tina
Hello
Thank you so much for this very helpful informative list! Reading the comments have been very useful. I have a son graduating this year and his goal is to attend a school that offers sports broadcasting major. We just toured Husson University in Maine , their program is under what they call the New England School of Communication. Do you have any feedback or knowledge of this program at all?
Jon Chelesnik
Hi Tina. Thank you for your post. And you are welcome! Glad you are enjoying the info on this page.
I’m not familiar with the New England School of Communication. I wish I could shed some light on it for you.
Kevin McKinney
What is the best way or school to obtain an online degree in Sports Broadcasting?
I am 19 yeasr old and will have to work part time but sports is my passion.
Jon Chelesnik
Hi Kevin! Thank you for your question. I have little faith in most sportscasting trade schools, which is where you would likely find the most feasible online options. Most promise to prepare you for an on-air career but you graduate prepared only to work behind the scenes. Colorado Broadcasting School is an exception, if they offer online. Same with Complete Game Broadcasting in Atlanta. The first one to look at, though, is the Dan Patrick School of Sportscasting through Full Sail University. They have on-campus learning in Florida but they also offer online. Their track record is relatively short but quite impressive in the number of their folks who get on-air jobs upon graduating.