• Description of Program
• Admission
• Degree Requirements
• Special Opportunities
• Careers

Description of Program

The Sport Communication Program reflects the widening opportunities that exist in this field. An increasing amount of sport-related activity is occurring in television, radio, Internet, and print communication. The sport communication emphasis is an interdisciplinary program that provides a strong background in sport with either a broadcast or print specialization.

With the cooperation of the Department of Telecommunications and the School of Journalism, the Department of Kinesiology offers undergraduate programs in sport communication—broadcast and print, leading to the Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology degree. The sport communication-broadcast emphasis concentrates on courses in telecommunications media, such as television, radio, and other electronic communications technologies. Additionally, both specialization areas offer instruction in new media technology, such as blogging, podcasting, and on-line communications.

The kinesiology curriculum provides the student with an understanding of the science of human movement and the interrelationship among the historical, sociological, and psychological elements of sport. Combining the kinesiology curriculum with the print or broadcast specialization provides for a more thorough background than is possible if the areas are studied separately.

Admission

Apply online for undergraduate admission to Indiana University at http://admit.indiana.edu/.

A newly admitted freshman pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology degree with a major in sport communication-broadcast will receive an offer of direct freshman admission to the sport communication-broadcast program if he or she meets both of the following criteria:

• The applicant must have earned one of the following minimum standardized test scores: A combined critical reading and math score of 1270 on the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) or a composite score of 29 on the ACT (American College Test).
• The applicant must have either graduated in the top 12 percent of his or her high school graduating class or earned a minimum high school GPA of 3.5.

Before entering the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation as a sport communication-broadcast major, all other students must meet both of the following criteria:

• The student must successfully complete at least 26 credit hours.
• The student must have a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA) at Indiana University.

Students in the University Division must also declare their intention to major in sport communication-broadcast to the University Division Records Office. Undergraduate students who complete the semester before certification of admission to the school with less than a 2.0 GPA for the semester will be admitted on a probationary status. 

International transfer applicants to the School of HPER, whose primary language is not English must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum TOEFL score of 550 on the paper- based test, or 213 on the computer-based test, or a 79 on the Internet-based test, is required for direct admission to the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. For students from countries where the TOEFL is not available, other evidence of English proficiency may be considered. All entering international students whose primary language is not English will be required to take the Indiana University English language examination before registering for course work. Appropriate remedial English courses may be prescribed on the basis of test results.

All entering international students whose primary language is not English will be required to take a special examination in English with IU prior to registering.  Prepared by IU and designed to test a student’s ability to use English in an academic setting, the exam consists of three parts: an essay on a general topic, a listening comprehension exercise, and a grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension section.  There is little that one can do to prepare for this exam other than to continue using written and spoken English at every opportunity.  

International students whose primary language is not English must agree to take any English language courses prescribed from the results of this examination. Fees for special part-time English courses are the same as for other courses; however, credits earned do not meet degree requirements.  If the results of the proficiency examination indicate that full-time work in English is required, the student will be assigned to the Intensive English Program (IEP).  

Students enrolled in IEP do not take academic courses until they achieve adequate English proficiency.  If a student has serious doubts about English ability and is not financially prepared to undertake the additional time and expense of an intensive English program here, the student should consider completing English study in the student’s home country.  In addition, the student may consider delaying admission to a future session.

Degree Requirements

The four-year sport communication-broadcast curriculum combines the subject matter of human movement and sport with a significant body of course work in the Department of Telecommunications. There is a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA) entrance requirement. Graduation requirements include:

• completion of general education requirements.
• completion of sport communication-broadcast major requirements.
• a minimum of 124 successfully completed credit hours which count toward the degree program.
• a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.
• a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA in a combination of ANAT-A 215 and courses with the following department code-prefixes: HPER-A, HPER-D, HPER-K, and  HPER-P. 
• No Pass/Fail except for free electives.

General Education (20 – 39 credits)

All undergraduate students who matriculate as degree-seeking students at IU Bloomington in or after the summer term of 2011 must complete the IU Bloomington campus-wide general education common ground requirements. Such students must visit the 2011-2012 General Education Bulletin to view these requirements.

Undergraduate students who matriculate as degree-seeking students on the IU Bloomington campus in the summer or fall terms of 2010, or the spring term of 2011, must complete the School of HPER general education requirements which are described below. Unlike the 2011-2112 Bloomington campus-wide general education requirements, the 2010 School of HPER general education requirements do not include a residency requirement, nor do they restrict the use of extended-term, independent study or correspondence courses.

2010 School of HPER General Education Requirements

English Composition (0 to 3 credits required, C- minimum required in the course used to satisfy this requirement)
Complete one of the following options:

• CMCL-C 110 Writing the World (3 cr.)
• ENG-W 131 Elementary Composition 1 (3 cr.)
• ENG-W 170 Introduction to Argumentative Writing: Projects in Reading and Writing (3 cr. - this topic only)
• ENG-W 131 EX  Elementary Composition by Examination (0 cr.)

Mathematical Modeling (3 to 4 credits required)
Complete one of the following options:

• MATH-A 118 Finite Mathematics for the Social and Biological Sciences (3 cr.)
• MATH-D 116 AND MATH-D 117 Introduction to Finite Mathematics I-II (4 cr.)
• MATH-M 118 Finite Mathematics (3 cr.)
• MATH-S 118 Honors Finite Mathematics (3 cr.)
• MATH-V 118 Finite Mathematics with Applications: Finite Mathematics for the Social and Biological Sciences (3 cr.)
• MATH-V 118 Finite Mathematics with Applications: Finite and Consumer Mathematics (3 cr.)
• MATH-J 113 Introduction to Calculus with Applications (3 cr.)
• MATH-M 119 Brief Survey of Calculus 1 (3 cr.)
• MATH-M 211 Calculus I (4 cr.)
• MATH-M 213 Accelerated Calculus (4 cr.)

Note: The course(s) used to satisfy the mathematical modeling requirement may NOT also be applied to the natural and mathematical sciences requirement.

Complete either six credits of acceptable natural and mathematical sciences (N&M) courses, or a single, approved, five-credit N&M course with a substantial laboratory component. The course used to satisfy the mathematical modeling requirement may NOT also be used to fulfill this requirement. Visit the list of acceptable natural and mathematical sciences (N&M) courses for choices and more information.

Arts and Humanities (6 credits required)     
Complete six credits of acceptable arts and humanities (A&H) courses.

Social and Historical Studies (6 credits required.)
Complete six credits of acceptable social and historical studies (S&H) courses.

World Languages and Cultures (0 to 14 cr., most commonly 6 credits)
There are three options for completion of the world languages and cultures requirement.

• Option one: Complete six credits acceptable world cultures (WC) courses. 
• Option two: Complete the language study (LS) option, by achieving proficiency in a foreign language equal to successful completion of the second year, second semester course. 
• Option three: Complete an approved international experience (IE), and contact the School of HPER recorder to request a notation of completion of this requirement on the academic advisement report.

Major (81-82 cr.)

Sport Communication Course Requirement (18 cr.)
Complete each of the following courses:

• HPER-P 212 Introduction to Exercise Science (3 cr.)
• HPER-P 213 Introduction to Sport Communication (3 cr.)
• HPER-P 329 Issues in Sport Communication (3 cr.)
• HPER-P 333 Sport in America: Historical Perspectives (3 cr.)
• HPER-P 392 Sport in American Society (3 cr.)
• HPER-P 415 Sport Promotion and Public Relations (3 cr.)

Legal Competency Requirement (3 cr.):
Complete one of the following legal competency courses:

• HPER-P 411 Legal Issues in Sport Settings (3 cr.)
• HPER-R 411 Legal Issues in Sport Settings (3 cr.)
• HPER-R 441 Legal Aspects of Recreation (3 cr.)

Computer Competency Requirement (3 cr.):
Complete one of the following courses:

• BUS-K 201 The Computer in Business (3 cr.)
• CSCI-A 110 Introduction to Computers and Computing (3 cr.) +(N&M)
• EDUC-W 200 Microcomputers in Education (3 cr.)
• HPER-P 200 Microcomputer Applications in Kinesiology (3 cr.)
• HPER-R 237 Computers in Park, Recreation, and Tourism Management (3 cr.)

Sport Communication Elective Requirement (12 cr.):
Consult the academic advisor during selection of these courses.
Complete 12 credits from the following courses:

• HPER-H 318 Drug Use in American Society (3 cr.)
• HPER-P 206 Recreational Sports Programming (3 cr.)
• HPER-P 211 Introduction to Sport Management (3 cr.)
• HPER-P 301 Job Search Strategies for Kinesiology Students (1 cr.)
• HPER-P 318 Management of the Sport Enterprise (3 cr.)
• HPER-P 328 Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics (3 cr.)
• HPER-P 405 Introduction to Sport Psychology (3 cr.)
• HPER-P 418 Sport Marketing (3 cr.)
• HPER-P 423 Financial Principles of Sport (3 cr.)
• HPER-P 426 Sales Management in Sport (3 cr.)
• HPER-P 428 Strategic Management in the Sport Industry (3 cr.)
• HPER-P 438 Internship in Sport Communication (3 cr.)
• HPER-P 439 Practicum in Sport Studies (1-3 cr.)
• HPER-P 445 Special Topics in Kinesiology (3 cr.)
• HPER-P 492 Laboratory Assisting or Field Experience in Kinesiology (1-3 cr.)
• HPER-R 354 Sport and Violence (3 cr.)

Sport Requirement (3-4 cr.)
Complete 3 to 4 credits from the following courses:

• HPER-A 361 Coaching of Football (2 cr.)
• HPER-A 362 Coaching of Basketball (2 cr.)
• HPER-A 363 Coaching of Baseball (2 cr.)
• HPER-A 364 Coaching of Track and Field (2 cr.)
• HPER-A 366 Coaching of Gymnastics (2 cr.)
• HPER-A 367 Coaching of Swimming and Diving (2 cr.)
• HPER-A 368 Coaching of Tennis (2 cr.)
• HPER-A 369 Coaching of Golf (2 cr.)
• HPER-A 370 Coaching of Soccer (2 cr.)
• HPER-A 371 Coaching of Volleyball (2 cr.)
• HPER-E ____ Any Physical Activity Elective courses (1-2 cr.)

Telecommunication Requirements (24 cr.)
Complete the following two courses:

• TEL-T 101 Media Life (3 cr.) +(S&H)
• TEL-T 211 Writing for Electronic Media (3 cr.)

Complete18 credits from the from the following three telecommunications areas: 

• The 18 credits must include at least one course from each of the three telecommunications areas.
• The 18 credits must include at least 6 credit hours at the 300-400 level in telecommunications.

Media and Society

• TEL-T 205 Introduction to Media and Society (3 cr.) +(S&H)
• TEL-T 311 Media History (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 312 Politics and Media (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 313 Comparative Media Systems (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 314 Processes and Effects (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 316 Media Ethics and Professional Responsibility (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 317 Children and Media (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 410 Sex and the Media (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 414 Public Communication Campaigns (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 416 Program Analysis and Criticism (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 424 Telecommunications and the Constitution (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 427 International Telecommunications (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 445 Sports and Television (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 451 Topical Seminar in Media and Society (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 471 Applying Theory to Media Design (3 cr.)
• TEL- S451 Honors Seminar in Media and Society (3 cr.)

Design and Production

• TEL-T 206 Introduction to Design and Production (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 283 Introduction to Production Techniques and Processes (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 284 Introduction to Interactive Media Design (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 330 Production Management (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 331 Script Writing (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 351 Video Field Production (1.5 cr.)
• TEL-T 353 Audio Production (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 354 Program Graphics and Animation (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 356 TV Studio Operations/Production (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 361 Interactive Transmedia Design (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 364 Introduction to 3D Digital Modeling and Animation (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 366 Multiplayer Game Design (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 367 Theory /Practice Interactive Entertainment (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 369 Sound Design (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 431 Video Documentary (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 433 Advanced Projects in Web Design (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 435 Documentary Production (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 436 Advanced Production Workshop (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 437 WTIU Production Workshop (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 452 Topical Seminar in Design and Production (3 cr.)
• TEL-S 452 Honors Seminar in Design and Production (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 454 DVD Authoring (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 460 Projects in Game Design (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 461 Advanced Interactive Transmedia Design (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 464 Advanced 3D Digital Modeling and Animation (3 cr.)

Industry and Management

• TEL-T 207 Introduction to Telecommunications Industry and Management (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 242 Public Telecommunications (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 260 The Videogame Industry (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 316 Media Ethics and Professional Responsibility (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 321 Policymaking in Telecommunications (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 322 Telecommunications Networks (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 326 Network Design (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 327 Data Communications (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 329 Cable /Broadband Communications (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 340 Electronic Media Advertising (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 343 Electronic Media Sales (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 344 Programming Strategies (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 347 Promotion and Marketing (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 348 Audience Analysis (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 413 Global Media Issues (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 421 Economics of Communication Industries (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 422 Business Applications of Telecommunications (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 425 Telecommunications Law and Regulation (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 441 Advanced Advertising Strategies (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 446 Telecommunications Management (3 cr.)
• TEL-T 453 Topical Seminar in Telecommunications Industry and Management (3 cr.)
• TEL-S 453 Honors Seminar in Telecommunications Industry and Management (3 cr.)

Oral Communication Requirement (3 cr.)
Complete one of the following courses:

• CMCL-C 121 Public Speaking (3 cr.) +(A&H)
• CMCL-C 122 Interpersonal Communication (3 cr.) +(S&H)

Advanced Writing Requirement (3 cr.)
Complete one of the following courses:

• ENG-W 231 Professional Writing Skills (3 cr.)
• ENG-W 270 Argumentative Writing (3 cr.)

Communication Requirement (6 cr.)
Complete six credits from the following courses:

• BUS-X 204 Business Communications (3 cr.)
• CMCL-C ____ Any communication and culture course +(some A&H)
• ENG-G 205 Introduction to the English Language (3 cr.)
• ENG-G 302 Structure of Modern English (3 cr.)
• ENG-W 103 Introductory Creative Writing (3 cr.) +(A&H)
• ENG-W 202 English Grammar Review (1 cr.)
• ENG-W 203 Creative Writing (3 cr.) (P: W 103)
• ENG-W 240 Community Service Writing (3 cr.)
• ENG-W 280 Literary Editing and Publishing (3 cr.)
• ENG-W 350 Advanced Expository Writing (3 cr.)
• JOUR-J 110 Foundations of Journalism and Mass Communication (3 cr.) +(S&H)
• THTR-T 115 Oral Interpretation I (3 cr.)

Arts and Humanities Elective Requirement (3 cr.)
Complete three credits in Arts and Humanities in addition to those required by the general education requirement.

Social and Historical Studies Elective Requirement (3 cr.)
Complete three credits in Social and Historical Studies in addition to those required by the general education requirement.

+ Courses followed by a N&M notation apply toward completion of both the major requirement and the general education, natural and mathematic sciences requirement.

+ Courses followed by a A&H notation apply toward completion of both the major requirement and the general education, arts and humanities requirement.

+ Courses followed by a S&H notation apply toward completion of both the major requirement and the general education, social and historical studies requirement.

Special Opportunities

Direct experience in the area of sport communication is an important component of this undergraduate major. Through practica, internships, and/or field experiences, students have the opportunity to work and train in a variety of sport and communication related fields. Local internship opportunities include the Colts, Indiana Pacers and Fever, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Natatorium, AAA baseball at Victory Field, the NCAA Headquarters, and four sport National Governing Bodies.

Specialized advising is provided to assist students with degree planning that allows them to tailor their degree to meet long-term goals. Students are required to meet with an academic advisor at least twice a year.

Career resources are provided through the expertise of a career specialist to assist students in career planning, resume and cover letter preparation, and skill development for the interview process. In addition the Career Center contains a variety of up-to-date and highly accessible resources designed to facilitate long-range decision making and future employment considerations.

Careers

Students completing the Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a specialization in Sport Communication will be prepared for entry-level positions in radio, television, athletic or sports information, sports journalism, public and/or community relations, and promotions.

Students may also find employment with semiprofessional and professional sports teams in the area of media relations. Graduates are likely to be knowledgeable in a variety of sport communication applications and suited to diverse employment opportunities.