Launching this spring, a new graduate certificate will allow UF students to explore their passion for sports media
Last year, Jada Ross, a UF journalism major on the sports and media track, found herself on a coverage team for the 124th U.S Open. There, despite being the youngest reporter in attendance and the only woman in the group, she was given the opportunity to ask the first postgame interview question to Ludvig Åberg, a Swedish professional golfer.
“That moment was pivotal in helping me find confidence in this career and make the most of the experiences in sports media that I’m offered,” said Ross, who is currently in her third year in the College of Journalism and Communications’ sports media program, which is one of the most comprehensive, hands-on sports programs in the country. “At the time, I was still deciding on a career track, and this experience 100% confirmed that I wanted to pursue a career in sports media.”
This spring, students like Ross will have the opportunity to take their studies further with a new Sports Media and Communication Graduate Certificate. Available online, the 12-credit program will expand on the undergraduate program with a greater focus on global sports media, entrepreneurship and digital content creation. It is designed to serve as a standalone credential or fulfill the elective requirements to earn a Master of Arts in Mass Communication degree, and enrollment is currently open.
Expanding an increasingly popular program
In 2018, inspired by the success of sports reporting courses and high demand among students for more sports-related classes, the College of Journalism and Communications launched the sports and media program. This specialty track is designed to help undergraduate students turn their love for sports into a career, teaching them how to write and produce multimedia sports content.
“The program is based on being trained as a traditional journalist, but now it also entails being a multi-tooled content creator and storyteller with a twist of sports,” said Director of Sports Journalism and Communication Eric Esterline. “Students learn the basics of writing and reporting for print and broadcast, as well as build a strong understanding of the law and ethics of reporting in this day and age.”
In addition to the core coursework required for their journalism degree, sports and media students complete 18 credit hours of sports-related courses, including sports media law and ethics, sports production and a sports media capstone project.
The program also offers a variety of experiential learning opportunities through the college’s many media properties, including WUFT, WRUF and the Orange & Blue Sports Network, where students can learn how to use the broadcasting and radio equipment to produce sports content.
Prioritizing experiential learning
Isaac Edelman, a second-year UF journalism major on the sports and media track, knows how valuable hands-on opportunities can be. As a sports anchor for “WUFT News First at Five” and a member of WRUF’s “Gator GameDay,” he is getting on-air experience both in front of and behind the camera. While building his portfolio, he has learned the ins and outs of the AP Electronic News Production System, a type of software used by numerous local news stations.
“Look, there’s no denying it – if you want to be a broadcaster, you need to get experience being on air,” Edelman said. “Getting to call live play-by-play of one of the premier sports brands in the country has been nothing short of an honor, and when I graduate, I will be able to send potential employers my reel thanks to the Orange & Blue Sports Network.”
Beyond these opportunities with UF’s media properties, the sports media program also has an assortment of study abroad and study away options. For example, Caroline King, a UF journalism senior on the sports and media track who is a teaching assistant for Associate Dean of Undergraduate Affairs and Professor of Journalism Ted Spiker, was recently selected for the NBA in Paris study abroad program.
“It was one of the best things I have done in college,” King said. “The trip was incredibly well organized, with a perfect balance of meaningful excursions and journalistic work. I’m so grateful I had the chance to go, because that experience is what made me realize how much I love sports media.”
To enroll in the Sports Media and Communication Graduate Certificate program, click here.
Category: College News
Tagged: Eric Esterline Journalism Sports Media Sports Media and Communication Sports@CJC
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