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Sports Media

Students learn how to report and write about sports and the people involved in an industry generating over $600 billion annually and hungry for skilled, versatile media professionals. Besides covering NCAA Division I games and talking to athletes, students go beyond the scoreboard to explore the factors that shape the 21st century sports world.

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Sports Media

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Degree Level
Minor
Delivery
In Person
Credit Hours
18 Total
Careers
Postsecondary, Reporters,, Journalists, Editors
Sports Media students at EIU

Why Study Sports Media at EIU?

  • Cover NCAA Division I sporting events and athletes. Benefit from a unique relationship between the sports media program and EIU athletics that allows students easy access to players and coaches.
  • Use your coverage experiences to develop a strong story portfolio that will enhance job prospects.
  • Develop strong writing, reporting, communication, and analytical skills through game stories, social media posts, columns and feature articles.
"I didn't expect to get real experience this early, but by my sophomore year I was already working on projects that felt like actual marketing work. It made me feel confident that I'm ready for what comes next."
Alex Wilcoxon
Marketing | Junior
Alex Wilcoxon, Marketing at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • On-the-ground reporting at EIU games allows students to interview athletes and coaches alongside professional peers.
  • Have the opportunity to be a beat reporter by covering EIU athletic teams for the award-winning Daily Eastern News or News Watch, a live, student-run newscast.
  • Work behind the scenes with the ESPN+ production truck when it visits campus to cover EIU sporting events.
Explore Courses
Hands-On Experience, Sports Media students at EIU

What You'll Learn

The Sports Media minor prepares students for a job in a $600 billion industry, whether  be to report from the sideline, anchor a sports broadcast or tell the stories that define athletes and teams. Through hands-on coursework via small classes, live event coverage, and direct access to NCAA Division I athletics, students can build a professional portfolio of bylines, broadcast reels, and production experiences while still in school.

View in Catalog
$72,900
Median Salary 4 Years After Graduation

Career Outcomes

  • Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
  • News Analysts, Reporters, &…
  • Editors
  • Writers & Authors
  • Poets, Lyricists & Creative Writers
  • Proofreaders & Copy Markers
  • Broadcast Announcers & Radio Disc…
  • Photographers
  • Film & Video Editors
  • Agents & Business Managers of…

Career Insights

Job Outlook ★ Bright Outlook Grow Rapidly
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)
Personality Fit Artistic

Connect With Us

Timothy Drachlis
Journalism Instructor
tcdrachlis@eiu.edu
2521 Buzzard Hall
217-581-6003
Timothy Drachlis Message Timothy

Message Timothy

or email tcdrachlis@eiu.edu directly
Matt Gill
Department Chair
mjgill@eiu.edu
2512 Buzzard Hall
217-581-6003
Matt Gill Message Matt

Message Matt

or email mjgill@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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