The Sports and Adventure Media Major prepares students for careers as content creators with fundamental knowledge in media, sports and adventure. Students in the major select an Area of Emphasis (AOE) in either Sports Media or Adventure Media.
The Sports Media Area of Emphasis offers courses that focus on video production for the sports broadcast industry and journalism purposes and requires two College of Media electives, which offer students flexibility to further tailor their specific interests and skill sets.
The Adventure Media Area of Emphasis offers courses on multi-platform content production for advertising, public relations and journalism purposes. The Adventure Media Area of Emphasis includes courses in adventure sports, which provide students with necessary technical skills to work as media professionals in the industry.
Students in both AOEs will be prepared to enter an ever-changing digital media landscape by taking innovative courses that utilize the latest storytelling technology and audience engagement tactics, while instilling fundamental storytelling principles and media ethics. Graduates of this degree will stand out in sports media, adventure sports media, and adventure tourism and travel industries.
Sports and Adventure Media
The goal of the blended WVU Reed College of Media and College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences major in Sports and Adventure Media is to provide students with a foundation of knowledge and critical thinking and a depth of skills and understanding that will prepare them for professions in the sports and adventure media industries and/or for further education and research pursuits in sports and adventure media. We will achieve this goal by meeting the following objectives, which will culminate in a B.S.J. degree:
- Provide knowledge of the sports and adventure media industries so students have a foundational understanding and the necessary context for their future academics and profession in the industry.
- Through the major's blended approach with the WVU College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, students will learn about the history, theory and current trends in sport management and adventure recreation, which will deepen their understanding of and applied learning in sports and adventure media.
- Provide students with a foundation in media ethics so they understand the importance of adhering to ethical guidelines and incorporate real-world experiences that allow students to apply their professional ethics knowledge.
- Teach students about the importance of diversity in the sports, sports management, and adventure media and recreation industries and provide hands-on experiences that require them to produce work that is about, and also serves, a diverse society.
- Provide students with skills and knowledge in sports and adventure media content creation – through writing, photography and videography – through live and pre-produced programming, dissemination and audience engagement.
- Provide students with field experiences in sports and adventure media.
- Assist students in securing professional internships in their field of study.
- Expose students to emerging technologies and guide their appropriate use/application of them.
