WVU will launch the only known undergraduate major in the country to focus on sports and adventure media beginning in Fall 2018.
West Virginia University’s Reed College of Media has developed the only known undergraduate major in the country to focus on sports and adventure media.
With its big-time college sports programs and beautiful natural setting, the Mountain State is a mecca for sports and adventure enthusiasts, and also the perfect setting for the new major designed to prepare students for careers in sports journalism and adventure media communications.
Both the College of Media and the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences will offer courses in the Sports and Adventure Media major set to launch in Fall 2018.
Students in the new blended major will enroll in media courses that utilize the latest storytelling technology and audience engagement tactics, while also learning the principles of writing, reporting and content production. Courses at CPASS will focus on sports psychology and management and in outdoor adventure skills.
The curriculum was developed in response to the high demand for professional communicators with specialized skills in sports media.
“The sports and adventure industry is a huge business with a great number of career opportunities in communications,” said College of Media Dean Maryanne Reed. “At the same time, West Virginia is fast developing a reputation as a hub for adventure and extreme sports enthusiasts.”
CPASS Dean Dana Brooks says he’s excited about partnering with the College of Media on the new major which he believes will be in high demand.
“The new Sports and Adventure Media major represents a perfect pairing between our two colleges,” Brooks said. “It gives students a solid grounding in sports studies, while providing them with a choice between developing sports media or adventure media skills.”
After completing core classes in CPASS and the College of Media, students will be able to tailor their degree to their specific interest by choosing between a sports or an adventure area of interest.
In addition to their coursework, students will gain additional hands-on experience through a required internship at a sports or adventure media organization. Regional potential internship partners include Mountaineer Sports Network, the West Virginia Black Bears, the Pittsburgh Pirates, Snowshoe Mountain Resort and Adventures on the Gorge.
-WVU-
ak/10/12/17
CONTACT: Allyson Kennedy, Reed College of Media
304.293.5726; Allyson.Kennedy@mail.wvu.edu
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