Sports Communication

The public’s interest and participation in sports has grown significantly over the past 20 years and spans many sectors of society. Today, sports coverage can be accessed around the globe at any time through many forms of media. As a result, the industry has a significant need for professionals who can convey engaging and accurate information through writing, streaming, video, and promotion of sports on the recreational, youth, collegiate, and professional levels.

OBU’s sports communication degree meets this need by offering a robust program that offers instruction and hands-on training. It will prepare you to communicate, inform, educate, and engage the wide range of audiences affiliated with sports.

Class of 2021

Brenna Holley

OKC Thunder Account Executive, Group Sales

“The OBU communication studies program provided a strong foundation to jump into a career in sports. My classes allowed me to not only sharpen my verbal and written communication skills, but also practice problem solving and creative thinking. I now get to use these pieces every day in closing sales and planning group events with the OKC Thunder!”

Benefits of the OBU Sports Communication Program

Diverse Curriculum

OBU’s sports communication degree will instruct you in media relations, crisis management, community relations and cultural issues between sports organizations and their audiences.  Specifically, you will benefit from courses such as business communication, public speaking, advertising, social media, ethics in sports, communication and conflict, sports governance and regulations, and more.

Partnership with OBU Athletics

Through connections with the OBU athletics department, you will be exposed to a variety of campus sports and events. These settings can provide ample opportunities for hands on experience in areas such as photography, story writing and videography as you cover events related to the university’s athletic teams. Much like an internship, it is a valuable avenue to build relationships, gain confidence and strengthen skills to enhance your marketability upon graduation.

Broad Spectrum of Faculty

A unique aspect of our sports communication degree is the opportunity to interact with a wide range of faculty members from multiple academic disciplines. You will be exposed to OBU world-class faculty from the areas of communication, journalism, art, and sports management.   Their combined experiences deepen your level of understanding and provide you with a comprehensive look into the various elements of the sports communication field.

Incredible Education, Affordable Cost.

OBU provides a minimum $10,000 per year scholarship to every incoming first-time freshman and $8,000 to every incoming transfer student. And you could qualify for even more financial aid! Many of our students also receive money through federal Pell grants and OBU Bison Grants.

To get an estimate of what your cost to attend OBU might be, please check out our Net Price Calculator. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with how affordable an OBU education really is. Especially considering the incredible academic quality, personal mentor relationships with faculty and staff, and strong Christian commitment you will experience at OBU. You won’t find an experience like this anywhere else!

Program Information

Relevant Training

The public’s interest in sports is at an all-time high.  Because this interest spans all ages, cultures and sports interests, it is vital that sports communication be executed efficiently, professionally and ethically. Communication is a key element that connects athletes, teams, fans, sponsors, and the media. A degree in sports communication will offer you the knowledge, strategies, and skills to contribute to the overall success and growth of the sports industry.

Small Class Size

Our small class sizes allow you to build relationships with your classmates and professors that will last long after you graduate from Bison Hill. Our faculty seek to not only invest in your academic journey, but are eager to help you realize your full potential personally and professionally. Your experiences will be enriched by the individual instruction and mentoring they provide.

Faith Integration

The courses in sports communication are taught from a Christian worldview with professors who serve as personal mentors, supporting both your intellectual and spiritual development. Our faculty instill a solid foundation of faith and biblical perspective through their instruction and personal lives. Our mission is to invest in you as a person who will exemplify Christian principles and practices with utmost respect for those you serve through sports communication.

Program Options

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

World-Class Faculty

OBU faculty are experts in their fields and will be with you every step of the way.

Dr. Kaylene Barbe

Dr. Kaylene Barbe

Frank W. Patterson Professor of Communications
Professor of Communication Studies

Benjamin Baxter

Benjamin Baxter

Chair, Division of Communication Arts
Associate Professor of Animation and Media Production

Holly Easttom

Holly Easttom

Assistant Professor of Journalism

Corey Fuller

Corey Fuller

Chair, Division of Art and Design
Ruth Jay Odom Professor of Fine Arts
Professor of Graphic Design

Ann McNellis

Ann McNellis

Assistant Professor of Communication Studies

Dr. Chad Payn

Dr. Chad Payn

Chair, Division of Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation
Associate Professor of Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation
Faculty Athletics Representative

Dr. Gary Rhodes

Dr. Gary Rhodes

Professor of Media Production

Division of Communication Arts

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