SJMC Launches New Minor in Sports Media
February 11, 2026
Royal Maddison
A new Minor in Sports Media under the School of Journalism and Mass Communications has taken effect as of Spring 2026. It is now available to all Texas State students, providing academic opportunities for Bobcats interested in sports journalism and communication!
The minor was co-authored by Harry Bowers, the Associate Director and Professor of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and is officially in effect beginning this academic year, 2025-2026. Sports Media was previously offered as a concentration and has since evolved into a minor. The change provides students with a more defined and accessible path into the industry.
The minor is an 18-hour program and includes three required courses: MC4329 Sports Media, MC4331 Strategic Sports Communication, and MC4336K Content Creation for Sports. Sports Media is an introductory class that covers journalism and media production. This course prepares them for Strategic Sports Communication, which focuses on brand image and promotion for athletes, public relations, and internal communication within a team or organization. Content Creation for Sports examines sports media, including writing and videography, for students to apply and create their own content on a variety of platforms.
Students have the flexibility to choose additional Mass Communication electives to tailor the minor to their specific interests within the field after completing the required courses. Students may also apply internship experience toward the minor, with up to three credit hours eligible to count toward the 18-hour requirement. This opportunity allows students to gain hands-on experience, build a professional skillset, and a chance to make industry connections in the media world.
“Sports are a great context for developing and learning a lot of different skills– you need to have a skill that could translate to any other business because at the end of the day, sport is a business.” -Professor Dr. Michael Devlin
Dr. Michael Devlin, a professor of Sports Media Classes and the other co-author of the Minor in Sports Media, gave some insight about what real-life opportunities his course provides. The new pathway opportunity course offers hands-on experience working with the TXST athletic department, and students can craft strategic and promotional projects. The recent partnership with the PAC-12 provides a new opportunity for growth and industry exposure. Students can also work with ESPN3 for students who are interested in the technical and production side of Sports Media. Delvin says,
“Sport is multitasking, and there are so many career opportunities in there. What we’ve done with this minor is we really try to approach all the different group opera singing that exists and offer points of interest and engagement for every type of our students that there are.”
The idea for a Minor in Sports Media came from Electronic Media. According to Bowers, the students expressed interest in a more specialized academic track. Bowers and Devlin put a plan into motion to create an official space for these students to carve out a successful academic future and a stable position in the workforce. The minor helps students clarify their career goals and better prepare for professional opportunities in sports broadcasting, journalism, and media relations through a niche pathway.
To be approved for the Minor in Sports Media, students must be enrolled in the Fall 2025 catalog or later and meet all program requirements.
2025-2026 Minor in Sports Media Catalog: https://mycatalog.txstate.edu/undergraduate/fine-arts-communication/journalism-mass/sports-media-minor/