Communication and storytelling is at the heart of the sports business. The sports media landscape is constantly evolving – from live broadcasts and social media to branded content and athlete-driven narratives – and there is a strong demand for passionate sports communicators who can think critically and create compelling narratives that get to the heart of the game and connect sports fans across platforms.
The Sports Communication Certificate prepares students to turn their passion into a career in the fast-paced world of sports reporting and broadcasting, marketing, media and public relations. Through hands-on courses, students will learn how to analyze sports media trends, craft strategic messaging and explore the cultural and economic forces shaping the sports world.
Requirements and Courses
The Sports Communication Certificate is open to all undergraduate students at UW–Madison. To complete the certificate, students must complete at least 12 credits in the following areas (please note – students may need to take more than four courses in order to obtain the 12 credits minimum needed to earn the certificate):
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Survey Course
Skills Courses
Complete at least ONE of the following:
Social Impacts Courses
Complete at least ONE of the following:
Professional Enrichment Courses
Complete at least ONE of the following:
What You’ll Learn
This Certificate equips students with the practical skills training and theoretical knowledge needed to succeed as a sports communication professional. Students will gain hands-on experience with sports reporting and strategic storytelling as well as an understanding of how sports impact the media and society at large.
Throughout their studies, students will learn to:
- Inform and persuade audiences with compelling sports-related messages, across a variety of contemporary media.
- Think strategically, creatively and critically to solve problems and meet the demands and challenges of informing the public about sports while understanding the norms of amateur and professional sports organizations.
- Understand the responsible and ethical use of mass media to convey information to sports-interested audiences.
- Appreciate and articulate the role of sports in culture and society and the media’s relationship with that role.
Ready to declare?
Take the next step to turning your passion for sports into a career. To declare the Sports Communication Certificate, please complete our brief declaration form.
Get in Touch with Us!
Sandra Kubat
Undergraduate Academic Advisor
5136 Vilas Hall
sandra.kubat@wisc.edu
Sandra Kubat is the Undergraduate Academic Advisor for the Sports Communication Certificate. Schedule an appointment with her to learn more about the certificate requirements, help you declare and discuss course options.
Schedule a 20-minute in-person or virtual appointment with Sandra via Starfish. If you can’t find a time that works for your schedule, please email Sandra for more options.
If you have a quick question or two, feel free to send Sandra an email directly and you can likely resolve the questions without the need for an appointment.