Sport Communication Minor

Program Summary

Program: Sport Management

Program Option: Sport Communication Minor

Credential(s): Minor

Credits: 18

100% Online Option: No
On-campus/Blended Option: Yes

Cost per Credit:
$592.50 in state
$1612.00 out of state

Request Information

Apply Now!

Offered jointly with the Department of Communication, the sport communication minor gives students a chance to analyze sports from a cross-cultural perspective and provides a foundation for those looking for careers in sport management and sports media.

In addition to the knowledge gained through their course work, students gain valuable experience through internships with partners such as Mason’s Athletic Communications Office and professional sports teams, including the Washington Wizards, D.C. United, and the Washington Football Team. Several students have even had the unique opportunity to serve weeklong public relations internships at the Super Bowl. Many graduates have worked in media relations for professional and collegiate sports organizations, while others have taken their versatile skill sets beyond the sport landscape to communication positions at corporations such as Northrup Grumman, Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), and the Lupus Foundation of America.

The Sport Management Program at George Mason University seeks to prepare reflective, principled, and knowledgeable graduates with professional skill sets that enhance their success in the $490+ billion sport sector. Serving one of the nation’s most diverse student populations, this dynamic, growing program is committed to excellence and seeks to develop students’ professional knowledge and dispositions through a curriculum guided by the North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM) and the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA) content standards. An integral part of the curriculum is the opportunity for field experiences in sport settings in the Northern Virginia region, metropolitan Washington, D.C., and throughout the world.

• media relations
• sports broadcasting
• sportswriter
• public relations and community relations
• sports information director

Required Courses (12 credits)

COMM 203: Introduction to Journalism (New Window) (3 credits)
COMM 320: Business and Professional Communication (New Window) (3 credits)
SPMT 201: Introduction to Sport Management (New Window) (3 credits)
SPMT 430: Sport Communication (New Window) (3 credits)

Electives (6 credits)

Special topics courses, when relevant, may be used to fulfill this requirement with the prior written approval of the director. COMM majors are required to take one elective SPMT course.

Select two electives from the following:

COMM 204: Introduction to Public Relations (New Window) (3 credits)
COMM 208: Introduction to Media Production (New Window) (3 credits)
COMM 305: Foundations of Intercultural Communication (New Window) (3 credits)
COMM 351: News Writing and Reporting (New Window) (3 credits)
COMM 352: News Editing (New Window) (3 credits)
COMM 353: Broadcast Journalism (New Window) (3 credits)
COMM 354: Radio Production and Podcasting (New Window) (3 credits)
COMM 356: Video: Performance and Writing (New Window) (3 credits)
COMM 359: Media Management (New Window) (3 credits)
COMM 371: Sports Writing and Reporting (New Window) (3 credits)
COMM 372: Sports and the Media (New Window) (3 credits)
SPMT 302: Philosophical and Ethical Dimensions of Sport (New Window) (3 credits)
SPMT 304: Sport, Culture, and Society (New Window) (3 credits)
SPMT 305: Managing Intercollegiate Athletics (New Window) (3 credits)
SPMT 307: Sport Diplomacy (New Window) (3 credits)
SPMT 318: Diversity and Inclusion Issues in Sport (New Window) (3 credits)
SPMT 346: Sport History and Film (New Window) (3 credits)
SPMT 405: Sport Venues and Events (New Window) (3 credits)
SPMT 412: Sport Marketing and Sales (New Window) (3 credits) or SRTM 412: Sport, Recreation and Tourism Marketing (New Window) (3 credits)
SPMT 420: Economics and Finance in the Sport Industry (New Window) (3 credits)
SPMT 440: Global Perspectives in Sport (New Window) (3 credits)
SPMT 455: Governance and Policy in Sport Organizations (New Window) (3 credits)
SPMT 480: Special Topics in Sport Management (New Window) (3 credits)

Total: 18 credits

Face to face on the Fairfax campus, with degree completion set for four years.

Current Mason undergraduate students should contact their advisor about adding a minor. Students may need to fill out the Minor Declaration form from the Registrar's Office website (New Window).

TUITION CLASSIFICATION	COST PER CREDIT
Virginia Resident	$592.50 (includes MSF*)
Non-Virginia Resident	$1,612.00 (includes MSF*)
CEHD Course Fee (New Window) (PDF) ($25/credit with higher per credit or flat course fees for internship and select ATEP, RECR, and RMGT courses)	$25 - $257
Total Cost for Virginia Residents per Credit	$617.50 - $849.50
Total Cost for Non-Virginia Residents per Credit	$1,637.00 - $1,869.00
Undergraduate New Student Fee (non-refundable, one-time fee)	$350 \| $275 for transfer students

Please Note: Refer to the Students Accounts Office (New Window) website for more information on tuition and fees. Various course and lab fees may be assessed depending on the course(s) in which the student is enrolled.

*Mandatory Student Fee (MSF): $159.50

For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid (New Window). For information regarding grants, tuition waivers, and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department. Also, many school districts offer tuition reimbursement options. Speak to your employer for more information.

Academic Advisor

Melissa Busillo
Email: mbusillo@gmu.edu
Phone: 703-993-5261
Fairfax Campus: Krug Hall, Suite 213
To schedule an appointment: https://gmu.campus.eab.com/pal/oOhyMST5VC (New Window)

New Advising Platform: Patriot Connect

As of May 22, Navigate Mason will be de-activated and advisors will begin using Patriot Connect (New Window) for appointment scheduling. Any appointments after May 22 will need to be scheduled in Patriot Connect. Instructions on how to access and utilize this new system will be added here in the near future.

Patriot Connect is George Mason’s new platform designed to enhance your student journey. It will be your go-to for student success scheduling – such as academic advising, student success coaching, learning services, and more – ensuring you have the support you need to reach your goals at George Mason. Students will be able to login to Patriot Connect starting May 1.

Forms

Current students should visit MyMason for important forms and documents.

Program Summary

Program: Sport Management

Program Option: Sport Communication Minor

Credential(s): Minor

Credits: 18

100% Online Option: No
On-campus/Blended Option: Yes

Cost per Credit:
$592.50 in state
$1612.00 out of state

Request Information

Apply Now!

Sport Communication Minor

Program Summary

More about the Program

Careers in Sport Communication

Sport Media Opportunities on Mason's Campus

Required Courses (12 credits)

Electives (6 credits)

Program Format

Application Requirements

Admissions Requirements

Tuition (2024-25)

Financial Aid

Advising

Academic Advisor

New Advising Platform: Patriot Connect

Resources

Forms

Sport Management

Program Summary

Primary Faculty