What can you do with a Sports Communication degree?

First, some facts. Of the Sports Communication graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 55 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? On par with the average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 67%, Sports Communication graduates have about the same likelihood of finding work in this field as the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 67%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, only 20% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Sports Communication graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Sports Communication graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 50%

We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2022 from Kean University with a Bachelor of Business Administration - BBA in Sports Communication. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Retail Floor Manager
AllSaints
Nov 2022 - Present
As a Retail Floor Manager at AllSaints, the position involves management and customer interaction skills that can be indirectly related to business administration, but it does not specifically utilize knowledge from Sports Communication.

ABOUT

I am passionate about my work and being able to help those who are in need. I enjoy a challenge and getting out of my comfort zone to learn new things and enhance my knowledge of everything that is in front of me.

What jobs can you get with a Sports Communication degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


When analyzing the career paths of various individuals who have graduated with degrees in Sports Communication, several patterns emerge regarding the types of jobs they secure and how relevant these roles are to their field of study. Many graduates find themselves in positions directly tied to communication within the sports industry, such as public relations, journalism, and operational roles in sports organizations. However, there are also numerous instances of individuals taking on jobs that, while they may involve some communication skills, do not fully utilize the specialized knowledge acquired through their degree.

Positions like Sports Writer, Public Address Announcer, and roles involving athletics communications are often highlighted as highly relevant to the Sports Communication degree. These jobs typically leverage skills in writing, speaking, and media relations that are foundational aspects of the curriculum. On the other hand, roles such as Ticket Operations Associate or retail positions often require general communication skills but are not closely tied to the sports communication-specific knowledge gained during their studies. In fact, many graduates accept roles in unrelated fields, such as education or retail, that do not utilize their sports communication training. This divergence suggests that while the degree prepares students for a wide array of opportunities, there may be a disconnect between their qualifications and the available job market.

In summary, while a significant number of sports communication graduates land roles that capitalize on their academic training, a noteworthy portion of them occupy positions that leave much of their degree's relevance untapped. This trend reflects both the versatile nature of the skills obtained through a Sports Communication degree and the competitive job market, which often leads graduates to pursue diverse pathways that aren't necessarily aligned with their specialization.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Sports Communication graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Sports Communication graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

When you look at the career trajectories of recent graduates in Sports Communication, it's evident that there's a mixed bag of outcomes over the first few years post-graduation. Many individuals kick off their careers in roles that are directly related to sports, such as operations, communication, and marketing positions. For instance, the 2023 Emerson College graduate landed a Basketball Operations Trainee role with the NBA right after graduation, while another from the same school is working as a Graduate Assistant in a sport business management program. These initial jobs often seem promising and show that some graduates are finding opportunities in their desired field fairly quickly.

However, as you zoom out to look at their career paths five to ten years later, the picture gets a bit cloudier. Some graduates transition into roles that don't necessarily tie back to sports communication as much. For example, the Oklahoma State University graduate moved through various roles in education and youth services rather than continuing in a sports-related job. Meanwhile, a Piedmont University grad is the COO of an entertainment company, which, while potentially exciting, isn't strictly in sports communication. It's also notable that some individuals from earlier classes have taken on quite different roles unrelated to their sports communication background entirely. For instance, graduates from Ohio University and Bowie State University are in jobs that are more about general business or hospitality than sports itself.

In summary, while there are certainly success stories of people starting strong in sports-related roles, a significant number end up branching out into other fields within a few years. This trajectory suggests that while a degree in Sports Communication can open doors to relevant internships and entry roles, the long-term career outcomes can vary widely. Graduates might find themselves working successfully in sports, but others could drift into completely unrelated careers. For anyone considering this degree, it's essential to remain flexible and be open to various paths in the job market.

How hard is a Sports Communication degree?

A Bachelor degree in Sports Communication can be a mix of fun and challenge, but overall, it's generally considered to be on the easier side compared to some other degrees. You’ll dive into classes that cover topics like media writing, sports marketing, and event management, which can be pretty exciting if you’re into sports and storytelling. However, don’t expect it to be a walk in the park—there will still be research papers and presentations to tackle, and you’ll need to keep up with the ever-changing sports landscape. If you’re passionate about sports and communication, you might find it enjoyable and more manageable than something super technical or heavy duty, like engineering or physics. Just stay engaged, and you’ll likely do just fine!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Sports Communication.

Do Sports Communication graduates tend to make good money?

Looking at the job history of these Sports Communication graduates, it's a bit of a mixed bag in terms of potential earnings. The graduates from Emerson College and Clemson University have some promising positions early in their careers, especially with affiliations to major leagues like the NBA and organizations like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Those roles could set them up for decent salaries in the future, especially in more high-profile sports management positions. However, many others seem to be starting with entry-level or internships that typically don’t pay a lot, which can stall their earnings initially.

On the flip side, graduates who moved into roles like the Chief Operating Officer or Director positions, such as those from Piedmont University and Ferris State University, may have found a more stable financial footing. Overall, while some graduates are on a trajectory that might lead to higher earnings, others are likely in jobs where the pay isn’t very high yet. It really varies, and those just starting out might have to work their way up before they see substantial financial rewards in this field.

What buzzwords do Sports Communication graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Sports Communication. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Sports Communication?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Sports Communication (ordered by the average relevance score of their Sports Communication graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count