New major to help prepare undergraduates for competitive industry  

The School of Journalism and Mass Communication (SJMC) at Drake University will now offer a new Sports Media and Communication major beginning in the fall of 2025. The program will allow students the opportunity to hone their skills while capitalizing on direct access to Division 1 athletics at Drake University and professional sports organizations in the Des Moines area. 

“Students who engage in our School of Journalism and Mass Communication have long benefited from the practical experience that comes with attending college in a bustling yet accessible metro area like Des Moines,” said Catherine Staub, Ed.D, dean of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. “Between the growing professional sports presence in Des Moines and the experiential learning opportunities available at Drake—including direct access to our NCAA Division 1 programs and world-renowned Drake Relays—we are offering a unique opportunity to sports-minded students everywhere.”  

The Curriculum 

Students that participate in the program will learn to communicate effectively across multiple channels and demonstrate expertise in researching, concepting, and creating sports-related storytelling and strategic projects. The coursework for the new major will introduce students to sports principles, publicity, and promotions in addition to sports reporting and sports production. ​​Students will be required to complete a capstone project as part of their degree program that will prepare them for a career in the sports industry. 

Unlike similar majors offered at other colleges and universities, Drake University students can begin the program immediately in their first year on campus. Interested students will take their initial sports-focused class during their first semester. Additionally, students can customize their curriculum, choosing from a variety of classes that ensure they are ready for journalism and communication careers throughout their lives.  

Experienced Faculty, Nationally Recognized School 

The new major will be led by faculty with real-world experience in the sports journalism field, including SJMC’s newest faculty member, David Lubbers. Lubbers worked at ESPN for 18 years as an investigative feature producer and writer. Practicums and internships with sports teams and media organizations will be built into the curriculum to ensure students gain hands-on experience and make professional connections. Additionally, Drake’s SJMC is the only accredited journalism school at any private institution in the Midwest and has been recognized with dozens of local and national student awards in recent years. 

Partnership with Drake Athletics 

Strong partnerships with Drake University Athletics afford students the opportunity to cover a Bulldog sports team as well as the world-renowned Drake Relays. Students will promote student-athletes and brands, help student-athletes with media relations skills, get involved in community-building activities, and collaborate on brand activations surrounding the Drake Relays. 

Experiential Learning 

When new students arrive on campus, they can begin working on The Times-Delphic and Drake Broadcasting System immediately as sports photographers and reporters, and host ‘sports talk’ podcasts and radio shows. As they gain experience, they will have the opportunity to connect with many sports organizations and various media outlets in the Des Moines area during their time at Drake University. 

Opportunities for Future Leaders 

With the launch of the new major, Drake’s SJMC will be hosting a series of sports media days and launching a junior reporter program offering high school students the opportunity to participate in sports and related media events throughout the 2024-25 season and beyond. Those who are interested in learning more can contact Associate Dean Kelly Bruhn at kelly.bruhn@drake.edu. 

Drake’s SJMC will also be hosting a virtual spotlight event on November 21 at 6 p.m. profiling all SJMC programs. Interested attendees can register here. 

Learn more about the new major at https://www.drake.edu/sportsmedia/