Washburn launches hands-on sport and event media program

Topeka, Kan. - Don't just watch the game or big event - get into the action through a new degree program at Washburn University. Starting in Fall 2026, students may earn a bachelor's degree in Sport and Event Media, a pathway where the kinesiology and mass media departments join forces to offer one of the fastest-growing academic tracks in the country.

The Sport and Event Media program prepares students to pursue media-focused careers with sports organizations, athletic departments, large venues and more. Students will develop their written and visual storytelling skills to create content for a wide variety of platforms, while learning behind-the-scenes operations of sport and event management.

"This innovative degree is unique to the region, combining media production with hands-on event management," said John Burns, sr. lecturer and co-chair of the kinesiology department, Washburn University. "Research shows sports-related communication and media programs are among the fastest-growing bachelor's degrees nationwide. This program prepares students to enter the mix-whether in live event management or sports media-by blending a passion for competition with the demands of today's fast-paced media landscape."

Washburn's new Sport and Event Media program places students in real-world settings through extensive hands-on and experiential learning opportunities. Located in the Capital City, Washburn relies on strong partnerships in the area to provide students with a wide variety of internships and jobs. Among the many career paths associated with this program - digital and social media production, sports information, sports brand management, sports advertising and sales, play-by-play announcing, podcasting and many more.

Students in the program complete interdisciplinary coursework in topics such as sports and the media, sports branding and promotion, facility and event management, and ethics in sport and recreation, culminating in an internship experience in the field of media or event management. As a smaller, NCAA Division II institution, Washburn students have greater access to athletes, coaches and venue managers both on and off campus. And that access begins during a student's early years on campus, not just in upper-level courses.

"Without media expertise, events can fail before the planning even begins because catching the attention of specific audiences takes a specialized approach," said Kristen Grimmer, associate professor and chair of the mass media department, Washburn University. "This new program will engage students in both media and event planning combined with the knowledge of how venues work. For those interested in other industries, learning how the sports world operates will bring valuable insight and strategies that can be applied and tested in different fields."

To learn more about this new program or others, contact Washburn University Admissions at [email protected] or (785) 670-1030. Numerous scholarships are available.

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