Almost all employers of journalists, regardless of the specific field, require a bachelor's degree in journalism, mass communications, communications, or a similar field. For a sports journalist in particular, it is essential to specialize or at least complete a minor or similar specialization with a concentration in sports journalism. Some of the top sports journalism schools include Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis, Penn State University, University of Texas at Austin, Michigan State University, and Hofstra University. There are also a couple of universities (Ashford University and Colorado State University) that offer online sports journalism undergraduate and graduate programs. Courses within the programs at all of these universities include introduction to the sports industry, sports media, sports writing and reporting, broadcasting, play-by-play announcing, and public relations. Almost all programs at these schools require the completion of at least one internship