Graduate Program

Kinesiology and Sports Studies

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

Spring 2025

Thesis Director

Andrew J. Kerins

Thesis Committee Member

Michael D. Gillespie

Thesis Committee Member

Kristin E. Brown

Abstract

As Artificial Intelligence technology (AI) becomes increasingly accessible, the importance of understanding its impact on peoples’ work lives is also increasing. One field that has received very little attention in relation to this subject is college sport communications. Prior research has focused on AI within the closely related fields of journalism and public relations, but no previous studies have been conducted on AI and college sport communicators specifically. To address that knowledge gap, this study surveyed members of the College Sport Communicators (CSC) on their attitudes toward AI and their usage of such technology. The data analysis showed that while college sport communicators are optimistic about AI’s usefulness within the field, there is still a low adoption rate of AI across the industry. Results also revealed that communicators are not very concerned about AI threatening their job security, despite automation being one of the dominant narratives surrounding AI. Furthermore, it was found that college sport communicators have on average a low to moderate level of AI knowledge. Due to these factors, the study concluded that one of the primary reasons for the lack of wide scale AI adoption by college sport communicators is a lack of familiarity with the technology, rather than an outright hostility toward it. These findings also reflect those of previous studies conducted on journalists and public relations professionals. This study is significant because it represents the first look into how AI shaping college sport communications and adds to the growing body of research surrounding AI in our society.

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