Seton Hall Expands Sports Media and Business Academy With New Residential Option for 2026

For the third consecutive summer, Seton Hall will offer a Sports Media and Business Academy, a one-week immersive program for high school students covering all areas of the multi-billion-dollar sports industry on the University’s South Orange campus from July 20-24. This summer, students will have a residential option so they can experience college life by living in the dorms, engaging in campus activities and eating in the dining hall. 

The Sports Media and Business Academy provides an intensive introduction to sports media, sports management and the business strategies that drive professional and collegiate athletics. Students may enroll in the traditional commuter format for $1,200, or select the new residential experience for $2,500, which includes campus housing and meals. 

The addition of on-campus housing significantly expands the program’s reach beyond the tri-state region. “We are now able to welcome students nationally who want to study sports media and business in a structured, academically rigorous environment,” said B.J. Schecter, executive director of the Center for Sports Media, who will teach the course. “Students will gain direct exposure to how the industry operates, from revenue models and media rights to ethics, innovation and cultural impact. They will also engage with professionals who are shaping the future of sports.” 

The Academy is designed for high school students exploring careers in sports journalism, media production, marketing, analytics, brand partnerships and sports entrepreneurship. Over 25 hours, students examine sports as a global, multi-billion-dollar enterprise and as a reflection of broader societal conversations around race, gender equity, amateurism and ethics. 

Interactive workshops anchor the week. Participants collaborate in teams to develop original business concepts or produce sports media content, culminating in formal presentations. Students also utilize Seton Hall’s professional production facilities and digital studios to refine media projects. 

In addition to classroom learning, an optional excursion to a professional sports event (to be announced) will be available to all participants, offering further exposure to live event operations and fan engagement strategy. 

Bryan Crable, dean of the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media, emphasized the program’s experiential framework. “This Academy reflects our commitment to preparing students for an industry that is evolving rapidly. By combining academic analysis and presentations from leading sports media figures with practical production experience, students leave with both conceptual understanding and tangible skills.” 

One student from last year’s program said the Academy was a major factor in his college decision. "For me, the Sports Media and Business Academy really helped to decide that I would become a Pirate,” said Matthew Merlino, a senior at Pascack Hills High School in Montvale, NJ. “Being able to see all that the Seton Hall Sports Media program has to offer, and having the ability to meet important people associated with the program, really put The Hall on my radar as a potential destination. Anyone who is thinking about studying Sports Media or Business would be hard-pressed to not enroll in this great program!" 

The Sports Media and Business Academy operates through Seton Hall’s Division of Continuing Education and Professional Studies in partnership with the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media’s nationally-recognized Center for Sports Media. Under Schecter’s leadership, drawing on decades of industry experience, the program integrates renowned industry speakers, applied case studies and collaborative production work to give students a structured preview of college-level study and professional pathways. 

Enrollment is open for the July 20-24, 2026 session. Both commuter and residential seats are limited. 

Categories: Education