Many colleges and universities in the United States offer a sports management or closely related major. The exact name varies by school. Some programs are called Sport Management, while others use names such as Sport Administration, Sport Business, Sport Industry, or Sport and Entertainment Management.
Here are some examples:
| College or University | Sports-Related Major/Program |
|---|---|
| University of Massachusetts Amherst | Sport Management |
| University of Michigan | Sport Management |
| University of Florida | Sport Management |
| Syracuse University | Sport Management |
| University of South Carolina | Sport and Entertainment Management |
| University of Miami | Sport Administration |
| University of Louisville | Sport Administration |
| Drexel University | Sport Management |
| University of Delaware | Sport Management |
| University of New Hampshire | Sport Management |
| Indiana University Bloomington | Sport Marketing and Management |
| Ohio State University | Sport Industry |
| Temple University | Sport and Governance |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Sport Administration |
| PennWest University | Sport Management |
What Do You Study in a Sports Management Major?
Sports management programs generally combine business education with the sports industry. Depending on the college, courses may cover areas such as:
- Sports marketing
- Sports finance
- Sports law
- Event management
- Facility management
- Sports sponsorships
- Ticket sales
- Public relations
- Leadership and management
- Sports communications
- Professional and college athletics
- Sports analytics
The goal is to prepare students for the business and administrative side of sports rather than athletic competition itself.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Sports Management Degree?
A sports management degree can lead to careers in professional sports, college athletics, sports businesses, fitness organizations, event companies, and related industries.
Potential jobs include:
- Sports marketing coordinator
- Athletic department administrator
- Sports event manager
- Ticket sales representative
- Sponsorship coordinator
- Sports facility manager
- Community relations coordinator
- Sports operations manager
- Sports communications specialist
- Sports business manager
Internships are particularly valuable because many sports-management careers require practical experience in addition to a college degree.
How Should You Choose a Sports Management College?
When comparing programs, look beyond the name of the major. Consider the school’s internship opportunities, connections with professional and college sports organizations, location, tuition, scholarships, curriculum, campus sports programs, and career-placement resources.
You should also check whether the program is a bachelor’s degree, minor, concentration, or certificate. Some universities offer sports-related programs without having a major literally called “Sports Management.”
For example, Penn State does not currently list a traditional undergraduate bachelor’s degree titled Sports Management, but it offers sports business, sports marketing, Sport Studies, and sports administration opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best college for sports management?
There is no single best college for every student. Schools such as UMass Amherst, Michigan, Florida, South Carolina, Syracuse, and Indiana offer well-known sports-related programs, but the best choice depends on cost, location, specialization, and career goals.
Is sports management a good major?
It can be a good major for students who want to work on the business and administrative side of sports. Students interested in marketing, operations, sales, events, or athletic administration may find it particularly relevant.
Can you get a sports management degree online?
Yes. Some universities offer online sports management degrees or related programs. Online availability varies by school and degree level, so prospective students should check the current program details directly with each university.
Does sports management require a business degree?
No. Sports management is itself a specialized field, although many programs include substantial business coursework. Students can also enter sports careers through majors such as marketing, management, finance, communications, or hospitality.
Can you work for a professional sports team with a sports management degree?
Yes. A sports management degree can help prepare students for positions with professional teams, leagues, college athletic departments, sports agencies, venues, and sports-related businesses. Internships and relevant experience can be important when competing for these positions.
Conclusion
Many U.S. colleges offer sports management majors or closely related programs. UMass Amherst, Michigan, Florida, Syracuse, South Carolina, Miami, Louisville, Drexel, Delaware, and New Hampshire are examples of schools with sports-focused degree programs.
When choosing a college, compare the specific curriculum, internship opportunities, cost, location, and career resources rather than choosing solely because a school uses the words “Sports Management” in its degree title.