Sports Management Programs

Sports management is a competitive field, and working in this industry often requires significant training at the college level. There are hundreds of sports management schools in the United States, and choosing the right one depends on what a prospective student wishes to specialize in and whether he or she wants to obtain a bachelor’s, master’s, a Ph.D. or a juris doctorate.

Click here to see a list of sports management programs in your area, as well as online sports management programs.

 Degree Options in Sports ManagementThere are several options for a sports management degree, but a bachelor’s degree in the subject is the minimum that a potential graduate needs to find employment in the field. With a bachelor’s degree, graduates can obtain entry-level positions in the sports industry. For higher paying jobs in sports management, prospective students should consider getting a graduate degree. Some schools have top sports management programs that are housed within their colleges of business or kinesiology, while other schools have created separate departments for the study of sports management.

Bachelor’s Degree ProgramsMany schools offer a bachelor’s degree for students interested in becoming a sports management major. Depending on the school, possible degrees might include a BS in Sports Management, BS in Sports and Entertainment Management, BS in Sports Administration, BS in Athletic Administration, or a BS in Kinesiology with a concentration in sports management. Bachelor of Arts degrees are also available at some schools. Regardless of the title of the degree, bachelor’s degrees in the field will generally consist of courses related to some aspect of sports management.

The first two years of a program will entail general classes towards the bachelor’s degree, and the second two years will be dedicated to courses towards the major. Possible courses in the program could include Sport Law, Sport Ethics, and Sport Marketing. It is also important that students take courses in business since a solid understanding of business and marketing is imperative in this profession. In addition, many programs include a hands-on aspect and students will need to work as interns for a specific number of hours in the field.

Click here to see a list of sports management programs in your area, as well as online sports management programs.

Master’s Degree ProgramsSome schools offer master’s programs in sports management or a related field in addition to their bachelor’s programs. However, there are also schools that only offer graduate degrees in the subject. A master’s degree in sports management usually requires a substantial commitment to the subject matter consisting of research and practical experience. Many schools have thesis and non-thesis programs. Another option to the master’s degree in sports management is an MBA with a specialization in sports management or a related field. This degree involves all of the requirements of an MBA, but additional classes in sports management are necessary to specialize.

Ph.D. ProgramsFor students who are interested in furthering their education beyond a master’s degree, several schools have a Ph.D. available in sports management or a related field. This degree requires a substantial amount of research that culminates in a dissertation. Students who pursue a Ph.D. in this field often choose careers in teaching or research.

Juris Doctorate ProgramsIn order to obtain a juris doctorate in sports management, students must attend law school. Getting accepted to law school involves taking the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). Law school usually takes three years to complete, and after graduation, graduates will need to pass the bar in their desired state of practice. Coursework in a juris doctorate program involves general law classes such as Criminal Law, Torts, and Property Law. Students wanting to specialize in sports management law will need to take sports law courses. At some law schools, students will receive a certificate in sports law in addition to their diploma.

 Choosing a Degree or ProgramLocation is a very important aspect of a top sports management degree program. It may be beneficial to choose a school located in a major metropolitan area and more opportunities, providing the student with job opportunities for students after graduation. It is also essential that a program provide internship opportunities and connections in the sports world where students can network with potential employers. Whether or not to choose a bachelor’s degree or a graduate degree depends on the goals of a student. A student who would like to obtain employment as an executive in the field should most likely opt for at least a master’s degree in sports management or an MBA. If a student is interested in the legal aspects of sports management, then he or she should consider a juris doctorate in the subject. In addition, the decision to specialize in a specific area of sports management depends upon the interests and aspirations of the student.

 Largest Schools With Sports Management Programs In The United States

Click here to see a list of sports management programs in your area, as well as online sports management programs.