Did you know that it’s possible to turn your passion for sports into a full-fledged career? It’s true! If you live and breathe sports, a career in Sports Management may be the perfect fit. Sports managers can work in a number of environments, from sporting event centers to recruiting agencies. Wherever the “business of sports” is happening, there they are. And, with the sports industry boasting a worth of up to $620 billion, and yearly growth exceeding global GDP, there will be plenty of career opportunities in the future.
The best degree to prepare you for this exciting field is a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management. The question is, how do you get started?
If this has piqued your interest, read on to learn about some of the Sports Management degree requirements.
Sports Management Degree Admissions Requirements
The admission requirements for a degree in Sports Management will differ from one program to another. At University of Bridgeport, for example, first-year applicants will be required to submit an application for admission through UB’s online application portal. Applicants will also need to submit an official copy of all high school transcripts. Unlike many undergraduate programs, SAT or ACT scores are optional. However, if you decide to apply without test scores, you will need to submit a personal essay.
Transfer students looking into Sports Management will also need to submit an application, as well as proof of high school graduation. They will also need to submit official college transcripts from all other higher education institutions they’ve attended. Though it’s not required of all majors, it’s recommended that transfer students also submit a personal statement and letters of recommendation.
Sports Management Course Requirements
As with all undergraduate degree programs, a degree in Sports Management requires students to complete a selection of General Education courses, followed by dedicated, career-oriented classes in this professional field.
At University of Bridgeport, students are required to take 36 credits of General Education, as well as 9 credits of free electives. General Education coursework can include courses in areas such as:
- Social Sciences
- Fine Arts
- Humanities
- Natural Sciences
- Liberal Arts
- Mathematics
- Composition and Rhetoric
Students will also need to complete a First Year Seminar class.
Sports Management Degree Requirements
A degree in Sports Management trains students to direct the business side of the sports industry, whether that means managing an athletic center or acting as a representative for an eSports professional. Here are some of the courses that aid in that preparation.
Required Sports Management Classes
Students working towards a Sports Management degree must complete 24 core credits of Sports Management courses. These classes can include:
- Introduction to Sport Management
- Ethics in Sport Management
- Legal Aspects of Sport Management
- Sport Finance
- Sports Psychology
- Sport Event Management
- Sport Facility Management
- Sport Marketing and Promotion
Business Core Classes
Graduates who hold a degree in Sports Management leave the program as business professionals. As such, students are required to complete 51 credits of Business classes. These courses include:
- Principles of Accounting
- Managerial/Cost Accounting
- Intro to Business
- Business Communications
- Computer Concepts
- Principles of Macroeconomics
- Principles of Microeconomics
- Business Planning
- Principles of Marketing
eSports: The Future of Sports Management
The next generation of sports professionals work in the digital space. In light of this advancement in the sports industry, University of Bridgeport offers students the opportunity to complete a concentration in eSports Management. This unique offering can help kickstart a successful career in a new, up and coming area. Classes that prepare students for this career path include:
- eSports Business
- eSports Broadcasting
- Contemporary Issues in eSports
- Introduction to eSports
- Gaming Hardware and Software
Education Requirements for a Sports Management Career
There are a wide variety of job opportunities that graduates can look forward to after earning a Sports Management degree. Depending on your area of interest, you could specialize in finance, facilities management, or even athlete representation. Here are just a few careers you might consider following graduation:
- Sports Marketing Coordinator
- Public Relations Manager
- Sports Marketing Consultant or Manager
- Athletic Director
- Business Development Manager
- Sports Agent
All of the above positions require a bachelor’s degree in order to qualify.
Not many can say that they truly love their job. But, a degree in Sports Management can prepare motivated students for an exciting career in an area they’re passionate about. This four-year degree can take graduates wherever they’d like to go in the world of professional athletics.
If you’re ready to make your mark and kick start your career, the first step is to find the perfect degree program for you!
A career in Sports Management starts with a degree that prepares you to develop skills in finance, accounting, marketing, and more. Ready to take the first step? Learn more about University of Bridgeport’s Sports Management BS!