Is a Sports Management Degree Right for Me?

Sports management is an exciting field that involves skills in management, budgeting, marketing, and more. If you are interested in the world of sports, consider a sports management degree to launch your sports career.

A sports management degree may be right for you if you have experience working in or a desire to work in stadiums, ticket sales, or event management. The field of sports is lucrative and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports employment for sports jobs to increase in coming years.

What Is a Sports Management Degree?

Colleges and universities award sports management degrees to students who complete an undergraduate or graduate degree program in sports management. A sports management degree focuses on all areas of business within the sports industry.

There are three degrees available for a sports management major. Students achieve one of the following degrees when completing a bachelor's sports management degree program:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Business Administration

Also, BA and BS degrees in business administration may offer a specialization in sports management. Earning a sports management degree from an accredited institution guarantees a high-quality education and financial aid options to reduce tuition costs.

What Does a Sports Management Major Study?

Courses in a bachelor's degree in sports management program cover topics like sports marketing, public relations, and sports finance. Students learn valuable skills to manage professional athletes and sports teams, market sporting events, and work in sports media.

A sports management degree typically requires students to complete an internship. Internship opportunities may consist of working in a sports facility, event planning for a game day, or contributing to the world of sports in the media.

Why You Should Consider a Degree in Sports Management

There are many reasons to consider a degree in sports management. The top reasons to consider a sports management degree are below.

Personal Interests and Career Goals

If you have an interest in sports and physical education with a matching career goal, a sports management degree would benefit your career path. Career goals for earning an undergraduate sports management degree might include:

• business manager
• sports coach
• sports scout

Work Experience

The enjoyment and satisfaction from prior work experience, current employment, or volunteering in the field of sports can be compelling to earn a degree in sports management.

You should consider a sports management degree if you have had success in experiencing one of the following:

• coaching
• refereeing
• managing social media
• event planning

Career Opportunities

Sports management graduates have career opportunities working for sports organizations, sports business, facility management, and more. Examples of entry level sports management careers include:

• athletic director
• sports event manager
• media relations assistant

Employers respect bachelor's and master's degrees from accredited institutions because they demonstrate a candidate's commitment and dedication to preparing for a professional role.

Educational Options

Sports management professionals may be able to advance their career with a master's degree. Graduate degrees in sports management strengthens knowledge in sports administration, sports law, and business management.

Becoming an expert in sports management qualifies you for leadership positions for sports facilities, sports leagues, and other sports management jobs.

Transferring Skills

A sports management degree program helps students develop skills that can transfer to other occupations. Examples of transferring skills from a degree in sports management include:

• communication skills
• finance skills
• marketing skills
• management skills

Job Opportunities for Sports Management Degree Majors

Sports management degree majors can expect job opportunities that have a relation to sports, business, or management. See a brief description of job opportunities for sports management below:

• sports agent: negotiates contracts and sponsorships
• athletic director: leads athletic programs and activities in schools
• sport event coordinator: coordinates and manages sports events like tournaments, training camps, and competitions
• sport operations manager: manages the operation of sports organizations or sports teams
• sports marketing manager: manages social media for athletes or athletic organizations and promotes

Career options are endless and graduate degrees enhance your opportunity for professional growth. For example, you can also become an athletic trainer, sports law attorney, or sports accountant.

Sports Management Degree: Questions To Ask Yourself

A sports management degree is an important credential for individuals with an interest in a career that involves sports. Ask yourself the questions below when considering a sports management degree:

• Do I like sports or have a strong passion for a certain sport?
• Did I play sports growing up?
• Do I have experience volunteering or working for sport events?
• Do I listen to sports news?