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Do you want to start a career in sports? Getting a sports management degree is a smart first step.
A sports management certificate equips students with a diverse set of skills for a variety of careers. This degree includes studies in finance, management, marketing, communications and economics, all through the lens of professional sports and entertainment. Those skills can be used in a variety of roles in the field of sports management.
Additionally, some of the highest paying jobs in this field go to people with degrees in sports management. Here’s everything you need to know about getting a sports management degree.
What Is a Sport Management Degree?
The sports management degree prepares students for different jobs in different areas of sports management. Several colleges and universities offer degree programs in sports management. Depending on the career area you are interested in, you can choose to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree or pursue a master’s or Ph.D.
Sport Management Admission Requirements
What does it take to apply for a sports management degree? That depends on what degree you are pursuing. Undergraduate programs usually have less admission requirements than graduate programs. On the other hand, graduate programs generally have higher acceptance rates and more stringent requirements.
Undergraduate degrees
If you are a first-time student, you will apply for an undergraduate sports management program. See the article : Vin Scully, legendary sports broadcaster and Los Angeles Dodgers icon, dies aged 94. You can enroll at a four-year college or university for a bachelor’s degree, or you can start at a two-year community college before transferring to a four-year program.
Admission requirements vary by school. Check with each school’s admissions department to learn about minimum GPA, prior courses and standardized test scores, if applicable. Some programs may ask you to submit your essay with your application.
For what it’s worth: A real, demonstrated passion for sports or another recreational field helps. If you have a strong fitness or athletic background, don’t forget to mention that in your application.
Graduate degrees
Students applying for a sports management degree must obtain at least a bachelor’s degree. Read also : Massachusetts sports betting may take some time to distribute. An academic background in sports management or a related field is preferred but not required.
Prospective graduate students must submit official transcripts, a resume and test scores with their application. Some schools also ask for GMAT or GRE test scores. Many programs ask for letters of recommendation, too.
Although not required, be sure to include any volunteer or independent study experience you may have completed in your previous studies.
Courses in a Sport Management Program
When you enroll in a sports management program, you will choose your courses. Most programs require students to enroll in a combination of general education and degree-specific classes. Read also : Clark Avenue students create their own video games as part of the new coding club. If you have chosen a concentration such as sports law or sports media, you will also enroll in courses related to that subject.
Most sports management programs offer core courses in business fundamentals such as marketing, communications and finance. Below are some of the popular courses you can expect to find in a sports management program.
Business Communications
Business communication courses help students sharpen their communication skills in business settings. Students learn how to hold one-on-one meetings, how to speak effectively and how to write persuasive business documents. Business communication courses also equip students to create powerful visual presentations and manage correspondence effectively.
Leadership positions require strong communication skills, but these skills are often good to have regardless of your career path.
Principles of Marketing
Most sports management positions require a solid understanding of basic marketing principles. This course examines how to identify and serve target audiences. Students learn to define and define basic marketing terms and how to calculate and analyze marketing metrics. Students can also expect to cover topics including business and product development, campaign development, market research and social media marketing.
Sports Analytics
Data plays an important role in the world of sports and recreation, both on and off the field. As a result, you can expect to take a sports analytics course as part of your sports management degree. This class teaches the basics of data analysis and how to apply that analysis in a business context. Students also learn how to use data and modeling techniques to improve marketing performance.
Sports Tourism
Sports tourism involves traveling to watch or participate in a sporting event. The sports tourism course covers the basics of managing and leading sports events that attract sports tourists. Topics covered in sports tourism classes include event planning and development, venue selection, marketing, regulations and industry history. Students will also be involved in sports in the community and economic development.
Sports Management Careers
Obtaining a degree in sports management opens the door to many career opportunities. Below are a few career paths that a sports management degree prepares you for.
Game Day or Event Coordinator
Median Annual Salary: $49,470 Projected Growth Rate (2020-2030): +18% Job Description: Sports day or event coordinators manage the day of sporting events. This means overseeing and managing every party involved in sports, from vendors to athletes to journalists. Game day coordinators must also be prepared to respond to schedule changes, inclement weather and other contingencies.
Contract Administrator
Median Annual Salary: $99,290 Projected Growth Rate (2020-2030): +9% Job Description: Contract managers create, negotiate, sign and support athletic contracts. In professional sports, these contracts often involve millions of dollars.
Purchasing Agent
Median Annual Earnings: $75,410 Projected Growth Rate (2020-2030): -4%
Athletic Coach
Job Description: Purchasing agents ensure that sports organizations have what they need to run smoothly on a day-to-day basis. This can include sports equipment, weight training equipment and office equipment. These professionals are also responsible for selecting suppliers, negotiating contracts and determining product quality.
Sport Marketer
Median annual salary: $38,970
Frequently Asked Questions About Sport Management
How many years is a sport management degree?
Expected Growth Rate (2020-2030): +26%
What does a person with a sport management degree do?
Job Description: Coaches teach, advise and train athletes in both professional and recreational settings. The coach is responsible for preparing the athletes for the games, creating exercises and team building exercises, suggesting the game plan and supporting the development of the athletes individually and as a whole.
Does a sport management degree make good money?
Median Annual Salary: $133,380 Projected Growth Rate (2020-2030): +10%
