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What Is Sports Management?

Sports management is the field of business that focuses directly on sports and recreation. Many different subjects are incorporated into sports management, such as administration, finance, law, and ethics.

A degree in sport management can lead to career opportunities in sports and recreation, depending on what kind of sport management career interests you, possibilities include working directly with athletes, coaches, and organizations or working behind the scenes as a promoter, marketing manager, or sports economist.

There are many different aspects of sport management. Sports finance is a billion-dollar industry. Individuals interested in sports’ financial and economic aspects might consider focusing their studies on finance and related subjects. Similarly, sports managers who want to work for international sports organizations should take courses like international marketing.

Pursue a Career in Sports Management

Prepare yourself for battles on the turf or in the boardroom with an online master’s degree in sport management.

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Careers

There are many career opportunities associated with sports management. The most popular areas include working for secondary and postsecondary academic institutions, professional sports teams, sports associations, and government parks and recreation departments.

Some other fields that are open to sport management professionals include:

  • fundraising
  • broadcasting
  • sporting goods sales
  • sports agencies
  • promotional and marketing agencies
  • interscholastic athletic administration
  • public relations
  • facilities management

Bachelor’s Degree

An online bachelor’s degree in sport management equips graduates for various entry-level positions that, along with more professional experience, can lead to advanced career opportunities. Coaching jobs at the high school level or positions with local government parks and recreation departments are appropriate for someone with an undergraduate degree. Sporting goods sales and facility management are also appropriate for this level of education and experience.

Master’s Degree

A master’s degree offers sport management professionals a variety of higher-paying and more career opportunities. Specifically, an online Master’s in Sport Management prepares graduates for advanced job opportunities in recreational, interscholastic, amateur, collegiate, and professional sports.

College and university-level coaches often have earned graduate degrees in sport management. Agents, recruiters, and scouts can benefit from a master’s degree as well because of the in-depth and specific topics that are covered at the graduate level.

A master’s degree and at least five years of professional experience can open the doors to job opportunities in larger sports management firms, professional sports organizations, and other organizations.

Professional Development for Sport Management

The North American Society for Sport Management is a professional organization that helps to support and assist sports, leisure, and recreational professionals. The NASSM publishes a journal of research and scholarly writing on sports management. The organization also encourages professional development through conferences and networking opportunities.