At a glance: Sport Management

Did you know? Students have the flexibility in their academic coursework to obtain a second major, a minor or a business option (20 additional hours) as part of their degrees.

From high-profile major professional leagues and international competition to local professional and amateur events, spectator sports continue to be a popular source of entertainment worldwide. This multibillion-dollar industry offers employment opportunities in professional, collegiate and interscholastic sports, sports information, marketing, facility and arena management, recreation administration, sales, and special events. The major is designed to provide students with a foundation of skills necessary to negotiate the various settings in which students may find themselves during their professional careers. Visit the department's web site.

Degrees offered

Students majoring in sport management can earn a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degrees. A minor in sport management is also available.

Distinctive features

All students are required to complete a 10-week (a minimum of 400 hours) internship in the student’s chosen area of interest.
Students participate in out-of-classroom practicum experiences and directed projects in team promotions, team management and facility management within the athletic department.
Students have the flexibility in their academic coursework to obtain a second major, a minor or a business option (20 additional hours) as part of their degrees.
Additional coursework in communication arts and The James F. Dicke College of Business Administration provides students with additional knowledge and skills relevant to the workplace.
The department of human performance and sport sciences consists of a group of professors with diverse backgrounds, experiences and expertise in sport management.
Students work side-by-side with faculty, coaches and athletics administrators on various projects, promotions and events.
Students can participate in the organization and administration of Ohio Athletic Conference championships and NCAA championship events held in the ONU Sports Center.

Facilities

The department facilities in the Sports Center include:

Three full-size gymnasiums
Six-lane, 200-meter indoor track
24-yard, six-lane swimming/diving pool
Seven basketball courts
Seven volleyball courts
Three indoor tennis courts
Dance/free exercise room
Weight room
Fitness room
Wellness, fitness and testing laboratories
Athletic training room
Classrooms

Student organizations

Phi Epsilon Kappa – national professional fraternity for persons engaged or pursuing careers in health, physical education and recreation
Human Performance and Sport Sciences Majors Club

Program outcomes

Understand that sport is a microcosm of contemporary society and business, influenced by cultural traditions, social values and psychosocial experiences
Apply fundamental marketing concepts to the sport industry and understand the uniqueness of sport as a product and as consumers
Understand the concepts of leadership and management and apply the skills necessary in various roles and functions of sport managers
Critically analyze ethical issues related to sport and develop a personal philosophy regarding social responsibility in sport management setting
Apply the principles of interpersonal, public and mass communication and understand interaction with internal and external sport publics
Understand budget and finance as vital components of all sport industries and apply economic principles as related to sport’s role in the national economy
Understand the role of sport governance organizations and agencies and legal concepts within the sport workplace

Professional placement

Sport managers work in a variety of settings, including colleges and universities, amateur and professional sport organizations, legal firms, recreational programming, and marketing and communication agencies. Graduates of the program have gone on to work at: Professional sport teams, minor league sport teams, sport marketing and management companies, YMCA and City recreation departments.

Graduate schools

Many ONU sport management graduates continue their educations by pursuing advanced degrees at the master’s level in business, communication or sport administration. Some recent graduates have received degrees from: Bowling Green State University, Florida State University, The Ohio State University, Ohio University, University of Kentucky.

Career opportunities

The sport management program's emphasis on wide-ranging, flexible skills gives its majors broad appeal for many employers. Students develop skills dealing with problem-solving, adaptability to changing situations and a variety of sport settings, the ability to work collaboratively, business management and professional communication skills. In addition, many ONU sport management graduates continue their educations by pursuing advanced degrees at the master’s level in business, communication or sport administration. An advanced degree opens a wider range of higher-paying jobs in academia, coaching and management.