Department of Kinesiology, Sports Management, & Physical Education
Sports Management
Department of Kinesiology, Sports Management, & Physical Education
Sports Management
- Bachelor of Science
- Undergraduate
The sports management major focuses on preparing students with leadership, business, and operations training within a sports industry context. Students develop management skills and networking capabilities and how to apply them to professional and amateur sports settings.
Sports Management may be the right degree for you if you
- Enjoy a variety of tasks and want a career where "no two days are the same";
- Enjoy working with others and collaborating together with team members to make a difference; and
- Enjoy working in a fast paced environment which necessitates flexibility and adapting quickly to change.
Why study Sports Management at Northwestern?
As Christians, we recognize that every individual is wonderfully designed (Psalm 139:14), made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), and called to be good stewards of our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). At Northwestern, we recognize that a wide range of careers allow us to lead others in practicing that stewardship. A major in sports management fits students who have an interest in the sports industry, but not necessarily in nutrition and fitness.
Beyond equipping you with the knowledge needed to succeed in a sports management career, you will learn biblical principles like ethics and Christ-like leadership––things you won’t find at a secular institution.
You will be taught by faculty who can draw from their personal experiences from working in the industry and who can bring in top-notch guest speakers to help you network. Making these connections can provide excellent real-world experience for students through practicums and internships that allow you to apply what you have learned in the classroom. In addition, being in the heart of the Twin Cities metro area brings a wide range of opportunities to work with a variety of athletic companies and sports organizations, not typically available at schools in smaller markets.
Because of the cost of a higher education degree, you will want to understand the job outlook for sports-related occupations. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, “employment of entertainment and sports occupations is projected to grow 22 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations."
Careers in sports management
There are a variety of career and academic pathways that begin with a degree in kinesiology.
What types of work are related to this degree?
- Accounts Manager/Corporate Partnerships
- Athletic Administrator
- Athletic Communications
- Athletic Director
- Business Development
- Financial Management
- Gameday/Event Coordinator
- Parks and Recreation
- Personnel Management
- Professor of Sports Management
- Public Relations
- Resort Management
- Sports & Health Club Staff
- Sports Agent
- Sports Camp Director
- Sports Content Producer
- Sports Information Director
- Sports Law
- Sports Marketing
- Sports Mediator/Arbitrator
- Sports Writer/Blogger
- Ticket Sales
- Tournament Planner
- Youth Sports Coordinator
Who employs people with this degree?
- Professional Sports Teams
- Colleges and universities
- Health clubs/specialized fitness studios
- Recreation facilities
- News Stations
- Parks and recreation departments
Strategies for success:
Network - The advice is as old as time. A phrase students hear time and time again, network! It is important to make connections and use those connections to launch your career. That is why there is a huge emphasis in UNW sports management classes of bringing in guest speakers currently working in the industry, on both a local and national level, to not only share stories of success, but also to build relationships with our students that could lead to internship and employment opportunities in the future.
Show How You Can Add Value - Students should study and understand the characteristics and attributes of the decision makers who have authority to hire you in the industry. What can you do to stand out? How can you show your passion and strengths to those who have a vacancy in your field?
Connect Your Passion With Your Skills - What are you good at? What are your strengths? Find out what you are good at and what you like to do, and focus on that when trying to figure out how you can be successful in the sports industry. Many times, finding out what you DON'T like to do is as valuable as finding out what you DO like to do when determining your future in this industry.
Form and Maintain Strong Relationships - Once you get your start, continue to build and cultivate your professional relationships.
Understand How to Navigate the Industry - Yes, understanding technology is important and can help separate yourself from others, but stand out by taking the time to develop real, interpersonal, relationships to build your own brand and let people know you.
What will I learn?
You will learn to analyze, think critically, and execute. No matter which major or track you choose, you will be prepared for a career.
Still have questions about this program or how to apply?
Our team is ready with answers!
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