Sport management BS
This page covers the following information:
About the program
Program overview
The bachelor of science (BS) program in sport management is for students who are interested in working with professional, collegiate, or community sports and athletic organizations. Students will gain knowledge and experience in the many aspects of sport, enabling them to find a career path that will excite and challenge them.
The sport management major has dedicated faculty who are experts in sport. Their expertise ranges from leadership in sport, to marketing, to policy and administration. Our faculty also have experience in both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. They excel in connecting research and academics to hands-on experiences. With this type of faculty support, students get diverse experiences in and outside of the classroom.
Degree competencies
Students in the sport management program learn about the business of sport through many outlets:
- Ethics and law
- Management and organization
- Diversity in sport
- Sales and fundraising
- Marketing and business
- Facilities and event operation
Outside of the classroom, students gain hands-on experience that prepares them to enter the workforce through:
- Job shadowing and networking
- Study abroad and national student exchange
- Research and involvement
- Practical experience/practicum
Why study sport management at the University of Minnesota?
The sport management program at the University of Minnesota is:
- Located in a major sport market home to professional teams, top advertising and sport marketing organizations, and the National Sports Center.
- Taught by world-renowned faculty and scholars committed to student success.
- Offers major-specific advisors and career counselors who will support students throughout their program.
- Focused on experiences inside and outside the classroom to prepare students for their future career.
- Designed to provide a robust foundation that will prepare students to be successful in any business environment.
- Enhanced by supporting coursework to tap into individual interests and passions.
Major requirements/course catalog
Core courses
Core courses (34 credits) provide students with a broad and diverse understanding of the industry. Students engage in diverse topics, work in small groups, and hear from industry experts to further their understanding of the industry. In addition to traditional classroom credit, all majors will participate in a practicum internship experience. Read more about the practicum experience under internship and career exploration.
See the University catalog for information on the current core courses and their descriptions.
Focused electives
Focus electives (23 credits) allow students to learn about topics of interest and support their future career goals. Students can take courses from the approved list, or choose their own focus elective courses after discussing their course ideas with their departmental advisor.
Students may also want to consider a complimentary minor program when deciding on their focus elective courses. Minor courses can also fulfill focus elective requirements with advisor approval.
See the University catalog for information on the current approved focused electives.
Become a sport management major
In order to enter the sport management major, students must complete specific prerequisites and have a total of 45 college level credits completed. Current CEHD students should contact your Student Services Advisor. Students who are either U of M students in a different college or transferring from outside the U of M should review the transfer credit information below.
Transfer credit
To declare a sport management BS major, students must enroll in the College of Education and Human Development. The resources below are for all transfer students. Transfer students include current U of M students who need to transfer colleges and non-U of M students who need more information regarding how their non-U of M credits will transfer.
Advising
High school students
Contact the University Admissions Office
Transfer students
CEHD Transfer Admissions
cehdtrfr@umn.edu
University of Minnesota students
Application to transfer from within the U of M system
cehdtrfr@umn.edu
CEHD students
Call or email CEHD Student Services to schedule an appointment with your student services advisor.
Phone: 612-625-3339
Email: cehdinfo@umn.edu
Sport management BS majors
Major advisor: Tracey Hammell
thammel@umn.edu
What our students have to say
Make sure to take the opportunity to workâyour name and work will stay with you throughout your career, and each experience is important. And just, whatever you do and whomever you encounter, make a positive impact.
Kara Kawakami,
Sport management BS
Manager of premium sales for the Minnesota Vikings. Read more about Kawakami's sport management experiences.
Internships and career exploration
What graduates do
A degree in sport management is applicable in a wide variety of careers. Below are a few highlighted opportunities, but the opportunities stretch far and wide!
Marketing and promotion
Salary estimate:
$51K
Estimated job growth
over next 10 years:
10%
Sports marketing professionals are in charge of the promotion of sports events and teams. Promotion includes broadcasting, advertising, social media, digital platforms, ticket sales, and community relations. They generally love and understand the history, attitudes, and environment of sports.
Top traits: analytical, creative, excellent communicator.
Facilities and event management
Salary estimate:
$70K
Estimated job growth
over next 10 years:
9%
Facility and event managers provide a safe, clean, and comfortable environment for people to learn, work, and live. They coordinate events and oversee health, safety, cleaning, security, and building maintenance.
Top traits: leadership, business-oriented, strategic.
Career services
Students can meet with a career counselor in CEHD Career Services to develop their resume, cover letter, and to find jobs and experiences:
Practicum field experience
To graduate, sport management students participate in an eight-credit field experience practicum. This practicum provides students with hands-on experience in the industry. Students apply their coursework to the industry, build their resumes, and network with others. To begin the practicum, students complete at least half of the major requirements.
Students are encouraged to think about this early and often! Thoughtful preparation helps students decide what type of internship experience(s) best fit with their career goals. To help guide students through the process, advisors, faculty members, and career services professionals will be available.
For more information, see the practicum learning agreement form.