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, ranging from leadership in sport, to marketing, to policy and administration. Our faculty have experience in both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, and excel in connecting research and academics to hands-on experiences. Students will have robust experiences both in and outside of the classroom.
Degree competencies
The sport management program prepares students to learn about the exciting and developing business of sport through multiple 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 area that is home to multiple professional teams, top advertising and sport marketing organizations, and has easy access to the National Sports Center.
- Taught by world-renowned faculty and scholars who are engaged and committed to students' success.
- Offers major-specific advisors and career counselors who will support students throughout their program.
- Has a strong focus on acquiring experiences inside and outside the classroom that will provide the skills and knowledge for future career success.
- Has major coursework designed to provide a robust foundation that will prepare students to be successful in any sport environment.
- Offers supporting coursework that enhances students’ individual programs and taps into individual interests and passions.
Major requirements/course catalog
Core courses
The purpose of the core courses (34 credits) is to provide students with a broad and diverse understanding of the industry. Students will have the opportunity to 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
The purpose of focus electives (23 credits) is to provide a greater understanding of individual students’ topics of interest that tie into future professional goals. Students can take courses from the approved list of focus elective courses, 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 apply to enter into 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
In order to declare a Sport Management BS major students must be enrolled in the College of Education and Human Development. The following resources are for all transfer students, including 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 work—your 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, including broadcasting, advertising, social media, digital platforms, ticket sales, and community relations. They generally love sports, and also understand the history, attitudes, and environment of players and fans.
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 learning, working, and living environment for people on a day-to-day basis. They are in charge of coordinating and staging events, and overseeing health and safety, cleaning, security, and building maintenance.
Top Traits: leadership, business-oriented, strategic.
Career services
The department strongly encourages students to meet with a career counselor in CEHD Career Services to work on developing their marketing materials (resume and cover letter) and their preparedness to find jobs and experiences:
Practicum internship experience
All sport management majors are required to participate in an 8-credit internship experience, Practicum, in order to graduate. This experience is similar to a senior internship, and is designed to give students real-world experience and connections during their undergraduate career.
Students are encouraged to think about this early and often! It helps to consider participating in student groups or volunteer experiences prior to the required practicum course. Thoughtful preparation will help students decide what type of internship experience(s) will best fit with their career goals. Advisors, faculty members, and career services professionals will be available to help guide students through this process. Students are ready for practicum once they have completed at least half of their major requirements.
For more information, see the Practicum Learning Agreement Form.