Sport Management
Earn your Bachelor of Sport Management at Manchester University and turn your passion for sports into a rewarding career. Gain hands-on experience, build leadership skills, and prepare for success in areas like marketing, event planning, and operations within today’s fast-paced sports industry—all through a professionally focused, high-impact program.
Turn Passion into a Profession with a Bachelor of Sport Management
Manchester University’s Bachelor of Sport Management program prepares you to thrive in the competitive, multibillion-dollar sports industry. Through a combination of business, finance, marketing, and legal coursework, plus real-world internships, you’ll gain the practical skills and industry insights needed to lead and innovate in professional, collegiate, and recreational sports settings.
Program Information:
- 51 Credit Hours
Location
- North Manchester
- Online
Peyton Jackson, Sport Management, Class of 2023
Why Choose MU for Sport Management?
Small Class Sizes and Personalized Attention
Integrated MBA 3+1 Program
Hands-On, Real-World Experience
Faculty with Industry Expertise
What You Can Do with Your Sport Management Degree
Athletic Coach or Director
Lead athletic programs, coach teams, and support student-athlete success.
Game Day or Event Coordinator
Plan and manage logistics for sporting events and fan engagement.
Marketing Consultant or Coordinator
Develop promotional strategies to boost attendance and sponsorship value.
Corporate Partnerships Manager
Build and manage relationships with sponsors and brand collaborators.
Jason Harris, Sport Management
Average Starting Salary for Bachelor of Sport Management Degree Holders
Graduates with a Bachelor of Sport Management degree can expect to earn an average starting salary of around $48,000 to $51,000 per year, depending on location and industry. Entry-level roles often begin near $29,000, while professionals in areas like event planning, marketing, or facility management may see earnings climb significantly with experience. This degree opens doors to a wide range of high-growth opportunities in both amateur and professional sports organizations. (Source: ZipRecruiter, June 2025)
How the Sport Management Program Supports Your Growth
Explore Sport Management Courses
Manchester University’s Bachelor of Sport Management degree offers a robust, hands-on curriculum that blends academic theory with real-world application. Courses cover core business areas like finance, legal issues, and facility operations, along with sport-specific topics such as:
- Social and Ethical Issues in Sport Management
- Marketing and Sponsorship in Sport
- Event and Facility Management
You’ll also explore electives like:
- Promotion and Advertising
- Organizational Behavior
- Sales Management
- Advanced Public Relations
- Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
The program culminates in the Case Studies in Business capstone, where students run a business for a semester and donate the proceeds to a nonprofit. To date, Manchester business students have donated over $125,510 and 10,306 service hours to community organizations.
Consider Earning Your MBA
Take your sport management degree further with Manchester’s integrated MBA 3+1 Management Track. This unique opportunity allows students to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in just four years—saving time and tuition.
Open to students of any major, the track integrates advanced coursework in leadership, operations, marketing, and strategy—preparing you for upper-level roles in sport administration, corporate partnerships, and beyond.
Student Groups
Manchester’s sport management students have access to a wide range of student groups and co-curricular activities. These include:
- Event planning for NCAA DIII tournaments
- Collaborations with the Fort Wayne TinCaps
- Hands-on participation in Manchester Madness
- Campus-wide intramural projects
These opportunities let you build your resume, gain leadership experience, and connect with industry professionals long before graduation.
The College of Business Club (CBC) is designed to provide members with opportunities to develop leadership experiences; to provide exposure to business professions through presentations from guest speakers, both inside and outside the classroom; to provide a social organization for students to develop relationships with their peers as well as with prospective business partners and employers; and to relate what is learned in the classroom to the business world. Students are eligible to join CBC immediately upon entering Manchester University, and the Club provides numerous opportunities for students to get involved. A number of committees exist within the Club that provide interested students with many leadership opportunities.
Career Preparation Through Internships
Every sport management student at Manchester completes an internship, giving you real-world insight into the operations of the sports industry. Internship experiences have included placements with:
- NCAA Division I and III athletic departments
- Professional sports teams like the Indiana Pacers and Dallas Cowboys
- Fitness and recreation centers
- Sports media and marketing firms
This hands-on training not only builds your resume but also helps you develop career-ready skills, expand your network, and gain a competitive edge in the job market.
Meet the Faculty
Dr Samuel Rohr
Professor of Business and the Howard and Myra Brembeck Professor of Accounting and Business
Beth Driscoll
Associate Professor of Marketing and Management
FAQs About Manchester University’s Sport Management Degree
What can I do with a bachelor of sport management?
A bachelor of sport management opens the door to a wide array of career opportunities in the thriving sports industry. Whether your passion lies in sports marketing, event management, or working directly with professional sports teams, this degree prepares you with the skills to succeed.
Graduates of Manchester University’s sport management program are equipped with essential business skills, communication techniques, and leadership strategies. Common roles include athletic director, event coordinator, public relations specialist, sports agent, and facility manager. Many also work in sports sales, sports law, and youth or amateur athletic organizations.
Manchester’s program is designed to blend hands-on experience with rigorous academics. Students gain real-world experience through internships with professional sports organizations like the Indiana Pacers or Dallas Cowboys. This sport management education is ideal for those looking to join sports teams, fitness centers, media outlets, or even start their own business in the sports world.
Whether you’re managing sporting events, designing sponsorship strategies, or planning logistics for major games, the bachelor of sport management gives you the foundational knowledge and practical experience needed to succeed in the competitive sports business landscape.
Is sport management a good degree?
Yes, a sport management degree is one of the most dynamic and versatile degrees available today. It blends the excitement of the sports world with the structure of core business classes, making it ideal for students passionate about both athletics and management.
As a sport management major at Manchester University, you’ll study management principles, finance, marketing, and sports law, gaining a strong academic foundation alongside real-world experience. Students can pursue career paths in event management, sponsorship, facility operations, or even as a sport manager for a professional sport franchise.
The sport management field is growing, thanks to the increasing commercialization of sports and the expansion of sports programs globally. A sport management bachelor’s degree prepares graduates to work with sports teams, leagues, and brands—locally and internationally. It’s also a great stepping stone to a master’s degree in business or sport psychology.
If you’re looking for a degree that combines passion, creativity, and strategy while offering strong career opportunities, the bachelor of sports management delivers both value and flexibility in today’s global sport industry.
Do I need a graduate degree after earning a bachelor of sport management?
A graduate degree is not required to begin a career in sport management, but it can offer a significant advantage—especially if you’re targeting leadership roles in professional sports organizations, recreation departments, or collegiate athletics.
Many graduates of Manchester’s sport management bachelor program choose to continue their education with a master’s degree in business, sport management, or marketing. This additional education helps refine professional skills, expand your professional networks, and improve your qualifications for executive roles.
Manchester University makes this path accessible through its integrated 3+1 MBA Management Track. This program allows you to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in just four years. Open to students of any major, the track provides an accelerated, cost-effective route to advance your education and boost your employability in the sports industry.
Graduate-level coursework also enables you to specialize further—in areas like sport psychology, sports law, or sports business strategy—ensuring you’re equipped to lead in a complex, globalized marketplace.
Does the sport management degree include real-world experience?
Yes, Manchester’s bachelor of sport management includes required internships that provide students with direct access to the sports industry. This real-world experience is central to the program and sets graduates apart in a competitive job market.
Every sport management student completes at least one internship during their studies, gaining first hand exposure to the day-to-day operations of sports organizations. Opportunities include placements with professional teams, collegiate athletic departments, sports marketing firms, and recreational facilities.
Internship roles range from media relations and marketing to event management, operations, and athlete services. Students may help coordinate tournaments, manage sports facilities, or assist with sponsorship outreach—all of which contribute to a well-rounded resume.
By the time students graduate, they’ve not only learned theory but also applied it in meaningful ways. These experiential learning opportunities allow students to develop leadership, communication, and organizational skills that are vital to success in the sport management field.
The goal is to ensure that graduates leave Manchester not only with a degree but also with the confidence and practical experience needed to enter the workforce or pursue a master’s degree.
What courses will I take in a sport management program?
As part of Manchester University’s sport management program, you’ll complete a blend of core business classes and specialized coursework in the sports industry. This includes studies in finance, leadership, event management, and sports marketing, all designed to build a strong professional foundation.
Required courses include:
- Social and Ethical Issues in Sport Management
- Marketing and Sponsorship in Sport
- Event and Facility Management
- Sports Law and Legal Issues in Sport
- You’ll also choose from electives like:
- Promotion and Advertising
- Sales Management
- Organizational Behavior
- Public Relations
- Entrepreneurship and Small Business
The program culminates in the Case Studies in Business capstone course. Here, students manage a business for a semester and donate earnings to a nonprofit, gaining firsthand experience in planning, budgeting, and critical thinking.
Manchester’s curriculum prepares sport management students for various career paths in professional sport, collegiate athletics, or the broader sports business sector. The program also provides a solid base for those pursuing a master’s degree or other graduate courses.
What is the job outlook for sport management majors?
The job outlook for sport management majors is strong and continues to grow due to the global expansion of the sports industry. According to labor market trends, roles in sport management, particularly in event management, marketing, and operations, are expected to remain in high demand across professional sports teams, universities, and private firms.
Graduates from Manchester University’s sport management degree program are well-positioned to enter roles such as sports analyst, corporate partnerships manager, or athletic director. Employers value the combination of classroom knowledge and hands-on experience that Manchester students gain through internships and industry projects.
The increasing commercialization of the sports world and the growth of professional sport leagues, streaming platforms, and international sporting events all contribute to expanding career opportunities. There is also rising demand for skilled professionals in areas like sports law, media relations, and sports facilities management.
Whether you aim to work in the sport management industry, for professional teams, sports agencies, youth sports programs, or amateur athletic organizations, a sport management bachelor’s degree offers flexibility, high career mobility, and long-term growth potential.
Sport Management Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes
1. Students will demonstrate that they possess the core business knowledge generally expected of all business students and the depth of knowledge generally expected of students in their particular major or minor areas of study.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of fundamental business principles, including accounting, finance, marketing, and management.
- Students will apply specialized knowledge in their major or minor areas of study to practical and real-world scenarios.
2. Students will demonstrate the ability to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will gain hands-on experience, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge in professional settings and develop practical skills that are essential for their career.
- Students will demonstrate their ability to apply business concepts to real-world situations, thereby bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to think critically and to communicate effectively.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will demonstrate the ability to think critically by identifying, analyzing, and resolving unstructured business problems, and by making evidence-based decisions.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Non-Discrimination in the Admission Process
Manchester University is committed to non-discrimination in campus life. The University does not discriminate on the basis of national origin, ancestry, race, color, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, religion, disability or veteran status in admissions or any area of campus life, including its educational programs, scholarships and loan awards, residence life programs, athletic programs, extracurricular programs, promotion and tenure policies and practice, and alumni affairs.
Manchester University is committed to carry out the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans With Disabilities Act, which provide for accessibility of University programs to the physically disabled.