Sports management requirements typically include both educational qualifications and practical experiences focused on the business side of athletics[2].
- Education: A bachelor’s degree in sports management or a related field such as business, marketing, communications, or finance is commonly required[1][4][6]. Coursework often covers sport management fundamentals, ethics, legal considerations, finance, psychology, event and facility management, and marketing[9][13].
- General Education: Programs usually require general education courses in areas such as social sciences, humanities, mathematics, and composition[9][13].
- Specialized Training: Core sports management classes may include topics like leadership development, foundations of sport management, event management, facility design, sport communication, legal issues, administration, sport finance, and internships within the field[9][13].
- Advanced Degrees: An MBA or master’s in leadership and management can help with advancement into higher-level management roles in sports organizations[4][6].
- Experience: Entry-level experience through internships, volunteer work, or administrative positions with sports organizations is essential[6]. Hands-on experience provides a better understanding of daily operations and helps build networks within the industry[6].
- Certification: Although not always mandatory, certifications like Certified Sports Manager (CSM) and Certified Professional in Sports Management (CPSM) can enhance credibility and demonstrate expertise[6].
- Admission Requirements: For undergraduate programs, applicants generally need to submit transcripts, possibly personal essays, and recommendations. Some programs consider SAT/ACT scores optional[9].
The requirements may vary across institutions, but foundational coursework, general education, experiential learning, and optional certifications are common in preparing for a career in sports management[1][6][9].
References
- [1] Sports Management Degree Overview (Types & Requirements)
- [2] Your 2025 Guide to a Career in Sports Management
- [4] What Does a Sports Manager Do?
- [6] How To Become a Sports Manager | American Public University
- [9] Sports Management Degree Requirements – University of Bridgeport
- [13] Sport Management, B.S. (Online or On-ground) – Academic Catalogs
Leave a Reply