Sports management is a business field centered on budgeting, directing, leading, organizing, and planning for sports and recreation in organizations like amateur sports, professional sports, and the like. A degree in this discipline imparts to students the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in the business aspect of the sports industry.
Individuals in this field will be able to work closely with big names in the industry, such as athletes and coaches. That said, sports management is a great study program for those interested in sports but who would like to work behind the scenes in the said industry. Let us take a look at the best schools for sports management in the world! Choose the best universities for sports management to study to make your dreams come true.
1. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is renowned for its comprehensive Sports Management program. The program's curriculum spans various aspects of sports management, including marketing, finance, event management, and ethics. SNHU stands out for its flexibility, offering both online and on-campus options, and accommodating a diverse student body, including working professionals.
A key emphasis of the program is on practical experience. Students have opportunities for internships and real-world projects, fostering connections with industry professionals. The faculty, comprising experienced sports management professionals, provides students with valuable insights from the industry.
SNHU also excels in career support, guiding students through the process of securing job opportunities in the sports industry post-graduation. Overall, SNHU’s Sports Management program is designed to equip students with vital skills and knowledge for various roles within the sports industry, making it a prime choice for those pursuing a career in this field.
Degrees offered: Bachelor’s and Master’s
2. University of Michigan
A public research university in the city of Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan or UMich, is a top-ranking institution and an excellent school for sports management in the world that was established in 1817. It has been deemed the #1 US public university by the QS World University Rankings (2019 – 2020). On another note, UMich has 19 schools and colleges.
As UMich is a leading public university, it is not surprising to know that it has a rather lengthy list of notable alumni. This list includes former professional baseball player Barry Larkin, former football quarterback Tom Brady, former professional basketball player Cazzie Russell, retired professional race car driver Janet Guthrie, and former competitive diver and diving coach Micki King.
The Center of Excellence’s School of Kinesiology offers a Sports Management program for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. students.
Degrees offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD
3. University of Portsmouth
The University of Portsmouth is a public university and among the best institutions for sports management in the world that is situated in England. Presently, there are around 31,000 students and 3,600 staff thriving at the institution. It is a respected institute for higher education, as it is known for its excellent quality of education and its numerous awards and high rankings such as its five-star overall rating from the QS World University Rankings 2021.
Incoming Bachelor’s students who wish to pursue their Sports Management program should be aware that it can only be taken full-time. On the other hand, future Master’s students can choose between a part-time or full-time mode of study.
Degrees offered: Bachelor’s and Master’s
4. Rice University
William Marsh Rice University, simply known as Rice University, is a private research university located in Texas’s most populous city, Houston. It opened its doors to students in the year 1912. At Rice University, eight schools are offering a wide range of programs and courses.
Rice’s Department of Sport Management is part of its School of Social Sciences. Moreover, this department offers an undergraduate degree program for the said subject and it is focused on sports analytics, sports law, and sports leadership. The university takes pride in producing lots of well-rounded graduates who went on to become successful in the field of sports management, such as Baltimore Ravens’ senior advisor of player development OJ Brigance, Chicago Bulls’ assistant general manager Jimmy “JJ” Polk, and Los Angeles Dodgers’ game planning and communications coach Danny Lehmann.
Degrees offered: Bachelor’s
5. Belhaven University
A private Christian institute for higher education based in Mississippi, United States, Belhaven University was established in 1883. Moreover, the Center of Learning is deemed one of the best Christian colleges and universities in the US. At present, there are 4,400 students at Belhaven.
Belhaven’s sports management program for incoming Bachelor’s students will be focused on sports finance, sports governance and ethics, sports marketing, and a lot more. Their sports administration program for future Master’s students is 100% online and has a study duration of only two years.
Degrees offered: Bachelor’s and Master’s
6. Loughborough University
Loughborough University (Lough) is a top institution in the United Kingdom with an international reputation for excellence in teaching and research. Leading with ambition and a progressive attitude, this establishment empowers students to achieve extraordinary things. Innovation is at the heart of all the activities at Lough; technology is employed to enhance the students’ experience and promote research.
The university is also among the leading Sports Management schools in the world. Its Sports Management program is co-taught by two different schools at Lough: the School of Sport, Exercise, and Health Science and the School of Business. Sports management requires extensive knowledge in many disciplines. The program is designed to equip the students with fundamental skills that are key to understanding sports marketing, governance, and economics.
Degrees offered: Bachelor’s and Master’s
7. Columbia University
Columbia University is a top-tier Ivy League institution and one of the most prominent research hubs in the world. Established in 1754, this university is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the United States. It is renowned for its high standards and for being one of the most selective universities in the world. Therefore, it has maintained its status as a ‘top 20 university’ in the US for centuries.
Columbia University offers a full-time master’s degree in Sports Management. This post-graduate program is designed to help the students acquire cutting-edge and emerging skills and techniques in all areas of Sports Management. UBC has partners in the NFL, NBA, Football, and NHL, giving its students hands-on practical experience with experts in their respective fields.
Degrees Offered: Master’s
8. University College Birmingham
University College Birmingham (UCB) is an institution affiliated with the University of Birmingham. This young university has invested a great deal of time and resources to offer the best education to its prospective students. It offers courses across all disciplines to 5,000 students from 65 different nationalities. It has pledged to offer all students, regardless of their background, ample opportunities to fulfill their dreams.
The Sports Management program at the University of Birmingham is one of the best in the United Kingdom. The university has invested over £44 million to equip the facilities and offer great opportunities to its students. The curriculum covers four key fields: Marketing and Communication, Planning and Performance, Management and Leadership, and Research. The course modules are consistently reviewed to ascertain that they are up-to-date to meet the needs of the industry. For all these reasons, the University College Birmingham makes it to the top Sports Management institutions in the world.
Degrees offered: Bachelor’s
9. Deakin University
Deakin University is one of Australia’s fastest-growing institutions. This university has a reputation for being diverse and accessible. Over the years, this institution has taken an active interest in technology and business; it introduced new approaches to the application of technology in commerce. Deakin hosts 57,643 students, 20% of whom are international students. Deakin has introduced DeakinTalent, an innovative career services division, which has set graduates on the right track to getting jobs and starting businesses.
Deakin University offers a two-year Master of Business in Sports Management; the time and cost of the program can be reduced depending on the students’ experience and qualifications. The course was curated to help students acquire core analytic skills and learn how to apply them in professional contexts. The curriculum is comprehensive and covers modules such as Strategic Management, Sports Marketing, Sports and the Law, and Economics for Managers.
Degrees offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s
10. University of Bath
The University of Bath is a top-tier research institution in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1966, Bath is now one of the UK’s top 10 institutions. The university attributes its unprecedented success to its undying belief in its values. It promotes nurturing high aspirations for the benefit of society and fosters inclusion, diversity, accessibility, and equality.
The Program of Sports Management at the University of Bath is designed to provide an in-depth overview of Sport Management, Coaching, Psychology, and Sociology. Depending on their priorities, students will be able to develop a deep understanding of at least one of those areas. At the very last stage of their training, students can follow one of two paths: research or Practice Track, where they can work, on consultancy or research-based projects, with external organizations.
Degrees offered: Bachelor’s and Master’s
11. University of Florida
The University of Florida (UF) is a top public university and the state’s largest institution of higher education. This university implores everyone pursuing their studies on its campus to embrace the freedom to inquire and express ideas without condemnation and extend the same courtesy to others. UF believes in a hierarchical system where senior students and staff are to be treated with respect and are, in turn, responsible for those who come after them, creating a positive studying environment where everyone can thrive.
The College of Health and Human Performance at UF realizes the dire need for highly trained professionals in the field of Sports Management. This college offers a bachelor’s program that requires 120 hours of training. The course aims to teach aspiring sports executives some highly sought-after skills in the current job market. With its focus on its students’ future careers, the university is indeed among the top Sports Management schools in the world.
Degrees offered: Bachelor’s
12. Ohio State University
Ohio State University (OSU) is a leading research center and a model for public institutions in the United States. Established in 1870, OSU has transitioned from an institution solely focusing on agriculture to a comprehensive university providing education in all disciplines. OSU promotes excellence by adopting programs that stimulate creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. It stands for the values of honesty and transparency as effective ways to build trust and produce responsible and noble individuals ready to be leaders in their communities.
The College of Education and Human Ecology offers a comprehensive program in Sports Management. The course introduces the students to the important elements of the industry and prepares them for the challenges they might face as professionals. The program helps students expand their understanding of Sports Management by providing internships and allowing them access to several facilities located in six different universities in Central Ohio.
Degrees offered: Master’s and Ph.D.
13. The University of Hong Kong
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is a non-profit public institution renowned for its international network and social impact. As a big advocate for internationalization, this university attracts scholars from all over the world. Despite being a big believer in innovation, HKU never deviated from its roots as it builds knowledge upon its proud traditions.
The Sports Management Program at HKU is a three-year part-time course. This unique program aims to help students develop critical soft skills like communication, negotiation, and teamwork.
Degrees offered: Bachelor’s
14. Brock University
Brock University is one of Canada’s top public institutions. This university offers an experience that is second to none. Its population of 19,000 students allows it to provide an intimate and friendly environment where students get to stand out, explore their interests, and live up to their full potential.
The university is also among the leading Sports Management institutes in the world. The Sports Management program at Brock conforms to the highest international standards. It is designed for students who are passionate about sports and are willing to pursue a professional career in the ever-expanding sports industry. By the end of their journey at Brock, students will have gained a lot of experience through internships and international exchanges.
Degrees offered: Bachelor’s
15. Western University, Canada
Western University, also known as the University of Western Ontario (UWO), is another public world-class Canadian institution. Since its establishment in 1878, UWO has dominated the fields of Engineering and Medicine. Western has 26 faculties providing over 488 degree programs to 41,940 students from 129 different nationalities.
The Sports Management program at UWO is an interdisciplinary course that incorporates Sociology, Psychology, Business, and Law. The program aims at producing versatile and competent individuals with expertise in many disciplines. Only thirty students are admitted to this program annually, making it one of the most exclusive programs students can get into.
Degrees offered: Bachelor’s
Conclusion
The appeal of sports management is its broad range of work; sports management majors can choose from a variety of careers. There is no one sports management job description because there are so many areas in sports.
Sports managers also have the opportunity for career advancement, whether it be through coaching, scouting, marketing, entertainment, or other jobs.
The best universities for sports management introduced above will give you a more detailed and profound perspective on it! I hope this list assists you in selecting one of these outstanding universities to help you shape your dream career successfully.
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