Sport Management applies to the business of sport in all of its many facets. It includes the planning, organizing, leading, and evaluating within the context of a sport organization. The degree provides the theoretical and practical framework for a number of professions that focus on leadership roles, including youth, amateur, and professional sports; recreational, college and university sports programs; and the marketing and management of all sport and fitness-related goods. Sport Management is very closely related to traditional business operations (marketing, management, promotion, facilities, events management, etc.).
Students in the Sport Management program at Colorado Mesa University will develop into competent leaders for the various professions that focus on sports and fitness. They will take a combination of kinesiology coursework and business classes to prepare for careers in the sports industry. This major is also good preparation for graduate school in the areas of sport business and business administration. CMU also offers many clubs and organizations campus-wide and within the Kinesiology Department that can help prepare students for advanced study or build campus and community connections.
• Account Executive
• Activities Director
• Aquatic Management
• Athletic Coach
• Athletic Director
• Athletic Equipment Manager
• Camp Director
• Coach
• Community/Commercial Recreation
• Corporate Fitness Instructor
• Country Club Manager
• Cruise Recreation Director
• Event Coordinator
• Facilities Manager
• Fitness Program Manager
• Media Coordinator
• Occupational Therapist
• Parks & Recreation Director
• Personal Trainer
• Physical Therapist
• Professional Sports Scout
• Professional Sports Umpire
• Recreation Specialist
• Rehabilitation Specialist
• Social Director
• Sports Agent
• Sports & Fitness Nutritionist
• Sporting Goods Sales/Marketing
• Spa/Health Club Manager
• Sports Broadcaster
• Sports Food Service Manager
• Sports Information Director
• Sports Medicine
• Sports Team Manager
• Sports Psychologist
• Sports Publicist
• Swimming Pool Manager
• Winter Sports Manager
Note: Some of the occupations listed above may require additional education, experience, or training beyond a Bachelor’s Degree. To research these occupations use the Career Research Resources links below.
• Develop program budgets for organizations or special events
• Organize public appearances or write press releases
• Manage a sports-related business, facility, recreational area, or resort
• Build relationships with coaches, sporting goods vendors, athletes, facilities managers, and/or media
• Become a sports agent representing athletes
• Assist in managing a professional, college, or recreational sports team
• Coordinate event planning for a particular sport or facility
• Community recreation
• Event management
• Fitness centers and health clubs
• Government agencies
• Individual sport associations like the PGA tour
• Media organizations
• Motor sports organizations
• National sport governing bodies like the NCAA
• Olympics & Special Olympics
• Parks & recreation departments
• Player agent or representative
• Professional player unions
• Public relations and marketing for college and professional organizations
• Resorts
• Sport equipment industry
• Sport facility management
• Sport marketing agencies
• Stadium & arena managers
• Sporting goods organizations
• State & city sports commissions
• Tourism agencies
• YMCAs and YWCAs
Skills Needed by Sport Management majors:
• Sales & marketing
• Interpersonal skills
• Teamwork
• Customer service
• Knowledge of business environment
• Effective writing skills
• Planning skills
• Interest in sports/athletics
• Leadership skills
• Networking
• Interest in working in a competitive field
• Ability to persuade people
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to multitask
• Knowledge of sports industry
Other Sport Management resources
Reach out to CMU Career Services for resources and guidance on reaching your career goals. Career Services takes an active role in providing career exploration, workshops, events and on-campus employer visits to encourage students to investigate and gain information while creating their career path.
You can also use these sites to research information about specific occupations such as nature of the work, training or qualifications, employment or job outlook, projections, earnings and wages.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Use the A-Z index to select the occupation you are researching.
- Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes
- Athletes, Coaches, Umpires, and Related Workers
The U.S. Department of Labor
- In the occupational search box type in key words, job titles, or occupational codes to research various careers.
The Department of Defense
- This site compiles information from departments of Commerce, Education and Labor.