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Sport management student in an announcer's booth.

Sport Management, B.S.

Sport management as an academic field prepares students for employment in the sport industry. The degree offers students opportunities to study managerial concepts while learning how to become transformational leaders in the business and culture of sports. It is an exciting and diverse discipline that draws from many fields of study.

Visit the program website for more information.

Students are admitted directly into this program.

Program Overview

This major is designed to address the unique position of sport in the global economy. Sport management students acquire knowledge and skills to work in a wide-ranging sport industry and are prepared to pursue graduate degrees, if they desire.

Sport management majors receive a Bachelor of Science degree; students are encouraged to pursue a related minor. In addition, a certificate in sport coaching is available.

Why Study Sport Management at Grand Valley?

  • Opportunities to work and intern for the best: Grand Rapids was ranked the #1 minor league sports city in the USA by Sports Business Journal.
  • GVSU is home to 14 Learfield Directors' Cups, ranking it one of the top schools each year in NCAA Division II athletics.
  • A majority of faculty members have worked in the industry bringing real-world experiences to the classroom.
  • The combination of coursework and experiential learning accommodates the diverse professional preparation needs of undergraduate students.
  • Additional opportunities include volunteer and internship experiences locally, nationally, and internationally, to better prepare students for the professional workplace.

Career Insights

This tool shows an overview of potential career opportunities for this major. Actual salaries, employment opportunities, and job titles may change over time.

Location & Format

Undergraduate students in this major study at Grand Valley's Allendale Campus.

Format:
  • Face To Face

Coursework

The goal of the core curriculum in sport management is to provide students with a broad theoretical and conceptual foundation in the field of sport management. The curriculum is designed to develop knowledge and skills in management, marketing, communication, and legal and ethical concepts, as well as psychological and sociological aspects of sport.

Students are encouraged to become involved while on campus through volunteer and internship experiences as well as membership in the Sport Management Club. The Sport Management Club provides students with an opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in the various segments of sport management. Club members participate in campus and community projects, learn about different sport careers from industry professionals, and attend student trips to sport facilities and conferences. Meetings are held regularly and are open to all GVSU students.

Combined Degree Programs

Many GVSU undergraduate programs can be combined with an existing master’s degree program to save on tuition and get you into the workforce sooner. On average, you can save $8,500 by pursuing a combined degree and take up to four fewer courses than if earning the degrees separately.

Talk with an advisor about how you can build your combined degree from existing programs to further personalize your education and create your own niche area of expertise.

REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE

Hands-on learning and other fieldwork not only deepen your mastery of your discipline but also give you the edge employers seek. Visit our experience matters page to see the work GVSU students are doing in their co-ops and internships.

Admission Requirements

Visit the Admissions website for undergraduate requirements.

For More Information

Department of Movement Science

Jon Coles, Ph.D., Program Coordinator
4421 Kindschi Hall of Science
(616) 331-3515
[email protected]
au99168.com/sportmanagement

Admissions and Recruitment Office

au99168.com/admissions