The Sport Management, B.S. program prepares students for management and leadership positions with professional sports teams, intercollegiate athletics departments, sport business entities and industries, and community-based sport and youth agencies.
Concentrations
Sport Management, B.S. - General (Online or On-ground)
The Sport Management (General) concentration prepares students for leadership and professional careers in the dynamic sport industry. Coursework in sport marketing, sales, governance, administration, ethics, finance, law, facility and event management, and intercollegiate athletics develops skills to navigate contemporary challenges in sport organizations. Internships and experiential learning provide hands-on experience with professional teams, athletic departments, sport facilities, marketing firms, and community-based organizations.
Sport Management, B.S. - Sport Media
The Sport Media concentration prepares students for the evolving field of sports communication through hands-on coursework in live event production, athletic media relations, sports reporting, and digital content strategy. Students develop the skills needed to create, manage, and communicate sports content across traditional, digital, and social media platforms. Located within the New York-Boston sports and media corridor, the program provides access to internships, experiential learning, and networking opportunities with collegiate athletics, professional sports organizations, broadcasters, and media outlets.
Sport Management, B.S. - Sport, Recreation and Wellness
The Sport, Recreation and Wellness concentration prepares students for careers that promote active, healthy, and engaged communities. Through coursework and experiential learning, students develop competencies in program planning, administration, facility operations, community engagement, and recreation and wellness service delivery. Graduates are prepared to serve in leadership and management roles within municipal parks and recreation agencies, community centers, nonprofit organizations, campus recreation and wellness programs, and military recreation and community services.
Program Features
- Flexible Scheduling: The sport management program is offered both on-ground and online.
- Industry Connections: Networking opportunities with professionals and alumni in the sports industry through guest lectures, career fairs, and mentorship programs.
- Experiential Learning: Opportunities for experiential learning through participation in programs offered through The Institute for Adapted Sport and Recreation, field trips, simulations, and participation in sport-related events to enhance practical skills and understanding.
- International Partners: Participate in real-world sport projects with students from our partner institution in the UK, Liverpool John Moores University.
- Tuition Break: For those who reside in any New England State, as well as NY, NJ, and PA, pay a reduced out-of-state tuition.
- Expert Faculty: Learn from sport management faculty, whether full-time or part time are well known within the sport industry.
- Internship Opportunities: Hands-on experience through internships with sports organizations, teams, leagues, or event management companies to gain practical insights into the industry.
- Professional Development: Workshops, seminars, and courses focused on professional development skills such as leadership, communication, and teamwork, tailored for the sports industry.
- Practical Projects: Engagement in practical projects such as event planning, marketing campaigns, or financial analysis of sports organizations to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts.
The sport management degree program at Southern Connecticut State University has received specialized accreditation through the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA) located in Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. The sport management program with the following degrees is accredited by COSMA:
- Bachelor of Science, Sport Management (in-person, online)
2+2 Bachelor of Science, Sport Management pathway - Master of Science, Sport and Entertainment Management (online)
4+1 Bachelor of Science/Master of Science
Mission
The mission of the Sport Management programs at SCSU is to facilitate student-centered success through learning and leadership development, incorporating innovative teaching strategies that integrate relevant research, community service, and a practitioner perspective gained through experiential learning opportunities and connections leading to careers in sport and related professions.
Vision
Our vision is to be the preeminent Sport Management program in the region.
Goals
- To educate students regarding the importance of sport and sport professions in society.
- To provide a curriculum that prepares students for professional roles in sport and related professions.
- To contribute to the growing understanding of sport through professional involvement and community service.
- To provide students with opportunities for experiential learning, enabling them to embrace their professional preparedness.
- Mike Abramson - General Manager, Hartford Yard Goats
- Tom Chiappetta - Executive Director, Fairfield County Sports Hall of Fame & Youth Foundation
- Joe Favorito - Sports Marketing PR Professional, former Vice President Public Relations NY Knicks
- Dr. Ted Fay - Professor of Sport Management Emeritus, SUNY Cortland
- Joe Franco ‘79 - President, Franco Associates Career Development Specialists
- Kevin Gilbride ‘74 - NFL Network, NEC Sports Network, former NFL Head Coach
- Dr. Donna Lopiano ‘68 - President - The Drake Group, President - Sport Management Resources, former CEO Women’s Sports Foundation
- Ed Manetta - Managing Director, Fastlane Marketing and Communications Sport & Entertainment Practice
- Ronnie Nunn - Former NBA Referee and Director of Officials
- Dan Padover - General Manager, Atlanta Dream WNBA
- Mike Palisi - Executive Vice President for Collegiate Services, Van Wagner Sports & Entertainment
- Al Santasiere - Senior Director of Publications, NY Yankees
- Amy Skiles - Senior Vice President Business Development & Client Services, Phoenix Design Works
- Jamie Skiles - President & Creative Director, Phoenix Design Works
Careers
Successful organizations in the sports industry are constantly searching for leaders with specialized training. Graduates find themselves ready to take on work at the amateur, intercollegiate, and professional sports levels. They are uniquely prepared for a number of positions within the sport industry. These jobs can be performed in a variety of environments, including arenas, professional sports teams, marketing firms, colleges, and universities, as well as youth and club programs.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in sports occupations is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.
Typical Job Titles
- Sports Marketing Manager
- Athletic Director
- Sports Facility Manager
- Sports Operations Manager
- Sport Marketing
- Sport Event Planning
- Sport Merchandising
- Athletic Administration
- Guest Relations
- Youth Sport
- Campus Sport & Recreation
Institute for Adapted Sports and Recreation
The Institute for Adapted Sports and Recreation provides programs for individuals with various disabilities. Through the institute, we also offer recreational therapy to individuals with disabilities living in the community. We have partnered with local organizations, where graduate students facilitate leisure activities as a way for clients to develop social skills.
School / College
College of Health & Human Services
Department
Recreation, Tourism and Sport Management
Contact
Dr. Jeongwon Choi