Sports Management

Associate in Science (A.S.)

Love the game? Learn the business and marketing skills that bring your favorite sports to life. Prepare for careers managing youth leagues, community recreation, college athletics, professional sports, and more.

Career Outlook: Sports Management

From the minor leagues to international events such as the Olympics, sporting events draw in millions of visitors and billions of dollars every year. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects 13% growth in sports careers by 2031, which is higher than the average job growth rate. The average salary for sports management occupations was $49,470 in 2021.

A.S. Program Overview

Prepare to manage and market sports organizations of all levels. Coursework focuses on business fundamentals, sports marketing, data-centered decision-making and communication. Gain the industry knowledge, professionalism, and critical thinking skills you need to secure a fulfilling career in sports.

By the end of the program, you'll be ready to transfer into a sports management bachelor's degree program.

Explore the Business of Sports

Sports management careers require a commitment to strategy and dedication to the broader sports community. You'll discover how cities compete for and host high-profile events, research the economic impact of sports, and develop the work ethic to succeed in this fast-paced and collaborative environment.

Meet Sports Management Professionals

Bring your education to life with real-world experiences. Attend private tours of regional sports facilities such as Highmark Stadium and Key Bank Center in Buffalo. Visit the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown with your classmates.

Learn from sports professionals such as:

• Ron Raccuia — EVP/COO Buffalo Bills, President ADPRO Sports
• Jeff Nix — former Assistant General Manager New York Knicks
• Mark Hichar — attorney advisor to casinos, gaming system providers, operators, and investors

A.S. Program Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this degree program, students will be able to:

• Categorize the roles and responsibilities of the various disciplines within the larger sports management profession.
• Apply critical thinking and reasoning skills needed to analyze and interpret information related to other academic disciplines (business, accounting, economics, marketing) that influence sports management.
• Categorize the components and processes of sports event management and apply the best practices in relation to coordinating successful events in a variety of sport and recreational settings.
• Examine the moral, ethical, and professional qualities needed as a sports management professional.

Seamless Transfer Opportunities

Regional colleges and universities that offer a bachelor's degree in sports management or a related field include:

Four-Year Career Pathways

Our sports management associate degree places you on a path towards a career in fields such as:

Low-Cost Tuition and Scholarship Opportunities

Earn a quality education at an affordable rate. With our low cost-per-credit and general scholarship opportunities, you can maximize your potential with minimal debt. 80% of students are awarded scholarships or financial aid that help with the cost of college.

Faculty

Richard Walsh is the lead instructor and advisor for the sports management program. As a former division one basketball player, head coach, and college athletics director, his professional experience covers all aspects of the sports industry. Richard shares his passion for sports with his students in the classroom and with the public as an ESPN sports analyst.