Concordia University Chicago
Concordia University Chicago’s Online Sports Management Degree
Explore our 100% online sports management program from Concordia University Chicago.
Application Deadline: December 30, 2024
Classes Start: January 6, 2025
Concordia University Chicago (CUC) offers a comprehensive online sports management degree designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the dynamic and competitive sports industry. This program is ideal for individuals who are passionate about sports and aspire to pursue careers in sports media, management, marketing, event planning or athletic administration. Get a business education with a focus on sport operations to prepare you to work in sport operations management after graduation.
Sports Management Degree Overview
CUC’s online sports management program is structured to provide a deep understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of sports management. The curriculum is designed to cover a broad range of topics, including sports marketing, finance, event management, ethics, and law. Students will also learn about the economic, social and cultural impacts of sports on society.
Curriculum Highlights
Sports Facility and Event Management
This course covers the management of facilities and personnel, program development, budget preparation and application of public relations techniques.
Leadership Centered Management
This course provides students with the basic principles of management to build a foundation for leadership in an ever-changing and innovative business environment. It explores the principal concepts of management: leading (motivating, communicating and developing people), planning (setting goals and deciding activities), organizing (establishing activities and coordinating people) and controlling (establishing targets and measuring performance).
The course presents management within the environmental context of innovation, globalization, ethics and social responsibility. It links leadership theory, strategic development and organizational application to current global business challenges. Students focus attention on the role of management and the application of a global management plan.
Diversity of Sports
This course examines an encompassing perspective of diversity within North American and international sport organizations. The course focuses on diversity issues as they relate to race, ethnicity, gender, social class, sexuality and physical ability/disability.
Contemporary Business Law
This course surveys legal principles and issues concerning business. It explains the U.S. legal system and the legal environment of commerce and trade. The course details elements of contract law, the Uniform Commercial Code, administrative law and types of negotiable instruments. It also provides an overview of criminal law, tort law and constitutional law that affect business. It explores business ethics and corporate social responsibility applied to modern-day business problems. The course broadly addresses employment law, sports law and consumer protection.
Sports Management Capstone Course
This capstone course represents the culmination of the sports management program. It focuses on designing a sports management project or program that reflects current trends using an integrative systems perspective. The student will demonstrate a working knowledge of business administration, accounting, economics and finance and how these practices are important to a sports organization. The student will use evidence-based management practices.
Career Outlook
The career outlook for sports management professionals is promising, driven by the ever-growing global sports industry. As sports continue to captivate audiences worldwide, the demand for skilled professionals who can manage teams, events, facilities and marketing efforts is on the rise. Here’s an overview of the various career opportunities and trends in sports management:
Growing Demand and Opportunities
The sports industry encompasses a wide range of sectors, including professional sports teams, collegiate athletics, recreational sports, fitness and wellness and sports marketing. This diversity creates numerous career paths for sports management graduates. Key areas with significant demand include:
- Sports Marketing and Promotions: With the rise of digital media and the increasing need for engaging fan experiences, sports marketing professionals are in high demand. They develop and execute marketing campaigns, manage social media presence and enhance brand visibility for teams and athletes.
- Event Management: Sports events, from local tournaments to international championships, require meticulous planning and coordination. Event managers ensure that these events run smoothly, attract spectators and generate revenue. The growing popularity of esports and virtual sports events further expands this field.
- Athletic Administration: Schools, colleges and universities need athletic directors and administrators to oversee their sports programs. These roles involve managing budgets, hiring coaches and ensuring compliance with regulations. As sports programs expand, so does the need for competent administrators.
- Sports Agents and Talent Managers: Athletes rely on agents and managers to negotiate contracts, secure endorsements and manage their careers. The increasing commercialization of sports and the rising profiles of athletes make this a lucrative and competitive field.
- Facility Management: Sports venues, from stadiums to fitness centers, require skilled managers to oversee operations, maintenance and event scheduling. The focus on enhancing fan experiences and optimizing facility use drives demand for professionals in this area.
Industry Trends
Several trends are shaping the sports management field, influencing career opportunities:
- Technology Integration: The integration of technology in sports, such as data analytics, wearable tech and virtual reality, is transforming how sports are played, viewed and managed. Professionals with expertise in sports technology are highly sought after.
- Sustainability and Green Initiatives: The push for sustainability in sporting events and facilities is creating new roles focused on environmental management and sustainable practices. Green sports business is becoming an important area within the industry.
- Globalization of Sports: The global reach of sports continues to expand, creating opportunities for professionals who can manage international events, market to diverse audiences and navigate cross-cultural challenges in sports organizations.
- Health and Wellness: The increasing emphasis on health and wellness is driving growth in recreational sports and fitness industries. Sports management professionals are needed to design programs, manage facilities and promote healthy lifestyles.
Salary and Job Growth
Salaries in sports management vary widely depending on the specific role, location and level of experience. Here are the average salaries of top sports management careers according to industry data:
- Sports Marketing Managers: Median salaries typically range from $80,000 to $146,000 annually, with top earners making significantly more.
- Event Coordinators: Entry-level positions may start around $46,000, while experienced event managers can earn upwards of $74,000.
- Athletic Directors: Salaries for athletic directors at colleges and universities can range from $41,000 to over $105,000, depending on the size and prestige of the institution.
- Sports Agents: Earnings for sports agents are highly variable, often based on a percentage of the athlete’s earnings. Successful agents can make substantial incomes of over $100,000 annually.
The job growth rate for sports management positions is generally positive, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting continued growth in related fields such as marketing, event planning, and recreation management.
Why Choose Concordia University Chicago?
There are many sports management programs out there to choose from. Why should students choose CUC to earn their sports management degree?
Accreditation and Reputation
Our sports management program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), ensuring that you receive a high-quality education that meets industry standards. Our university has a strong reputation for producing skilled and knowledgeable sports management professionals.
Experienced Faculty and Support
At Concordia University Chicago, you will learn from experienced and dedicated faculty members who have expertise in sports management. They are committed to providing you with guidance, mentorship and support throughout your academic journey.
Flexibility and Convenience
Our online learning format allows you to earn your bachelor’s degree in sports management while maintaining your work, family and personal commitments. You can access course materials, lectures and assignments from anywhere, anytime, making it convenient for busy individuals.
Extensive Networking Opportunities
As a student in our sports management program, you will have access to a vast network of fellow students, alumni and industry professionals. This network provides valuable connections, mentorship and potential job opportunities. Gain hands-on experience before starting your sports career with our online bachelor of arts program.
Apply to CUC Today to Kickstart Your Career in Sports
If your career interests lie in sports and business, a degree in sports management may be right for you. CUC’s online students build strong leadership and communication skills to prepare them for fulfilling careers in the sporting industry. Apply online or contact us for more information about our Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management program.