If you are considering pursuing a master’s degree and have an interest in sports, you might be wondering, ‘What jobs can you get with a sports management degree?’ First, let’s look at what the degree is, the skills it builds, and the careers and jobs that it can open up for you.
The Master of Arts in Sport Management builds leadership and decision-making skills for management roles in sport organizations. At Bellevue University, the Master’s in Sport Management program combines theory with hands-on experience in the form of internships to help students tackle challenges in the sport industry and succeed in the business side of sports.
Key focus areas you will learn include:
- Data analysis
- Legal and ethical principles
- Crisis management
- Strategic branding
You’ll learn how to think critically, make high-level decisions, and manage sport organizations effectively.
See also What Is a Master’s in Sport Management?
Our degree programs have an advisory committee of accomplished professionals who provide recommendations on the expertise students will need. In addition, professors conduct job market research. Then, we prioritize the knowledge and skills that are most important for student success. To hit home runs, baseball players—and students—need to be diligent in their practice of what they have learned, and continue to learn to realize their potential. Those are the kind of people who will be successful in their careers and life.
– Merrill Johnson, Associate Professor, College of Business
Common Career Paths for Sport Management Master’s Graduates
This degree opens doors to many career options, including roles in professional sports, collegiate athletics, nonprofit sport organizations, and beyond. You could work in:
- Sport marketing agencies
- Community and recreational programs
- Corporate partnerships
- Digital media and Esports
- Nonprofit or government sport initiatives
Common job titles include:
- Athletic Director
- Director of Corporate Partnerships
- Manager of Business Operations
- Brand Activation Manager
- Director of Digital Media and Content Strategy
- Facility Operations Director
- Event Operations Manager
- Sports Marketing Manager
- Esports Manager
With skills in data analysis, engagement, and branding, you’ll be prepared to lead and innovate in the rapidly evolving sport industry. Additionally, this program prepares you for careers beyond traditional sport organizations. Opportunities exist in media, esports management, sporting goods and apparel companies.
Discover careers that might best suit your personal goals by taking a career assessment through Bellevue University Career Services.
Skills You’ll Develop in the Master's in Sport Management Program
You’ll work on projects and case studies in areas such as sport finance and law, strategic management, data analytics, community engagement, crisis response, marketing and branding. Here’s a further breakdown of the focus areas you’ll encounter in Bellevue University’s sport management master’s:
- Sales, Branding & Marketing: Covers sales strategies, consumer engagement, brand development, and digital marketing to enhance organizational visibility and revenue.
- Global Perspective & Community Engagement: Integrates global sport dynamics with strategies for building strong community relationships and outreach initiatives.
- Leadership Development & Crisis Management: Emphasizes advanced leadership practices, decision-making, conflict resolution and preparation to lead through crises.
- Legal & Risk Management: Covers key legal areas such as liability, contracts, intellectual property, and labor law to support informed sport management leadership.
- Data-Driven Decision Making & Innovation: Focuses on collecting, analyzing, and visualizing sport data and trends to inform strategic and operational decisions.
- Strategic Planning: Theoretical strategy and stakeholder engagement are enhanced with a required internship to apply practical skills in a real-world setting.
Internship opportunities with local teams and agencies give you practical experience and enable valuable industry connections.
Further Education or Certifications
Beyond a master’s degree, professionals may choose to enhance their expertise with additional certifications or education, depending on their career goals. (Specific industry-recognized examinations and prerequisites may apply.)
Some popular certifications include:
- American Red Cross CPR & 1st Aid
- Certified Sports Event Executive (CSEE)
- Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA)
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) credentials in fitness, personal, or athletic training
These credentials can enhance a sport management degree by adding specialized skills in event planning and public safety, athletic administration, or training, making you more competitive in the job market.
Continuing education in the form of courses or certificates and professional development helps you as a sport management graduate stay competitive and adapt to evolving industry trends.
Discover Where a Master's in Sport Management Can Take You
You do not need an undergraduate degree in sport management to succeed in this master’s program. Students can come from a variety of academic backgrounds, including business administration, communication, marketing, finance, and other related fields. Whether you have experience in sales, operations, branding, or community engagement, this degree will help you build on your existing skills and apply them in the sport industry. If you have a passion for leadership, strategy, and the business side of sports, the Master’s in Sport Management provides the expertise you need to thrive.
Take the next step toward achieving your goals with the Master’s in Sport Management today.
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