Choose your path:
online bachelor's degree of sport management (BA)
Summer term classes start in June.
100% online learning.
Earn your degree on your schedule
$459 per credit hour.
$250 military preferred cost per credit
127 total credit hours.
turn your passion for sports into a career you love.
If you’ve ever dreamed of working behind the scenes in the world of athletics, Bellevue University’s Bachelor of Arts in Sport Management is your playbook for success. You’ll gain a foundation in business management, finance, marketing, and leadership—all applied directly to the dynamic sports industry. With a wide range of electives, you can tailor your studies to your interests—whether that’s creative media, event management, or media relations.
Want to strengthen your analytical edge? Explore the Bachelor of Science in Sport Management, which includes additional coursework in applied statistics. Either path prepares you to step confidently into a competitive, fast-paced field where business meets athletic passion.
Gain the business skills to be competitive on any team.
In this comprehensive degree program, you’ll build both the business acumen and the specialized sports knowledge that organizations seek. You’ll study everything from sport marketing, facility management, sales, and leadership—all while developing professional communication and team-building skills.
This hands-on, industry-relevant curriculum ensures you graduate ready to make an impact in roles like marketing coordinator, account executive, event manager, or youth sport director.
Whether your goal is to work for a major league franchise, a collegiate athletic department, or a sports media company, you’ll be prepared to perform at a professional level.
Learn from expert faculty who coach you toward success.
At Bellevue University, you won’t just learn from textbooks—you’ll learn from faculty who bring real-world sports business experience into the classroom. Our instructors take a personal, mentorship-based approach, getting to know each student’s strengths and career aspirations. That commitment has helped graduates land roles with organizations like the Minnesota Timberwolves, Learfield, Trackman Golf, Veo Technologies, and the University of Nebraska – Omaha. With their guidance, you’ll gain the confidence, connections, and professional polish needed to thrive in the business of sport—and turn your love for athletics into a rewarding lifelong career.
what you'll learn.
In this program, you’ll learn to apply business, legal, and management principles to the sport industry while developing the communication skills to lead and promote athletic organizations effectively.
upon graduation, students will be able to:
- Integrate sport management theory and practice into the sport industry.
- Evaluate sport organizations from a legal and risk management perspective.
- Apply business and financial accounting methods to sport industry contexts.
- Apply communication skills relevant to a variety of contexts such as marketing, public relations, and business management.
Awards
Bellevue Stories
Sport Management – BA degree courses
Current students please login to BRUIN and select “Academic Progress” for your curriculum requirements.
Requirements (36 credit hours)
EN 321 takes a broad and inclusive approach to workforce communication, examining the best practices of business writing, oral and online presentations, and professional research. Prerequisites: EN 101 and EN 102, Junior or Senior standing
This course provides an overview of the business of sport. Current topics and issues within various sport organizations are introduced and discussed. Career opportunities within the sport industry are explored.
This course introduces students to foundational concepts and technologies used in creative media within the sport industry. Students will explore basic principles of brand management, including visual consistency, color theory, and messaging, while gaining hands-on experience with digital tools to create sport-related content. The course will also examine career paths in creative media and begin building a portfolio of work relevant to sport branding and communication.
This course explores how to effectively manage a sport facility. Additionally, concepts of event management, such as planning, ticketing, and analyzing sporting events are examined.
This course examines laws relevant to sport managers and those pursuing careers within health and physical performance fields. An examination of the legal system and laws affecting sport and recreational activities is provided in a manner understandable to those involved in the sport, fitness, or health industries.
This course explores basic theories, techniques, and knowledge related to management within the sport industry, including the functions of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. Applied activities offer an opportunity to develop practical skills which can be utilized to manage organizations within the sport industry. Prerequisite: SM105 or BA232 or BA252
This course explores strategic sport marketing concepts including product, price, place, promotion, and public relations through practical applications. Development of a sales marketing plan for a sport product or organization is included. Prerequisite: SM105 or BA232 or BA252
This course covers basic financial management principles, concepts, and techniques encountered within the sport industry. Information is applied to various segments within the sport industry in order to gain a deeper understanding of financial management. Prerequisite: SM105 or BA232 or BA252, and AC205
The internship course consists of educational work experience in a business or industry environment related to Sport Management. Knowledge learned through academic experiences is applied and hands-on experiences are gained. Professional skills are developed and refined. Work expectations are contracted with the site-supervisor and faculty sponsor. This course requires 120 clock hours of an internship experience under the guidance of an experienced professional. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing (60 credit hours completed), 18 credit hours completed in the major, and a 2.5 GPA in the major – Permission of Sport Management Program Director is required.
Select three of the following:
This course is an introduction to the fundamental concepts of public relations and communication in a sport setting. Applied activities offer an opportunity to develop knowledge and skills related to public relations and communication within the sport industry.
This course explores the principles and practices of media production within the sport industry, emphasizing hands-on creation of digital content. Students will learn to use tools such as Photoshop, video editing software, and multimedia applications to design promotional materials, produce highlight reels, and develop engaging sport-related media. Through project-based learning, students will apply creative and technical skills to real-world scenarios that reflect current trends in sport communication and branding. Prerequisite: SM 220
This course introduces students to the structure and growth of the eSports industry, focusing on how competitive gaming has developed into a mainstream business. Students will examine eSports business models, marketing and sponsorship opportunities, and the operational logistics of organizing live and virtual events. Through case studies and hands-on projects, students will gain practical experience in managing eSports teams, events, and brand partnerships.
This course explores fundamental sales techniques and strategies specific to the sport industry. Through role-playing exercises, students will apply these techniques in simulated scenarios, enhancing their ability to effectively sell sport products and services. Additionally, the course will introduce data analysis and revenue projection to help students understand organizational strategies. Cross-listed with SM 520
This course introduces challenges and emerging trends shaping the sport industry, including technological advancements, changing consumer behaviors, and evolving regulatory landscapes. Students will identify and explore opportunities for growth and innovation within the sport industry due to ongoing advancements and trends. Cross-listed with SM 530
This course focuses on identifying and evaluating entrepreneurial opportunities within the sport industry, with an emphasis on innovation and strategic thinking. Students will learn how to develop comprehensive business plans, assess market potential, and design sustainable strategies for launching sport-related ventures. Through applied learning, students will strengthen their ability to think creatively, solve problems, and communicate ideas in a sport business context.
This course explores the global dynamics of sport, examining how they intersect with cultural, economic, and political forces across different regions. By engaging with current events, students will gain a deeper understanding of the global sport environment, its impact on local communities and industries, and the role of sport in fostering international connections. Cross-listed with SM 550
Kirkpatrick Signature Series Requirements (9 credit hours)
In addition to the Major Requirements, all Bellevue University students must complete the Kirkpatrick Signature Series.
This course focuses on the political and philosophical traditions of the American republic, especially as embedded in the ideals, values, traditions, founding documents, and institutions of the United States , and considers how these traditions relate to individual citizenship and global society. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours
This course focuses on the creative tensions that exist between the forces of tradition and change as the country undergoes social, cultural, and political change. It considers the manner in which change can renew the vitality of a republic. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours
This course examines civic engagement in relation to individual freedoms and responsibilities. It fosters engaged citizens, empowered to effect positive change. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours
Integrative General Education Credits
Major Requirements Credits
Elective Credits
= 127 total credits*
General Education Courses
Take general education courses that do more than fill a requirement. At Bellevue University, these courses build foundational skills that apply to any career—critical thinking, qualitative reasoning, and ethical leadership. And, you can take courses individually or in course clusters, which connect three courses around one theme, building skills as you go.
About general education requirements >Elective Courses
Our broad selection of electives allows you to select courses related to your major or expand your perspective in other areas of interest.
University Accreditation
Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission ( hlcommission.org ), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Whether a college, university, or program is accredited is important to students receiving financial aid, employers who provide tuition assistance, donors, and the federal government.
This program is considered a non-licensure degree/certificate program and is not intended for those seeking licensure or the practice of licensed profession. This program may be relevant to multiple occupations that do not require licensure and was not designed to meet educational requirements for any specific professional license or certification.
*Consult with an admissions counselor to determine your eligible credits, as well as to verify minimum graduation requirements for this degree. Transfer credits must be from a regionally accredited college or university. Bellevue University makes no promises to prospective students regarding the acceptance of credit awarded by examination, credit for prior learning, or credit for transfer until an evaluation has been conducted.
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Flexible schedule.
Study on your own time with courses designed to fit your busy life—whether you're working, raising a family, or serving in the military.
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Access 24/7 tech support to keep you connected and focused on learning, no matter where you are.
Dedicated online student support.
From coursework access and connectivity issues to tutoring and resume assistance, we've got you covered.
Engaging online learning.
Enjoy interactive courses designed for real-world application, with multimedia content, discussions, and hands-on projects.
Prefer to learn On-Campus?
grow with faculty who’ve been where you are.