Program Overview

Bachelor of Arts in Sports Administration

Program Overview

The BA in Sports Administration at STU offers a blend of liberal arts, business, and sports-specific courses, preparing students for leadership roles in the sports industry.

Specializations

The BA in Sports Administration degree program prepares students for diverse career paths in the sports industry. To further specialize their expertise, students can choose from focused tracks that align with key industries and career paths.

• Coaching Leadership
  • A Coaching Leadership specialization focuses on developing the skills and knowledge needed to lead athletes and teams effectively, both on and off the field.
  • This specialization combines principles of coaching, leadership theory, sports psychology, ethics, team dynamics, and athlete development.
  • Students learn how to motivate, mentor, and manage athletes while also understanding the business and administrative side of sports programs.
  • Graduates are well-prepared for careers as coaches, athletic program directors, team managers, or sports development professionals in school, collegiate, or professional sports settings.
• E-Sports Management
  • An E-Sports Management specialization prepares students for leadership roles in the world of competitive gaming.
  • This specialization blends traditional sports management principles with the unique aspects of the e-sports industry, including event planning, team and league operations, digital marketing, streaming, sponsorship, and game-specific branding.
  • Students gain insights into the business side, learning how to manage teams, organize tournaments, build fan engagement, and navigate the digital media landscape.
  • Graduates are equipped for careers as e-sports team managers, event coordinators, marketing specialists, content creators, or executives in gaming organizations and leagues.
• Entertainment, Leisure, and Tourism
  • An Entertainment, Leisure, and Tourism specialization focuses on the business and management side of experiences that bring people together through recreation, travel, and live events.
  • This specialization equips students with skills in event planning, destination marketing, guest services, facility and attraction management, and tourism operations.
  • Students explore how to create, promote, and manage memorable leisure experiences in settings like theme parks, resorts, concert venues, cruise lines, and sporting events.
  • Graduates are prepared for careers in hospitality management, tourism marketing, event coordination, and entertainment venue operations.
• General Sports Administration
  • A General Sports Administration specialization provides a broad-based education in the leadership, business, and operational aspects of the sports industry.
  • This specialization covers areas such as sports marketing, facility and event management, athletic administration, finance, law, and organizational leadership.
  • It is designed for students who want flexibility in their career path, offering a strong foundation to work in professional, collegiate, amateur, or community sports settings.
  • Graduates are well-prepared for roles such as athletic director, sports operations coordinator, team manager, or front office executive.
• Sports Media and Communications
  • A Sports Media and Communications specialization focuses on the relationship between sports and the media.
  • Students learn how to create and manage content across digital, print, and broadcast platforms, while building skills in public relations, journalism, social media strategy, branding, and sports reporting.
  • This specialization prepares students to shape the public image of athletes, teams, and organizations, tell compelling sports stories, and engage fans through evolving media channels.
  • Graduates are equipped for careers as sports broadcasters, media relations specialists, content creators, social media managers, or communication directors in the sports industry.

Career Landscape

Graduates of the BA in Sports Administration program can pursue careers in various sectors, including professional sports teams, college athletics, sports media, marketing, and event and facilities management. Opportunities exist in organizations such as the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, MLS, and NCAA, where roles range from Athletic Director to Sports Marketing Manager. The program’s strong alumni network includes leaders in major sports franchises, enhancing career prospects.

In the Classroom

The program offers a dynamic blend of learning experiences, including immersive simulations and hands-on volunteer and co-curricular activities. Students have the opportunity to work on special projects with employers and industry executives, gaining valuable real-world insights. They also participate in mock sports trials, negotiations, and debates, which help to refine their skills and prepare them for various professional scenarios.

Sports Administration Fast Facts

• First In the Nation: STU pioneered the first undergraduate Sports Administration program in 1972.
• Networking Opportunities: Thanks to the incredible sports administration alumni base, students hear and connect from top industry executives and speakers.
• Career Growth & Potential: Alumni hold leadership positions in major sports franchises across the world.
• Internship Opportunities: Internships are integral, providing hands-on experience in top sports organizations.