Program Overview

Bachelor of Science in Sport Management

The Bachelor of Science in Sport Management program at Northern Illinois University is designed for students who are passionate about working behind-the-scenes in the rapidly growing sport industry. This experiential and research-informed program prepares students for extensive career opportunities with professional franchises, collegiate athletic departments, marketing and management firms, parks and recreation operations, and more.

Innovative Experiences

The program offers innovative experiences, including the opportunity to pursue a sport sales minor, which is the only one of its kind in the country. In collaboration with NIU's renowned Sales Program, housed in the College of Business, students can participate in real sport sales experiences. Through the College of Education's Engage U.S. series, students can travel for behind-the-scenes looks at sport organizations and events, such as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the NCAA Hall of Champions.

Get an Early Start on Graduate Study

The program also offers an accelerated option, which allows students to take graduate-level courses while still an undergraduate, saving time and resources.

Requirements

To be admitted to the program, students must be admitted to NIU and enter directly into the major program. Retention in the major requires a university GPA of 2.5 or above and satisfactory completion of all required coursework prior to the culminating internship. Grades of C or better are required in specific courses.

Real-world Learning

The program embeds diverse, real-world learning opportunities, including:

• Internships at professional sports and college athletics organizations, NIU Athletics, local parks and recreation operations, and private sport management firms
• Class trips, networking opportunities, and guest speakers to enrich the program and provide students with opportunities to interact with sport industry professionals
• Participation in intramural leagues, weekend trips, and monthly workshops through the Sport, Recreation and Wellness Community in Stevenson Towers

Coursework Highlights

The program includes coursework in:

• KNPE 310: Psychological Aspects of Sport and Exercise
• LESM 201: Introduction to Sport Management
• LESM 350: Sport Sales and Sponsorship
• LESM 360: Sport Event and Facility Management
• LESM 365: Communication Strategies in Sport
• LESM 436: Professional Development and Careers in Sport Management
• LESM 438: Sport Management Strategies
• LESM 439: Legal and Ethical Aspects of Sport
• LESM 442: Promotion and Marketing of Sport Programs
• LESM 444: Finance in the Sport Industry
• LESM 486: Internship in Sport Management

Internship

The culminating requirement for the program is the LESM 486 internship, a six-credit hour field experience designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop practical skills and knowledge in a professional sport setting. Students can also participate in the LESM 385 field experience course, an elective that provides early experience in a professional sport setting.

Careers in Sport Management

Alumni of the program are employed by professional sports teams, collegiate athletic departments, and sport management firms. Career opportunities include positions in marketing, management, sales, and event management.

Testimonials

Students in the program have praised the hands-on learning experiences and the opportunity to network with sport industry professionals. For example:

Our professors prepare you for the next steps after college. They introduce you to people in your field and allow you to network and ask questions. It is extremely hands-on, and has been a life-changing experience for me.

Professor Jenn Jacobs makes her "Psychology of Sport" class so interactive and interesting that I've never loved a class more. Being a Division I athlete, and navigating my own mental trials, her class has helped me personally - and is making me consider a career in this field.