Sports Management Specialization

Turn your passion for sports into an exciting career with an MBA specialization in Sports Management from Concordia University Chicago.

The sports industry in both the U.S. and globally is big business. With the sports industry often growing faster than a country’s national GDP, the need to run clubs and associations as organized businesses has become paramount.

Today, a career in sports means understanding the many parts of this diverse field. There is an ever-increasing need for professionals trained in the managerial, administrative and business aspects of sports. Concordia-Chicago's MBA specialization in sports management prepares confident leaders in various types of sports organizations and roles.

Learning Objectives

By pursuing an MBA specialization in sports management, you will study the economics of the sports industry, financial responsibility, important legal issues related to sports and more.

Specialization Outcomes

Analyze domestic and global economic principles and theories and the impact on the sports industry.
Understand and examine the fundamental concepts of sports finance, stock and bond valuation, capital project evaluation methods, risk and return, leverage and working capital management as related to sports endeavors and the impact on the organization and stakeholders.
Analyze and assess sports law situations in litigation and cases related to insurance, policy and the law.
Explore, examine, and analyze the impact of diversity, gender equity, and ethical decision-making in the global sports industry.
Demonstrate proficiency in use of technology to make and evaluate data driven decisions.

Career Outlook

Sports management offers a wide variety of career options and paths. Students can accept positions in marketing and sponsorship, sports media, hospitality and events management and even retail. Among others, colleges and universities, talent agencies, major and minor league teams and sports facilities are looking to hire qualified sports management professionals.

While sports management is highly competitive, it shows strong job growth trends through 2022, as predicted by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Coaches and Scouts are projected to grow 15%, faster than average. Sports agent/manager is projected to grow 12%, as fast as average. Sports marketing manager is projected to grow 13%, as fast as average.

Career Possibilities

Sports media
Sports administration
Sports marketing
Sports agent
Sports operations
Events management

Specialization Information

Sports Management*
Offered Terms
Semester 1
1^st (8 weeks)	MBAS6800	Economics of Sports
2^nd (8 weeks)	MBAS6805	Sport Finance
Semester 2
1^st (8 weeks)	MBAS6810	The Essentials in Law of Sports
2^nd (8 weeks)	MBAS6815	Level the Playing Field: Diversity in Sports

*Courses are offered on a rotational basis

The Economics of Sports

The domain of sports, most notably, professional sports, has been elevated to one of the highest rungs of the financial ladder by having entered the world of professional entertainment industry. In the 21st Century, sport has secured its place as one of the paramount forms of entertainment from Friday night high school football games to the Olympic venues. To function as an administrator within this profession, it is imperative to have a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic role of economics. In this course, students explore and examine the concepts and models of micro and intermediate economics as related to the business of sport.

The Essentials of the Law in Sports

This course introduces legal issues and professional ramifications in field of sports management through the examination of regulations, government intervention and ethically pertinent scenarios. This course allows learners to acquire a thorough understanding of legal considerations, which affect the interaction of league officials and athletes, their professional behavior, and what laws are established to protect their rights and assure they accountable for their actions.

Level the Playing Field: Diversity in Sports

This course is designed to teach students what diversity is and how it applies to sports in general and more specifically to gender, race and various cultures. The course will help learners understand the unique challenge for sports leaders to better understand diversity and through this understanding help “level the playing field.”

Sport Finance

In this course, students develop a framework with an in‐depth analysis of the various tools, techniques, ratios, formulas, and other finance‐related information, complex financial concerns in the sports workplace.

Seminar in Higher Education (EDU 6015)

In addition to the base program curriculum, international students attending face-to-face classes on the CUC campus are required to take the Seminar in Higher Education, a 3-credit course.

Course Description

This course will serve as an introduction to the U.S.-based higher education learning environment. Students will work to understand Concordia University Chicago’s academic conventions, technological systems and communication culture while developing English grammar, reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.

The Seminar in Higher Education is an excellent opportunity for students to further develop critical skills to help them to be successful in their academic program. This 3-credit course is mandatory for international students attending face-to-face classes on the CUC campus.

Course Objectives

Developing knowledge about local and academic culture
Building grammar, reading, writing, speaking and listening skills
Conducting graduate-level research with the use of electronic and library resources
Developing note-taking strategies for coursework
Reflecting on the U.S.-based education system

Academic support for work in students’ current coursework will also be provided during or after class. Guest speakers include representatives from the campus library, writing center and technology services.

Student feedback for the Seminar in Higher Education

After taking the Seminar, I have the ability to perform more professionally in my assignments.
The instructor was very dynamic and a good listener. He gave feedback and made sure all the students understood.
The hands-on activities after the lessons helped my learning experience.
The professor truly cares for the students. He helps students individually and encourages us to support our peers.