Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management

Tackle an exciting career in the sports industry with the right training and acumen to make it happen.

Become an Expert in Health & Fitness

Learn how our 100% online programs can help you get ahead in the exercise science field.

Application Deadline: May 1, 2024
Classes Start: May 6, 2024

Where Business and Sports Management Collide

Are you passionate about sports and intrigued by the world of business? Then the Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management is the right educational path for you. This unique program sits at the exciting peak of two dynamic fields, offering coursework that combines the principles of business with the specialized knowledge needed for success in sports management.

This degree shares similarities with traditional business programs, but is designed to meet the specific demands and intricacies of the sports industry.

Begin a journey where your love for sports and business starts to open doors to a world of exciting career opportunities. Discover how this innovative degree program can empower you to excel.

What Makes CUC’s Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management Different?

Discover the difference in CUC’s Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management and our innovative approach to education.

100% Online

Experience the ultimate convenience of pursuing your Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management entirely online. At CUC, we understand the demands of today’s dynamic world, which is why our program is designed to fit into your busy schedule. With 100% online courses, you have the freedom to learn from the comfort of your home or while on the go, making your education more accessible than ever before.

Study At Your Own Pace

Concordia University Chicago’s Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management empowers you to learn at your own pace. Whether you’re a full-time student or balancing your education with work and family commitments, our flexible curriculum allows you to set your learning speed. Take control of your educational journey and achieve a healthy work-life-study balance that suits your individual needs.

Simple Transfer Credit

Transferring credits to CUC has never been easier. Our straightforward transfer credit process ensures that your prior academic achievements are recognized and applied seamlessly to your Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management degree. This means less time rehashing what you already know and more time focusing on your passion for sports management and business.

Increased Career Opportunities

With CUC’s Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management, you’ll open doors to a wide array of career opportunities in the exciting world of sports. Our comprehensive program equips you with the skills, knowledge and network needed to excel in this growing field. Whether you aspire to work for professional sports teams, sports marketing agencies or sports event management companies, our degree will prepare you for success in this dynamic industry.

Don’t just follow your passion for sports; turn it into a rewarding and fulfilling career with CUC’s Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management.

Portrait of African American sportsman reviewing practice footage with coach in training center

Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management: Capstone Course

As you embark on your journey towards a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management at CUC, one of the program’s standout features is the impactful Capstone Course. This culminating experience is designed to bring together all the knowledge and skills you’ve acquired throughout your academic journey and apply them in a real-world sports management context, including accounting, economics and finance knowledge.

In the Capstone Course, you’ll have the opportunity to delve deep into complex challenges and opportunities within the sports industry. It’s a chance to showcase your expertise, creativity and problem-solving abilities. Working closely with faculty mentors, industry professionals and fellow students, you’ll tackle industry-specific projects, providing valuable solutions and recommendations using evidence-based management practices.

The benefits of the Capstone Course are numerous:

Real-world Application

The Capstone Course immerses you in practical, real-life scenarios, connecting theory with practice. You’ll gain hands-on experience in addressing the intricate issues that sports management professionals encounter daily.

Networking Opportunities

Collaborate with industry experts, peers and faculty — expanding your professional network. These connections can prove invaluable when seeking internships or job opportunities in the competitive sports management field.

Demonstrated Expertise

Your Capstone Course serves as a tangible representation of your skills and knowledge to potential employers. It’s a powerful addition to your portfolio, showcasing your ability to make a meaningful impact in the sports industry.

To learn more about the Capstone Course and its role in shaping your education at CUC, please visit our program requirements below. Embrace this unique opportunity to take your passion for sports and turn it into a successful career through the comprehensive learning experience offered by CUC’s Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management.

Institutional Accreditation

Concordia University Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) to award baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees.

The Higher Learning Commission was established in 1895 as one of six regional accrediting bodies in the United States. It is an independent organization whose purpose is to provide accreditation to post-secondary educational institutions that confer degrees. The HLC assesses and accredits the institution as a whole.

The mission of the HLC is to ensure the quality of higher education, striving to be the foremost authority in fair, impactful and reliable accreditation. The HLC serves the best interests of students and member institutions.

Career Outlook: Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management

With a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management from CUC, you’ll gain the expertise and qualifications needed to pursue a variety of exciting and rewarding career opportunities in the dynamic world of sports. As one of the most engaging and exciting industries to work in, pursuing a career in sports management affords you to ability to merge your love of athletics and business ambitions. Here are just a few of the many roles that await you upon graduation:

marketing team a a table
  • Athletic Director: Lead and manage athletic programs at educational institutions or sports organizations, shaping the future of sports in your community.
  • Athletic Communications Director: Be the voice behind the sports team, managing communication strategies and ensuring the world knows about their achievements.
  • Contract Analyst: Play a crucial role in negotiating, reviewing and managing contracts for athletes, teams, and organizations.
  • General Manager: Oversee the day-to-day operations of sports teams or athletic-based businesses, ensuring they run efficiently and effectively to achieve success.
  • Operations Manager: Manage the logistics and facilities for sports organizations, ensuring that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.
  • Sports Broadcaster: Share your passion for sports with the world as a sports commentator, analyst or announcer, providing thrilling commentary on games and events.
  • Sports Marketer: Develop and execute marketing campaigns to promote sports events, teams or athletes, connecting them with their fan base and sponsors.

The Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management equips you with a versatile skill set that extends beyond the field or arena, allowing you to thrive in various roles within the sports industry. Whether you dream of leading a team, shaping sports narratives or making strategic business decisions, our program provides the foundation you need to be competitive in this field.

Admission Requirements

  • A completed application for admission to the Accelerated Degree Programs.
  • Submission of official transcripts from ALL colleges or universities attended, including records of good standing.
  • Possible final high school transcript with graduation date.

*Applicants will be notified of admission decisions generally within 48 hours after submitting all required documents.

Curriculum

Sports Management Coursework

This course is an introduction to the theories and concepts of sports management. The topics covered include sports leadership, sports management careers, and the functions within the field that include sports marketing, sports communication, sports facility management, etc. Discussion and case studies will explore current topics on the evolution of esports, fantasy sports, streaming, and artificial intelligence (AI). Topics of sports governance, diversity, and sports budgeting and finance.

This course covers management of facilities and personnel, program development, budget preparation, and application of public relations techniques. Prerequisite: C or higher in SMB-1050.

This course examines an encompassing perspective of diversity within North American and international sport organizations. The course focuses on diversity issues as they relate to race, ethnicity, gender, social class, sexuality, and physical ability/disability.

This course provides a study of the application of organization theory to the understanding and management of sport organizations. The course addresses management and leadership theories in sport and how they apply to the different aspects of sport. Prerequisite: C or higher in SMB-1050.
This course analyzes the growing spread and development of sport throughout the world, as well as how the governing bodies involved affect the structure, organization, and delivery of sport. Prerequisite: C or higher in SMB-1050 .

Management Coursework

This course introduces the basics of financial accounting to record, store and summarize economic events of the business enterprise to meet internal and external reporting needs. Emphasis is placed on accrual accounting concepts, data gathering techniques, account ledgers, journals, worksheets, preparing and analyzing financial statements and other financial reports for management and the public based on the accounting equation. Topics include ethical practice, corporate social responsibility, corporate accounting for current and long term assets and current liabilities, and the corporate income statement.

This course provides students with the basic principles of management to build a foundation for leadership in an ever-changing and innovative business environment. It explores the principal concepts of management: leading (motivating, communicating and developing people), planning (setting goals and deciding activities), organizing (establishing activities and coordinating people) and controlling (establishing targets and measuring performance). The course presents management within the environmental context of innovation, globalization, ethics and social responsibility. It links leadership theory, strategic development and organizational application to current global business challenges. Students focus attention on the role of management and the application of a global management plan.

This course provides students with foundational knowledge of the marketing activities of organizations. It explores the core concepts of marketing including the marketing mix, consumer behavior, segmenting and targeting markets, marketing research, and the development of marketing plans to assist in managerial decision-making. The course examines the internal and external environment affecting marketing activities, the role of intermediaries, the effect of government regulations, sales and advertising, and new digital strategies. Students focus attention on the vital role of marketing and effective marketing plans in today’s global economy.

This course surveys legal principles and issues concerning business. It explains the U.S. legal system and the legal environment of commerce and trade. The course details elements of contract law, the Uniform Commercial Code, administrative law and types of negotiable instruments. It also provides an overview of criminal law, tort law and constitutional law that affect business. It explores business ethics and corporate social responsibility applied to modern-day business problems. The course broadly addresses employment law and consumer protection.

Students will learn the basic principles of finance and how they integrate with economics and accounting. The course generates student understanding of how financial statements are used to set financial goals, and how the budgeting process integrates with financial objectives. Students will learn specific topics such as risk analysis, cash flows, time value of money, short-term and long-term financial management, capital structure, and cost of capital. Student will learn how financial decisions integrate with the overall economic system and the global business environment. Prerequisite: C or higher in ACC-2001.

Management’s responsibilities regarding the recruitment, selection, hiring, development, promotion and separation of employees. Prerequisite: C or higher in MGT-2001.

Senior Project

This capstone course represents the culmination of the Sports Management Program. It focuses on designing a sports management project or program that reflects current trends using an integrative systems perspective. The student will demonstrate a working knowledge of accounting, economics, and finance and how these practices are important to a sports organization. The student will use evidence based management practices. Prerequisite: C or better in SMB-1050. Recommended 12 credit hours of sports management courses prior to taking this course.

Your Journey to Becoming a Sports Management Professional Starts Here

Discover how CUC’s Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management can propel you toward a fulfilling career in the exciting world of sports.

Start Date

May 6, 2024

Deadline to Apply

May 1, 2024

Cost Per Credit

$505