Sports Management & Admin. Programs

The topic of sports management has never been more interesting than it is now, and Idaho’s accredited degree programs in the subject offer both a general education and specialized training for individuals who want to work in it. Students can choose from several types of sports management programs. These are a few of them:

1. Undergraduate Degree Programs: These programs, which focus on the business and management aspects of the sports industry, typically lead to a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. Accounting, marketing, management, and finance courses are common, as are specialized courses in sports law, sports marketing, and sports ethics. You could work as a sports agent, sales manager, sports journalist, or facilities manager with this degree.
2. Graduate Degree Programs: Typically, these programs lead to a Master of Science (MS) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in sports management. Sports analytics, sports law, facility management, and strategic management are among the courses available to students. Individuals with a Master’s or doctoral degree in sports management may be qualified for more high ranking and specialized jobs in the sports industry such as sports marketing director, sports economist, sports analytics manager, sports psychologist, or sports law attorney.
3. Certificate Programs – These programs are usually shorter in length and offer students specialized training in a specific area of sports management, such as event management, marketing, or sports law.

Working in sports management is an exciting career that could involve working with NFL celebrities or in schools with America’s future athletes. The following are some accredited sports management degree programs in Idaho:

What Will I Learn in A Sports Management Program or Sports Administration Program?

Curriculum and Example Courses

The curriculum and courses in a sports management program can differ depending on the program and degree level. However, the following are some common courses found in a sports management program:

Sports Finance and Budgeting: This course covers the financial aspects of the sports industry, such as managing financial resources, developing budgets, and analyzing financial data. This course teaches students about the unique financial principles and practices of the sports industry, as well as how these principles apply to various organizations such as professional sports teams, collegiate athletic departments, and sports facilities. Students will learn about revenue generation, which includes ticket sales, sponsorships, and merchandise sales, as well as expenses like player salaries, facility maintenance, and travel expenses.

Sports Facility and Event Management: This course covers the planning, design, operation, and maintenance of sports facilities and events. It teaches students the principles and practices of managing various types of sports facilities, such as stadiums, arenas, and recreational centers. Scheduling, logistics, crowd control, risk management, and facility maintenance may be covered.

Sports Media and Communication: This course looks at the role of media and communication in sports. It covers a wide range of sports communication strategies and media platforms, such as social media, broadcast, and public relations. Students will gain an understanding of how sports organizations use these communication tools to promote events, manage their brand, and engage with fans. Media ethics, crisis communication, and the role of digital media in sports may be covered.

Degree Timelines

Sports management programs vary in length depending on the level of education and the type of program. The following are some general timelines for various types of sports management programs:

• Bachelor’s Degree: This degree in sports management is typically completed in four years.
• Master’s Degree: Depending on whether the program is full-time or part-time, a master’s degree in sports management can take one to three years to complete.
• Doctorate Degree: Doctorate programs in sports management normally last three to five years.
• Certificate Programs: These short programs in sports management can range from a few weeks to several months in length.

It’s important to note that the length of a sports management program varies depending on the institution, the type of program, and the student’s personal circumstances.

Difference Between Sports Management & Sports Marketing

The business and organizational aspects of the sports industry are referred to as sports management. Sports management professionals are in charge of teams, facilities, events, and athletes. In contrast, sports marketing refers to the promotion and advertising of sporting events, teams, and products. Sports marketing professionals use marketing strategies to raise brand awareness and revenue for sports organizations. 

While there is some overlap between the two fields, the main distinction is that sports management focuses on the operational side of the sports industry, whereas sports marketing focuses on the promotional side. Both fields are critical to the success of the sports industry and require a mix of business skills and a love of sports.

What Are The Standard Entrance Requirements to Enroll?

The requirements for admission to a sports management program may differ depending on the university and level of education. However, students should be aware of the following general requirements:

• High school diploma
• Official transcripts
• GPA
• Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT)
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement

School Name	City	State	Program Level	Program Name	Program URL
College of Idaho	Moscow	Idaho	Bachelor	B.S. in Recreation, Sport and Tourism Management	Click Here
Idaho State University	Pocatello	Idaho	Bachelor	Bachelor's in P.E. with Sport Management Emphasis	Click Here
Lewis-Clark State College	Lewiston	Idaho	Bachelor	B.S. in Sport Administration	Click Here
Idaho State University	Pocatello	Idaho	Master's	Master's in of Physical Education Athletic Administration	Click Here
Lewis-Clark State College	Lewiston	Idaho	Master's	Masters in Sport Management	Click Here
Boise State University	Boise	Idaho	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology	Click Here

Career & Salary Opportunities in Sports Management & Administration in Idaho

Idaho is home to a number of professional and collegiate sports teams, as well as numerous sports facilities and organizations. One of their most prominent sports teams is the Boise State Broncos, which is the state’s largest university and has a highly successful football program. The state is also home to a number of minor league and semi-professional teams, including the hockey franchise Idaho Steelheads.

Idaho’s sports industry is an important part of the state’s economy and culture, and it offers a variety of opportunities for those interested in sports management, marketing, and other related fields. As the state’s population grows, the sports industry in Idaho is likely to expand and provide more opportunities for sports professionals.

A degree in sport management can lead to a variety of jobs, such as:

• Coach
• Facility manager
• Health/fitness club manager
• Personal relations director
• Player personnel
• Sales representative
• Scout
• Sports agent/recruiter
• Sports broadcaster and media relations
• Sport marketer
• Ticket and sponsorship director