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School of Sport Sciences

Sport Management, BS

A career in the sports industry is not just for professional athletes. Our program prepares students to work behind the scenes of the sport industry, one of the fastest growing industries in the U.S.

We equip students with knowledge in a variety of content areas, including management and leadership, sport marketing and finance, facilities and event operations, and more. Students develop critical thinking and problem solving skills to create appropriate solutions and facilitate positive outcomes in their sport organizations. By melding innovative courses with professional development, the ��ɫ��ý Sport Management program prepares students for a variety of professional positions in the sport industry.

Graduates have access to an extensive and impressive alumni base. Our alumni find jobs in the areas of sales, marketing, fan relations, sponsorship, intercollegiate and interscholastic athletics, community recreation and sport centers, city parks and recreation departments, and sporting goods and marketing companies. Some choose to further their knowledge and pursue graduate programs in fields such as sport management, business administration and law.

Save time and money — and boost your credentials — with our four-year Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree Program.

Your Degree Plan The ��ɫ��ý Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Meet Your Community Admission Requirements Tuition and Aid Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Aerial view of Martin and Woodburn Halls

The sport industry is ever-growing and requires a properly trained workforce. We’ll provide you with the actual skills and experiences you need to succeed in the profession.

Students learn how to navigate the complexities of the sport industry through academic preparation and hands-on experiences.

Foundational Courses
The undergraduate Sport Management program requires students to take courses in varied content areas to prepare them for major coursework. Foundational course content includes marketing, management, public relations, media and society, sport and exercise psychology, communications, accounting, economics and computer science.

After completing some foundational coursework, students proceed into sport management-specific classes to learn how to apply this fundamental knowledge to various industry-related contexts, such as intercollegiate, professional or grassroots sport.

In addition, students can choose a minor pertaining to their special interest.

Professional Courses
Students are required to engage in at least one 3-credit professional field experience. This internship is flexible allowing students to complete it in any term, in any facet of sport management, anywhere in the world. It provides real-world, hands-on experience in the industry and ultimately sets our graduates apart from their peers at other institutions.

Tailor this major to your interests by taking one of these courses as you pursue your degree:

SM 137:
Sport Event Management
This course is designed to introduce the concepts, principles, and practices related to sport event management and explore contemporary challenges and trends.
SM 287:
Contemporary Issues in Sport Management
Explore issues and trends across the contemporary sport management landscape, including emergent problems and solutions related to the business and leadership of sport. Examine personal strengths, weaknesses, skills, motives, and goals in critical decision-making and conflict resolution in sport management scenarios.
SM 370:
Sport Finance and Economics
The purpose of this course is to provide financial and economic overview of professional, collegiate and recreational sports. Students will learn financial structures of sport organizations and various economic principles applied to the sport industry.
SM 375:
Sport in the Global Market
An examination of the role of sports within the broader process of globalization. Its impact on culture, politics, economics and how these influences shape today's sport.
SM 485:
Management of Sport Organizations
The purpose of this course is to facilitate a full understanding of management theory within sport organizations. This class will demonstrate the value of applying management concepts and theories with sport organizations. Finally, this class will explain the importance of contemporary management tactics, and their relevance to the skill sets needed for students planning a career in sport related professions.
SM 486:
Sport Marketing and Sales
The study of marketing principles as they relate to sport organizations. Specific attention is focused on the marketing planning process, marketing informational systems and internal marketing.

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

Accelerated Program

Sport Management offers the option to earn a bachelor's and master's degree in an accelerated time frame.
Accelerated Program Details
Honors

Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the ��ɫ��ý Honors College. Two programs are offered: for first- and second-year students and for third- and fourth-year students.

The ��ɫ��ý Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

100% placement rate in professional internships.
Curriculum allows for the addition of minor areas of study to help students specialize within their program.
Technology in Sport class teaches computer programs useful in the sport industry.
Students are provided ample professional development opportunities with trips to meet industry professionals, tour athletics facilities and receive exposure to multiple areas of business in sports organizations.
Diverse and experienced faculty with sport-industry experience provide a wide network of access to sport management professionals.
Very close relationship with the and .
Student-led .
Accelerated bachelor's to master's option (earn both degrees in four years).
The ��ɫ��ý School of Sport Sciences was recently recognized as one of the best in the country by Newsweek.
Formal and informal networking opportunities, including an annual speaker series featuring ��ɫ��ý’s strong and vast alumni community in the sport industry.
The College of Applied Human Sciences awards nearly $500,000 in scholarships to students each year.

Scholarships

Over 92% of ��ɫ��ý freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).

Learn more

Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

Research
Sport Management students perform action- and field-based research as they design the latest iteration of marketing and business plans. Beta analysis and analytics have become central to the advanced decision making process of contemporary sport organizations. Global and international sport industries appreciate the scientific approach to the growth, development and economic impact sport can have on their quality of life if it is promoted, sponsored and managed properly.

Students complete research-based class projects within the program curriculum. Other students may approach faculty to inquire about additional research opportunities if they desire to do research outside of the classroom.

Hands-on Experience
The Sport Management program provides students the opportunity to develop their resume through experiential education. Sport Management courses value projects with practical applications as part of class requirements, allowing students the opportunity to address current issues in the real world. Students are encouraged to participate in campus organizations and events to practice skills acquired in the classroom such as marketing, budgeting, public speaking, etc. In addition, every student is required to complete a minimum of three credit hours in an internship of their interest. Students seek internship placements with the ��ɫ��ý Athletic Department, at local community businesses and/or with professional sport organizations.

Technology
The Sport Management curriculum includes multiple opportunities for students to become proficient in the application of technology within the field of sport. This is a growing demand within the field. Students are charged with completing a semester-long project addressing a technology issue of their choice. Students create promotional materials such as still images and video utilizing Adobe Premier.

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the you can join.

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Sport Management students have unlimited options for internships. Students can pursue experiences in multiple departments of our Division I athletic program, including marketing, fundraising, operations and communications, among others.

Some students opt to pursue internships with professional sport organizations in nearby cities, including Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Baltimore, Maryland; and Washington, D.C.

Morgantown also boasts a healthy recreational and fitness market providing local opportunities in these areas, as well. Students are encouraged to seek out practical experiences that will help them achieve their professional goals.

Attending college will prepare you for many things. The Sport Management major will give you the following skills:

Problem-solving
Critical thinking

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a that shares your interests:

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing or administrative services.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $101,280

Possible job titles include: General Manager (GM), Operations Manager, Store Manager, Business Manager, Operations Director, Plant Superintendent.

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Marketing Managers

Plan, direct or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm's customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $157,620

Possible job titles include: Brand Manager, Business Development Manager, Marketing Director, Marketing Manager.

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Public Relations Managers

Plan, direct or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $134,760

Possible job titles include: Account Executive, Account Supervisor, Public Relations Director, Public Relations Manager (PR Manager).

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Compliance Managers

Plan, direct or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Median Salary: $133,560

Possible job titles include: Compliance Coordinator, Compliance Manager, Compliance Officer, Director of Compliance.

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Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to recreation, leisure and fitness studies, including exercise physiology and facilities management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $75,770

Possible job titles include: Coach, Professor, Health and Physical Education Professor (HPE Professor), Physical Education Professor (PE Professor).

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Coaches and Scouts

Instruct or coach groups or individuals in the fundamentals of sports. Demonstrate techniques and methods of participation. May evaluate athletes' strengths and weaknesses as possible recruits or to improve the athletes' technique to prepare them for competition. Those required to hold teaching degrees should be reported in the appropriate teaching category.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $45,910

Possible job titles include: Baseball Coach, Basketball Coach, Coach, Football Coach.

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Umpires, Referees and Other Sports Officials

Officiate at competitive athletic or sporting events. Detect infractions of rules and decide penalties according to established regulations. Includes all sporting officials, referees and competition judges.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $35,820

Possible job titles include: Referee, Horse Show Judge, Major League Baseball Umpire, Sports Official.

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Public Relations Specialists

Engage in promoting or creating an intended public image for individuals, groups or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $66,750

Possible job titles include: Account Executive, Public Affairs Specialist, Public Information Officer, Public Relations Specialist (PR Specialist).

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Where our grads are studying and working

Graduate/professional school placements

Sport Management
Business Administration
Law

Sample employers/job titles of graduates

Houston Astros, baseball operations coordinator
Boston Bruins, fan relations representative
University of Nevada, assistant equipment manager
Villanova University Athletics, marketing and events coordinator
Red Bulls, suite sales manager
The Walt Disney Company, guest services assistant
University of Washington, assistant director of events
Philadelphia Eagles, stadium operations support coordinator
Sacramento Kings, ticket sales and services account executive
Philadelphia Eagles, premium tickets coordinator
Philadelphia Soul, account manager
Baltimore Ravens, stadium operations
University of Nevada, assistant equipment manager
North Dakota State University, director of event operations
Villanova University Athletics, coordinator of marketing and events
University of Washington, assistant director of events
��ɫ��ý, football video manager
��ɫ��ý, director of Mountaineer hospitality
Ole Miss Athletics, media and public relations
Sacramento Kings Premium Services, suite and loft account manager
Philadelphia Eagles, premium ticket operations coordinator
San Jose Sharks, account executive
Denver Outlaws, corporate partnerships coordinator

Further your education

Keep going right here at ��ɫ��ý. Consider these graduate programs:

MS, Sport Management
(online)

Meet Your Community

The Sport Management family will inspire and support you.

“I’ve never seen a staff so encouraging and enthusiastic about wanting students to help achieve their goals. No matter how extreme my goals might be, the faculty helped me establish a game plan and put me on the right path to achieve those goals. Because of that, I have no doubt I can dream big and make it happen.”

Isaac Bond
“My sport management professors have been an enormous piece in my success giving me lots of guidance and allowing me to avoid little mistakes early on. As for internships and practical experiences, ��ɫ��ý has provided me with endless opportunities to be involved with our sports teams, outside sports organizations and other groups and organizations on campus.”

Zorin Istvan
“My experiences at ��ɫ��ý have given me insight into the different aspects of sports. You go to games or you see them on TV and that's it, but now I see and work with the people that actually make it happen.”

Makayla Riley

Gonzalo Bravo

Professional highlights:
Visiting Scholar, Center for Latin American Studies, University of Pittsburgh, 2014-2017

Visiting Scholar, Research Center for Sport, Leisure, and Society, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil, 2016

Leadership Institute Fellow, American Kinesiology Association (AKA), 2020

Board of Directors, American Kinesiology Association (AKA), 2022-2025

Outstanding Long-Form Scholarship, ��ɫ��ý Office of the Provost, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2023
Patrick O. Hairston

Professional highlights:
East Jefferson YMCA, Metairie, LA: Board of Governors Member – Board Chair

NCAA Accelerating Academic Success Program (AASP) Selection Committee Member

Williamson (WV) High School Athletic Hall of Fame Member
Cindy Lee

Professional highlights:
Worked as a sports marketer at Octagon Korea

Member of the organizing team for the 2001 World Taekwondo Championship

Research emphasis on fan behavior and various factors on their decision-making
Gary J. Lhotsky

Professional highlights:
11 years of professional experience in collegiate athletic facility and event management at Florida State University, Florida International University and the University of Miami.

Extensive experience planning and hosting NCAA, ACC, Big East, TAAC and FHSA championships.
Brent Oja

Professional highlights:
Research emphasis on sport employee human resource management and development via positive organizational behavior

Published in Journal of Sport Management, Sport Management Review and European Sport Management Quarterly

Presented research at international and national conferences
Justin Wartella

Professional highlights:
Pennsylvania State Athletic Directors Association (PSADA)

Former Sport Management Liaison and Executive Council Member

Pennsylvania State University (PSU) Summer Study Program

Coordinator and Instructor of the Sports Marketing Workshop and Internship

Super Bowl XLIX - Event Staff Supervisor

2017 College Football National Championship Game - Event Staff Supervisor
Joni Williamson

Professional highlights:
Top Ten National Collegiate Athletic Association President’s Award Winner, 2018

Staff Member Woman of the Year at Wittenberg University, 2014

NCAA/Women Leaders in College Sports Institute for Administrative Advancement, 2013

NASC Certified Sports Event Executive, 2010

Graduate of the NCAA Dr. Charles Whitcomb Leadership Institute, 2007

Photo of smiling man wearing a light blue shirt.

Tony Baciocco
BS, Sport Management, 2013

“During my time as a SM major at ��ɫ��ý I was presented with endless opportunities to explore all avenues of sport through coursework and field work. My experience from CPASS has allowed me a successful start to my career.”

Photo of young man smiling. He has short dark hair and is wearing a checkered shirt.

Alex Brucki
BS, Sport Management, 2012

“The ��ɫ��ý Sport Management program is responsible for my continued growth as a sports professional by providing me with tremendous faculty support and numerous opportunities in the local and wider sports industry.”

Jeremy Davies
BS, Sport Management, 2022

“This program prepared me for my next chapter by creating so many professional networking experiences. That allowed me to fully invest my skills and become a better overall student. The faculty within the department work so hard and are committed to us students thriving as professionals. I’m grateful for their commitment.”

Portrait of smiling woman with long brown hair. She is wearing a dark suit jack with patterned shirt.

Jamie Hall
BS, Sport Management, 2009

“The ��ɫ��ý Sport Management program is a perfect blend of business and sports. The inspiring professors are passionate about student success. Because of practical experience and the worldwide network of ��ɫ��ý connections, I have fulfilled my dream of working in college athletics.”

John Terry
BS, Sport Management, 2012; MS, Sport Management, 2014

“The experiences I gained at West Virginia were invaluable. I was able to work in the athletics department for my four years of undergrad working with April Messerly and Zack Eckert in the athletic facilities office.”

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to ��ɫ��ý's Sport Management major, first-time freshmen must meet ��ɫ��ý's . Interested in transferring? Review the .

Tuition and Aid

How much does Sport Management at ��ɫ��ý cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

Scholarships

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Ways to Save

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Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Sport Management major is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

Ohio Tuition Reciprocity

As the result of a special agreement, students from Ohio who are fully admitted to Sport Management can enroll at ��ɫ��ý and pay in-state tuition rates. Students must be admitted to both the University and this major.

Start at Another ��ɫ��ý Campus

In addition to our transfer articulation agreements, you can start your career with ��ɫ��ý at another campus and transfer to ��ɫ��ý Morgantown.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to ��ɫ��ý.

Review the to see if your institution is listed.

Ready to take the next step?

Learn how to join the ��ɫ��ý family.

Want to know more about Sport Management at ��ɫ��ý? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

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Experiencing campus is the best way to see if ��ɫ��ý is the right fit. Choose from in-person and virtual options.

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