Sports Management Degree Programs in Kansas - Sports Management Degree Guide

With the surge of interest in sport management careers nationwide, there’s never been a better time to consider graduating from accredited sports management degree programs in Kansas. The sports industry has been on the upswing since 2010, growing across platforms such as marketing, mass media, sponsorship, coaching and education. In all of these areas, the need for qualified management specialists abounds.

Rankings

With this in mind, accredited sports management degree programs in Kansas offer aspiring professionals in the field first-class educational opportunities to prepare them for leadership positions in professional sports organizations, intercollegiate athletic associations, sport management and marketing agencies, media outlets, and entertainment franchises.

Baker University

College of Arts and Sciences

Chartered in 1858, Baker University has developed personalized programs meant to inspire students to achieve greatness and enrich their communities through meaningful careers. To that end, Baker grounds its rigorous academics with experiential learning opportunities and outreach programs to develop careers that positively impact society. This theme lays the foundation for the school’s sports administration program, which promotes character development as a key component to success in this field. Among its Midwestern peers, Baker has been ranked at No. 41 by the online publication College Choice and also in the top 20 percent of colleges in the Educate to Career College Rankings Index.

Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Administration

In addition to learning the leadership skills necessary to guide and promote athletics’ programs, curricular components of this degree develop desired competencies in health, human performance and business management deemed essential for successful sports industry professionals. Studies encompass 128 credits comprised of university core requirements, sport management courses, approved business electives and an internship. Content in the major covers these topics:

- - - Financial and managerial accounting
    - Business principles and economics
    - Sports economics and statistics
    - Advertising and sports marketing
    - Public relations
    - Sports administration and leadership
    - Facility management and event planning
    - Sports law

Students pursuing this bachelor’s can also opt to pursue a concentration in coaching. In addition, graduates will hold a business minor upon degree completion and can go on to careers as sports consultants, coaches, recreational managers or athletic program directors.

Accreditations

- - - Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Contacts
Baker University
P.O. Box 65
Baldwin City, Kansas 66006

Jill Franklin
Department of Business and Economics
(785) 594-8470
jill.franklin@bakerU.edu
http://www.bakeru.edu/degrees-a-majors/sports-administration

Bethany College

Business & Economics Department

As a private, Lutheran-affiliated college, Bethany has been engaging community residents to pursue their educational goals since 1881. Following in this tradition, programs in the Business & Economics Department encourage active student participation in rigorous academic and interactive experiences designed to internalize concepts and apply them in real-world situations. Collaboration and partnerships with businesses provide settings for students to complete internships and field experiences related to their degrees. Bethany College has earned recognition by U.S. News & World Report coming in at No. 68 for regional colleges in the Midwest.

Sports Management Major (B.A.)

The Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management prepares students with foundations in accounting, management, economics, and social psychology that lead to dynamic sports industry careers. Graduates can pursue jobs in school or community-based athletics’ programs, professional sports groups, recreational or public relations venues, entertainment media, and sports marketing agencies. Coursework explores the following areas:

- - - 14 hours of interdisciplinary studies
    - 24 hours in accounting, finance, management and business ethics
    - 21 hours in sports marketing, economics, coaching, event planning, motivation, administration, and legal issues
    - 12 hours in supporting electives

Degree requirements also include completion of a 12-credit sports management practicum that prepare students for working in professional sports settings and provide networking opportunities that can lead to future employment.

Accreditations

- - - Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Contacts
Business & Economics Department
Social Science Center 1
Bethany College
335 East Swensson Street
Lindsborg, Kansas 67456

Robert Carlson, M.B.A., Chair
(785) 227-3380, ext. 8167
carlsonr@bethanylb.edu

Department:
Curriculum: http://www.bethanylb.edu/wp-content/uploads/Bethany-College-2014-15-Catalog.pdf#page=99

Kansas Wesleyan University

Department of Sport and Exercise Science

Kansas Wesleyan began its educational journey in 1886 as a pioneering Methodist institution that today offers more than 40 undergraduate and graduate degrees. Program goals are driven by a philosophy that encapsulates hard work, intellectual development, character building and creative discovery to fulfill spiritual, mental and physical aspects of all students. The Department of Sport and Exercise Science promotes this philosophy through service learning opportunities that integrate community experiences into the curriculum through labs, practicums, clinicals, student teaching and internship experiences. KWU’s programs appear on U.S. News & World Report’s list at No. 54 for regional Midwestern colleges and at No. 17 for best colleges serving veterans.

Sport Management

Sport Management majors learn leadership skills to plan and implement athletics and recreational activities in community centers, senior citizen facilities, health and fitness clubs, children’s camps, theme parks and physical wellness programs. Emphasis is placed on developing team building skills, teaching by example, working with diverse groups of people, and effectively communicating information. This Bachelor of Arts degree requires 126 credits of core university requirements and courses in the major. Essential material develops an understanding of physiology and how nutrition plays a part in performance abilities. Students also learn corrective techniques designed to improve overall wellness and athletic performance. Additional coursework addresses business, financial and marketing principles required for management jobs.

Accreditations

- - - Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Contacts
Kansas Wesleyan University
100 East Claflin Avenue
Salina, Kansas 67401

(785) 827-5541
admissions@kwu.edu
Department: http://www.kwu.edu/academics/academic-departments/department-of-sport-and-exercise-science/explore-the-experience/sport
Curriculum:

MidAmerica Nazarene University

Department of Business Administration

In 1966, MidAmerica Nazarene University opened its doors to provide educational programs based on faith and learning excellence that graduates could use to transform their communities through their careers. MNU’s programs reflect this mission by offering more than 40 majors in trending professions such as sport management. Relevant coursework is accompanied by practical experiences through internships, which allow students to apply their skills in workplace settings. For business programs, 96 percent of MNU graduates surveyed agreed that they were prepared to enter professional business careers or continue with further studies in their respective fields.

Sports Management

This 128-credit Bachelor of Arts degree has a strong business orientation related to management aspects desired for professionals in the sports industry. Academics are accompanied by a 180-hour internship that increases skills applicable for competitive sport management careers. Students also choose a degree concentration in communication, business or fitness to match their career aspirations. Requirements include 48 hours of general education coursework and the remaining 80 hours in studies for the major and concentration. Topics covered include lifespan development, behavioral psychology of sport, finance, principles of management, marketing and promotion, fitness concepts, coaching theory, administration for sports and recreation, business ethics and law, organizational leadership and teaching techniques for sport.

Accreditations

- - - Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
    - Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs

Contacts
MidAmerica Nazarene University
2030 East College Way
Olathe, Kansas 66062

Leanna Higgins
Department of Business Administration
(913) 971-3440
lhiggins@mnu.edu
http://www.mnu.edu/undergraduate/academics/sports-management.html#overview

Sterling College

Department of Exercise Science

Sterling’s traditions to train and develop future leaders through faith and strategic partnerships remains an important foundation for its current academic programs. Instituted in 1887, Sterling prepares students for a well-rounded college experience that includes commitment to strong academic studies, experiential learning and community involvement. The school ranks at No. 67 among its Midwestern counterparts by U.S. News & World Report and continues to earn recognition as a military friendly school by Victor Media.

Sports Management

The Sports Management major earns a Bachelor of Science degree. Its curriculum encompasses 41 credits of liberal arts classes, 43 credits of core studies in the major, and 22 credits in one of four concentration areas. Personalizing the degree in this way opens up greater possibilities for sports industry careers. Students can opt to concentrate their degree in one of the following areas:

- - - Marketing, Promotions and Sports Information
    - Coaching and Instruction
    - Club, Fitness and Recreation
    - Collegiate, Professional or Corporate Sport Administration

Coursework is rounded out with practicum and internship requirements. Students can also choose to supplement their degree with a minor in business management, accounting, entrepreneurship, economics, or marketing. Courses for the major and concentrations can be located on page 136 of the online catalog.

Accreditations

- - - Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Contacts
Sterling College
125 West Cooper
Sterling, Kansas 67579

Hans Nickel
Sports Information Director
(620) 278-4205
hnickel@sterling.edu
Major:https://www.sterling.edu/academics/sports-management
Catalog: https://www.sterling.edu/sites/default/files/rdodson/New_catalog_2014-15_FINAL%20Edits.pdf

University of Kansas

Department of Health, Sport, and Exercise Sciences

The University of Kansas has provided comprehensive educational opportunities for people from all backgrounds since 1865. It is a world-class university, well-known for its strong research and academic programs. Students can choose from more than 360 areas of study, which include some of the most diverse accredited sports management degree programs in Kansas. KU, as it is called, ranks at No. 106 for national universities by U.S. News & World Report and at No. 69 for top Midwestern schools by Forbes.

B.S. Sport Management

Graduates with this bachelor’s can find competitive employment at entry-level positions in professional sports organizations, recreational programs, intercollegiate athletics and across the fitness industry. Studies are designed to build on general education knowledge leading into advanced topics for the major. Degree requirements also entail completion of a business minor. Students earn a minimum of 120 credits with studies in the major exploring sport management theory and business practices such as the following:

- - - Sociology of sport
    - Performance psychology
    - Sport law and ethics
    - Sport marketing and finance
    - Event planning and sport facilities
    - Personnel management and communications

Also required is a 15-credit internship in sport management in an approved area of interest. This degree prepares students for higher education studies in the field.

Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.) Sport Management

This specialized master’s in sport management adheres to curriculum guidelines established by the North American Society for Sport Management. Advanced competencies are assessed through 36 credits of advanced coursework, an intensive internship experience, a comprehensive exam and completion of a professional portfolio. Candidates receive an interdisciplinary education that prepares them for higher administrative positions across the sports industry. Degree tracks include thesis and non-thesis options. A thesis option often leads to careers in industry research and education while the non-thesis emphasis leads more directly to careers within sport organizations.

Ph.D. in Physical Education in Sport Management

Doctoral candidates in this research-oriented program will decide on a specialization area with a faculty adviser prior to admission. Based on individual student goals, a personalized program of studies is developed. Essential program elements consist of 36 credits in professional core studies, 12 in research, 18 towards a dissertation and supervised college teaching experience. Depending on the focus of the degree, additional courses may be included. Many candidates choose to complete their research requirements by working in KU’s Laboratory for the Study of Sport Management.

Accreditations

- - - Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Contacts
Department of Health, Sport, and Exercise Sciences
Robinson Center, Room 161
University of Kansas
1301 Sunnyside Avenue
Lawrence, Kansas 66045

(785) 864-0783
hsesinfo@ku.edu
B.S: http://hses.soe.ku.edu/academics/sport-management/bs
M.S.E.: http://hses.soe.ku.edu/academics/sport-management/masters-degree/overview-benefits
Ph.D.: http://hses.soe.ku.edu/academics/sport-management/phd

University of Saint Mary

Business, Accounting and Sport Management Department

Founded in 1923 by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, the University of St. Mary takes a personalized educational approach meant to foster lifelong success in meaningful careers. Degree options allow students to take coursework through traditional on-campus programs or distance education formats that accommodate working professionals. The sport management major emphasizes this philosophy by preparing its students with the business perspective they need for today’s fast-paced and popular sport management jobs. This program is ranked at No. 5 by the Sport Management Degree Guide for 2015 and has been on Princeton’s Best Midwestern Colleges list since 2005.

Sport Management (B.S.)

St. Mary’s Bachelor of Science in Sport Management is a 128-credit degree that can be specialized in the areas of general management or marketing. Credits accrue from requirements in general education, studies in the major, specialization courses and approved electives. The curriculum also provides career-readiness opportunities through internships with high-profile organizations such as the Kansas City Sports Commission, various sports franchises and the PGA Tour. Students can expect to study the following content:

- - - Managing sport facilities and programs
    - Sport law and liability
    - Sport fundraising and marketing
    - Athletic and sport administration
    - Sport psychology
    - Principles of economics and finance
    - Personnel and resources management
    - Marketing and promotion
    - Leadership and organizational structures
    - Consumer behavior
    - Management information systems

Accreditations

- - - Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Contacts
University of Saint Mary
4100 South 4th Street
Leavenworth, Kansas 66048

Jim Zimmerman, Department Contact
(913) 682-5151 or (1-800) 752-7043
ZimmermanJ@stmary.edu or admissions@stmary.edu
http://stmary.edu/Sport-Management.aspx

Washburn University

College of Arts & Sciences, Kinesiology Department

Located in Topeka, Washburn University continues a legacy of providing affordable and high-quality education for students interested in careers that fulfill their dreams. The school offers over 200 academic programs that serve community interests through interactive partnerships that train future leaders across professions. For those interested in exploring
accredited sports management degree programs in Kansas, Washburn’s Bachelor of Arts degree offers a solid foundation for pursuing graduate studies or entry-level jobs in the field. Washburn currently ranks at No. 91 on U.S. News & World Report’s list for best regional universities in the Midwest and at No. 30 for top public schools.

Bachelor of Arts Concentration in Sport Management

Degree outcomes include preparing graduates to organize, develop, implement, lead and evaluate sports and athletic programs at entry-level positions in community or professional sports organizations, intercollegiate programs, sports marketing and management firms, sporting goods companies, recreational venues, corporate sponsorships, or health and wellness agencies. The degree spans a minimum of 132 credits generated from general education, kinesiology and business classes alongside studies in the major and completion of a supervised internship. Additionally, students finishing these degree components will earn a minor in business.

Accreditations

- - - Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Contacts
Washburn University
Petro Allied Health Center Room 201
1700 SW College Avenue,
Topeka, Kansas 66621

(785) 670-1459
kines@washburn.edu

Wichita State University

College of Education, Department of Sport Management

Wichita State University, established in 1895, builds its educational foundations on research and high academic standards for 21st-century careers like those in the sports industry. WSU programs blend academic pursuits with real-world learning experiences that translate theory into practice. Forbes ranks Wichita State at No. 135 among schools in the Midwest and at No. 210 for its research programs. The school also garners distinction for being one of only 11 universities worldwide to be accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation for its sport management degrees.

Sport Management Undergraduate Program

The Bachelor of Arts in Sport Management degree covers 124 hours of coursework to complete bachelor’s requirements including an intensive internship in professional settings such as health and fitness corporations, minor and major league organizations, park and recreation departments, and intercollegiate athletics groups. Students can use their internship experiences to build networking contacts that can assist them in finding competitive employment upon graduation. In-depth studies in the major center around cutting-edge industry topics such as these:

- - - Sport management technology
    - Sport marketing and finance
    - Sport public relations and advertising
    - Sport law and business ethics
    - Sport governance and policy
    - Sport facility management and event planning
    - Sport psychology
    - Sport in American culture

Graduates with this bachelor’s degree are ready for entry-level positions in sport management or to continue with graduate studies.

Sport Management Graduate Program

Candidates in this program can earn a Master of Education in Sport Management in two to three years. The program design allows for those currently working in the field to take classes at their convenience during evening hours or online. Coursework encompasses 30-credit hours in the following advanced topics of study:

- - - Sport management and marketing
    - Sport communications
    - Sport ethics and legal issues in the industry
    - Sport in society
    - Sport financial management

In addition to these course, candidates must also complete a six credit internship and a comprehensive exam. Graduates are prepared for a variety of mid-to-upper management jobs in the field with this degree.

Accreditations

- - - Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
    - Commission on Sport Management Accreditation

Contacts
Wichita State University
Department of Sport Management
1845 Fairmount Street, Box 127
Wichita, Kansas 67260

Kayla Jasso
(316) 978-5445
kayla.jasso@wichita.edu
B.A.:http://webs.wichita.edu/?u=coedsm&p=/programs/sm_undergraduate/
M.Ed.: http://webs.wichita.edu/?u=coedsm&p=/programs/sm_graduate/

Becoming a sport management professional relies on education, experience and a strong desire to inspire others to achieve greatness. By choosing to attend one of these accredited sports management degree programs in Kansas, graduates can develop their leadership skills and lay a foundation for a winning career that spans a lifetime.

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