Accredited sports management degree programs in Kentucky are an excellent option for individuals who enjoy sports and want to help others achieve their goals in the sporting industry. Kentucky residents have a strong affinity for sports with many people under the belief that it is a strong basketball state.
Rankings
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- Top 25 Best Sports Management Bachelor’s Degree Online Programs
- 25 Most Affordable Top-Ranked Schools for Online Master’s in Sports Management Degree Programs
- Top 13 Best Sports Management Master’s Degree Programs
- 50 Most Affordable Selective Colleges for Sports Management
- 50 Most Affordable Urban Schools for Sports Management
- 20 Great Small Colleges for a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management
- 50 Most Affordable Small Southern Colleges for a Sports Management Degree (Bachelor’s)
- 20 Best Associates Degrees for Future Sports Management Professionals
The fact is that Kentucky natives have gone on to play almost every professional sport. Dennis Johnson, Michael Bush, Brian Brohm and Andre Woodson were all Kentuckians who went on to play football at the national level. Brandon Webb, Austin Kearns and Paul Byrd were nationally ranked baseball players from the state. To see more sports management degree programs, visit Sports Management Degree Programs in Kentucky (A-M).
The love of sports in the state of Kentucky is why sports management degree programs in Kentucky are an excellent choice for those who love the game. Only a select few have the talent and ability to reach the professional level, but those who do have the talent need sports management experts to help them reach the top of their sport. Therefore, someone who loves a particular sport, but who is unable to play at the professional level would benefit from degree programs that provide them the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in sports management.
Northern Kentucky University
Haile/US Bank College of Business
The Haile/US Bank College of Business provides students the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the business world. The school is named for the Haile/US Bank Foundation who gave the largest single gift in Northern Kentucky University history, $15 million, in memory of Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr. Carol Ann Homan, the daughter of Cliff Homan, a bank president, took over her father’s role when he passed away in 1968 and eventually worked with her husband, Ralph, to build the bank into one of the largest banking institutions in Northern Kentucky. Both were volunteers and philanthropists, adding their name to many causes over the years, including Northern Kentucky University.
The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs across several business disciplines. Students are able to engage with the local business community in order to gain hands-on experience in their field of study.
Bachelor of Science in Sports Business
The Bachelor of Science in Sports Business provides students with the opportunity to earn a business degree that focuses on sports. Students are prepared for a wide variety of careers in the sports business as well as in recreational management. Students learn to analyze data in order to make decisions and to look critically at the results. Students complete a common sports business knowledge core of nine courses that includes a field internship. The internship provides students with practical experience and networking exposure. The remaining nine hours of course credit are electives so that students can select courses to specialize their studies. All students must earn a “C” or better in all courses in the major.
Accreditation
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- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International
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Contact
Department of Marketing, Economics and Sports Business
Haile/US Bank College of Business
Business Academic Center 315
Nunn Drive
Highland Heights KY 41099
Telephone: 859-572-6582
Email: admitnku@nku.edu
Union College
Department of Wellness, Human Performance & Recreation
The Department of Wellness, Human Performance & Recreation recognizes the changes in health and physical education over the past few decades. The department understands that physical education programs are no longer confined to the school setting and that fitness is a critical part of the lives of many people, both old and young. This has promoted the study of physical education and wellness throughout the world. The Department of Wellness, Human Performance & Recreation addresses the need for that education.
Sports Management
The Sports Management program at Union College, offered through the Department of Wellness, Human Performance & Recreation, prepares students for entry-level positions in a variety of sports and activity related industries through the development of necessary knowledge, skills and experiences. Students will be prepared with decision-making and communication skills designed for the sports industry. Students will understand principles of physical education such as kinesiology, exercise physiology, tests and measurements, as well as the sociological issues of sports. Students learn the day-to-day responsibilities of sports management through an internship and are provided with skills in technology that includes word processing, spreadsheets and graphics software. Students will also be provided information on preparing budgets for athletic programs.
Accreditation
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- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
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Contact
Union College
Office of Admissions
Grant Hall
807 Union Street
Schenectady NY 12308
Telephone: 518-388-6112 or 888-843-6688
Email: admissions@union.edu
Website: https://www.unionky.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs
University of Kentucky
College of Education
The College of Education at the University of Kentucky works diligently to help students discover how to turn things that interest them into successful careers. The college focuses on providing students with skills for inquiring, innovation and inspiration. The college does not simply provide an education for those who want to enter the Pre-Kindergarten to 12th grade teaching arena, but also those who want to enter the health, sports, counseling and systems design industries. The college has been a leader in education for many years, implementing a global focus long before other colleges and universities, yet still steeped in the tradition that UK is known for.
Sports Leadership
The Sports Leadership specialization at the University of Kentucky is offered by the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotions at the College of Education. The program prepares students for leadership positions in sports administration. Graduates have found success at both the scholastic and collegiate level of sports administration, in sports management, coaching, directing community and youth sports and operating recreational organizations. The curriculum includes courses in business as well as leadership skills necessary to succeed in the sports world. Students may choose either the Thesis Option or a Course Work Option. The Thesis Option requires:
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- 24-credit hours of coursework
- 6-credit hours of thesis
- Oral thesis defense.
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The Course Work Option requires only 30-hours of coursework, written examinations as well as one oral examination. Both options require six hours of research and statistics classes along with 12 hours of core classes. Electives chosen will allow students to concentrate their studies in a specific area of sports management.
Accreditation
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- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
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Contact
University of Kentucky
Lexington KY 40506
Telephone: 859-257-9000
Website: https://2b.education.uky.edu/khp/graduate-students/masters-degrees/sport-leadership/
University of Louisville
College of Education & Human Development
The College of Education & Human Development at the University of Louisville attracts students from around the globe. The programs offered are taught by faculty who are experts in their field with extensive practical experience. All programs incorporate real-world learning with lab experiences, dynamic internships and advanced student teaching opportunities. Students are prepared to move into leadership positions in a wide range of education and human development industries. The college has a mission to support the development of individuals as future leaders in any setting upon graduation, not only focusing on those who plan to enter the field of education, but also for those who wish to enter the fields of sport management, exercise physiology and the promotion of health.
B.S. in Sports Administration
The Bachelor of Science in Sports Administration prepares students for entry-level positions in sports management. Students develop knowledge and skills through working, interning and volunteering as well as in traditional classroom settings. The Louisville community provides students in the program with many opportunities to gain hands-on experience working with such agencies as Churchill Downs, Louisville Bats, Louisville Slugger, Mid-South Conference and more. The program requires completion of 123-credit hours with an overall GPA of 2.25. Students must earn a “C” or better in all Sports Administration classes.
M.S. in Sport Administration
The Master of Science in Sports Administration is designed for those who wish to take leadership roles in the area of sports management. Students are required to take six sports administration courses, two research methods courses and complete an internship. Three elective courses are also required and can be in any of the sport administration electives or approved courses from other departments. Students must have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution in order to apply to the program. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be provided. Students must provide a current resume, a formal goal statement, two letters of recommendation and official GRE or GMAT scores.
Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Organization Development, Sport Administration Specialization
The doctorate level program in Sports Administration is designed for students with previous work experience in the sports industry with a clear research focus. The discipline is very hands-on, providing the skills and knowledge students will need to work in any aspect of the sports industry. It is a research-oriented degree with students actively engaged in sports-related research, partnering with a faculty that is internationally recognized. The current faculty not only serves on multiple editorial boards, but has also co-authored eight sport management textbooks. Students are required to complete 42-credit hours in coursework, 27-credit hours of research and 21-credit hours of electives.
Accreditation
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- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Commission on Sports Management
- Sport Management Program Review Council
- Association for Sport and Physical Education
- North American Society for Sport Management
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Contact
University of Louisville
Woodford and Harriett Potter Building
College of Education and Human Development
1905 South 1st Street
Louisville KY 40292
Telephone: 800-334-8635 or 502-852-6411
Website:
BS – http://louisville.edu/education/degrees/bs-sa
MS – http://louisville.edu/education/degrees/ms-sa
Western Kentucky University
School of Kinesiology, Recreation and Sport
The School of Kinesiology, Recreation and Sport has a long, rich tradition that dates back to the beginning of Western Kentucky University, despite the fact that the College of Health and Human Services, where the department is housed, is one of the newest at Western Kentucky. The first president of the college appointed his daughter as the instructor of Physical Hygiene, beginning a long tradition of physical education instruction that exists today. Students may choose from a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in areas such as physical education, pedagogy, exercise science, recreation administration and sports management.
Sport Management
The Bachelor of Science in Sport Management prepares students for careers in the sports industry. Students complete general education courses before moving into 57 hours of major courses, finishing with 19 hours of electives or a minor that further concentrates their studies. Students are provided a broad-based education in the management of sports. Students are provided the social, psychological and international foundations of sports as well as sports management, sports leadership and sports governance principles. Students develop skills in sports operations management as well as event and venue management along with sports marketing. They are provided instruction in the economic impact of sports, sports accounting and principles of sports finance. The legal aspects of sports, strategic management and methods for applying knowledge are also included.
M.S. Recreation & Sport Administration
The Master of Science in Recreation & Sport Administration program is designed to prepare students for leadership positions in a wide range of industries. Students may choose from several concentrations including:
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- General
- Athletic Administration and Coaching
- Facility & Event Management
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The degree is a 33-credit hour program with 21 hours required in core classes and the remaining credits in the chosen concentration. The Facility & Event Management concentration has thesis and non-thesis options although candidates are encouraged to write a thesis.
Accreditation
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- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Commission on Sport Management Accreditation
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Contact
Western Kentucky University
1906 College Heights Boulevard
Bowling Green KY 42101
Telephone: 270-745-2551
Email: admissions@wku.edu
Website:
BS: https://www.wku.edu/sportmanagement/index.php
Kentucky is a state well-known for the love of sports so it is no surprise that there are many options for sports management degrees in the state. Those who successfully complete accredited sports management degrees in Kentucky are more likely to be successful in achieving their career goals than those who do not obtain such degrees.
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