Sports Management Degree Programs in Pennsylvania (I-N)

There are several top-notch sports management degree programs from accredited colleges and universities in Pennsylvania for avid athletic fans. Ideally positioned in the Mid-Atlantic adjacent to New York and New Jersey, Pennsylvania is America’s sixth most populous state with 12.8 million residents. The Philadelphia Metro, Pennsylvania’s largest city, has over 6 million alone. Although the $644 billion economy in the “Keystone State” is best known for its 50+ Fortune 500 companies, sports has a stronghold here.

Rankings

Major league franchises like the Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia 76ers, and Pittsburgh Penguins are cheered on by masses. The NCAA Division I has 14 elite athletic programs in Pennsylvania. College football rivalries between Penn State and Pittsburgh are especially heated. Each year, Pennsylvania also hosts the Triple Crown of Cycling, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and 84 Lumber Golfing Classic. To see more sports management degree programs in Pennsylvania, visit Sports Management Degree Programs in Pennsylvania (A-H) and Sports Management Degree Programs in Pennsylvania (O-Z).

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

College of Health and Human Services

Enrolling over 12,400 undergraduates and 2,250 post-graduates, Indiana University of Pennsylvania is a public, co-educational research institution within the PASSHE system on a 350-acre suburban campus in Indiana just 55 miles from Pittsburgh. Included in Kiplinger’s 100 best public values, IUP is ranked the 248th top research university nationally and 189th best college in the Northeast by Forbes. The IUP Crimson Hawks compete in NCAA Division II for 19 varsity sports, including the two-time PSAC Conference football champs. The College of Health and Human Services partners with over 200 practice sites to provide an applied learning environment that nurtures success.

Master of Science in Sport Science – Sport Management Track

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Sport Science program at IUP offers an interdisciplinary curriculum from multiple departments for graduate students interested in various sports-related professions. Within the 30-credit program, students can follow the Sport Management track to prepare for the administrative side of the sports industry. Coursework will delve into sport psychology, fitness, physical activity, sociology of sport, facilities management, organizational communications, coaching management, and human resources. Students can complete a master’s thesis or select the non-thesis option with an internship and electives. Outside the classroom, students work with actual sports professionals through the Greater Pittsburgh area. Graduate assistantships are available for 10 to 20 hours weekly with tuition waivers.

Accreditation

- - - Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Contact

Zink Hall Room 225
1190 Maple Street
Indiana, PA 15705
(724) 357-7835
mpbayles@iup.edu
http://www.iup.edu/grad/sportscience/

Keystone College

Business, Management, and Technology Department

Nestled within the Endless Mountains on a 270-acre rural campus in La Plume just 12 miles from Scranton, Keystone College is a small, four-year private liberal arts institution educating around 1,700 co-ed students. Known for producing MLB pitcher Christy “Big Six” Mathewson, the Keystone Giants have 17 varsity teams competing in NCAA Division III Colonial States Athletic Conference. The U.S. News ranked Keystone as the North’s 44th best regional college and 33rd top school for veterans. Within the Business, Management, and Technology Department, students gain a competitive edge for various business professions from accounting to hospitality.

Bachelor of Science in Sport and Recreation Management

Fully accredited by the IACBE, the Bachelor of Science in Sport and Recreation Management program at Keystone is designed for undergraduates building the business background for opportunities in the recreation or professional sports world. Students develop a well-rounded business core to overseeing the planning, marketing, and managing of sports teams or facilities. Specialty tracks are offered in Educational Administration, Commercial Management, and Community Program Management. The SRM program requires at least 120 credits, including field practicum and a senior capstone project. Students are encouraged to join the college’s S.M.A.R.T. Club for networking in sports business. There’s an accelerated, weekender program for business majors with an associate degree.

Master of Science in Sport Leadership and Management

Delivered 100 percent online for flexibility, the Master of Science in Sport Leadership and Management program helps Keystone students to navigate the increasing complexities of efficient leadership within the global sports market. Students are trained to apply managerial theories practically in professional, collegiate, and high school sporting clubs. Cohorts begin every August to complete the M.S. in one calendar year. The 30-credit curriculum consists of asynchronous online classes where students can log-in conveniently in their schedule. Having a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and TOEFL score over 79 is required. Minors in Casino Management, Digital Media, Event Planning, and Marketing can be added.

Accreditation

- - - International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)
    - Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Contact

One College Green
P.O. Box 50
La Plume, PA 18440
(570) 945-8432
bradley.congelio@keystone.edu
http://www.keystone.edu/academics/divisions/businessmanagementandtechnology/index.dot

Kutztown University

College of Business

Established in 1866 as Keystone Normal School, Kutztown University has evolved into a public comprehensive four-year institution enrolling over 10,100 students in the PASSHE system from a 326-acre rural campus in Berks County just 18 miles southwest of Allentown. The Kutztown Golden Bears won the 2006 Dixon Trophy for excellent in their 21-sport NCAA Division II athletic program. Listed in the Princeton Review’s “Best Northeastern,” Kutztown is named the 131st best regional university and 45th top public college by U.S. News. The College of Business is AACSB-accredited to deliver forward-looking programs with an entrepreneurial spirit.

B.S. in Leisure and Sport Studies

Honored with COSMA accreditation in 2015, the B.S. in Leisure and Sport Studies program at Kutztown offers exceptional preparation for scoring success within the exciting world of athletics from the amateur to collegiate and professional level. Students can follow tracks for entering Sport Management, Facility Management, Event Management, Sport Product Marketing, or Sport Tourism. The 120-credit curriculum is split with general education and major coursework for well-rounded training. Students must find a hands-on internship placement at an approved sports facility. Students also complete consulting projects with industry leaders in the Kutztown Sport Business Institute (KUSBI). If desired, a Coaching and Athletic Administration Major can be added for ASEP certifications.

Accreditation

- - - Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA)
    - Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
    - Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Contact

214 Old Main Street
Kutztown, PA 19530
(610) 683-4370
peter@kutztown.edu

Lancaster Bible College

Health & Physical Education Department

Founded by Henry J. Heydt in 1933, Lancaster Bible College is an accredited private, non-denominational biblical institution enlightening over 1,600 students on its main 109-acre suburban campus in Lancaster and six satellite locations from Philadelphia to Boca Raton. The LBC Chargers compete with 13 varsity teams in the NCCAA Division II. Named Pennsylvania’s 24th best value, LBC was included in the “Best Northeastern” schools by the Princeton Review. The Health & Physical Education Department offers biblical-focused programs for supporting the ministry of promoting healthy lifestyles and well-being.

Bachelor of Science in Sport Management

LBC’s Bachelor of Science in Sport Management program prepares faithful men and women with the professional knowledge to become ethical sports managers, coaches, and athletic administrators. Drawing on a Christian worldview, the program includes a built-in double major for Biblical Studies. The 128-credit curriculum covers coursework in athletic training, sport marketing, sport psychology, accounting, sport finance, sport law, public speaking, and organizational leadership. Students participate in field service projects every year to engage with Pennsylvania’s professional, college, and high school sports departments. First aid and CPR training is included to satisfy coaching certifications. Students can also declare a Minor in Business Administration.

Accreditation

- - - Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
    - Association for Biblical Higher Education Commission on Accreditation (ABHE)

Contact

901 Eden Road
Lancaster, PA 17601
(717) 569-7071
admissions@lbc.edu

Lock Haven University

The Stephen Poorman College of Business, Information Systems, and Human Services

As one of the 14 public, state higher learning institutions in the “Quaker State,” Lock Haven University is located on a 175-acre rural campus along the Susquehanna River around 30 miles from Williamsport to serve over 5,500 students in 73 academic programs. At Hubert Jack Stadium, the LHU Bald Eagles compete for 18 varsity teams in the NCAA Division II with 17 national championship titles. Lock Haven has achieved a 97 percent job placement rate within six months of graduation. The Stephen Poorman College of Business, Information Systems, and Human Services establishes a culture of innovation to provide high-quality education with ACBSP accreditation.

B.S. Sport Administration

Freshmen can enter a four-year course sequence leading to the B.S. Sport Administration program at Lock Haven University to fulfill their passion for athletics. Students study the business side of the sports industry to unlock managerial careers in professional, recreational, amateur, or community sport settings. In their first semester, students are introduced to the complexities of sport management. Upper-division major courses will train students for using StatCrew, Sidearm, HUDL, and other sports communications. Students volunteer to coordinate LHU’s annual 5K charity walk, golf tournament, intramural recreation night, and more. The curriculum also includes a 120-hour field practicum and 480-hour supervised internship. There’s also a Sport and Exercise Psychology Minor.

M.S. Sport Science

Available fully online, the M.S. Sport Science program at LHU allows sports professionals to gather flexible, advanced training for assuming mid- to upper-level administrative jobs. The 30-credit program can be completed in 12 months full-time or in a self-paced, part-time format. After completing the three core classes, students select from two tracks: Sports Administration or Sport and Exercise Psychology. The latter will qualify graduates for working as Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) Certified Consultants. No campus visits are required, but field experiences will be arranged in students’ hometowns. Students must also complete a three-credit capstone research or policy development project. Joining the Lock Haven Sport Administration Society is encouraged.

Accreditation

- - - Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
    - Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Contact

401 North Fairview Street
Lock Haven, PA 17745
(570) 484-2416
ctaylor2@lhup.edu
https://www.commonwealthu.edu/academics/programs/sport-management-bs

Messiah College

Department of Health and Human Performance

Affiliated with the Brethren in Christ Church, Messiah College is a private, non-profit Anabaptist Christian liberal arts and science institution endowed for $99 million to serve over 3,300 students from its 471-acre suburban campus in Mechanicsburg just eight miles from the Capitol. The U.S. News ranked Messiah as the North’s fifth best college, eighth top value school, and second best school for veterans. The Messiah College Falcons have a NCAA Division III athletic department with 22 varsity teams, including the 2012 national women’s soccer champions. The Department of Health and Human Performance offers majors ranging from adventure education and exercise science to athletic training and sport management.

Bachelor of Arts in Sport Management

With a committed, Christian faculty, the Bachelor of Arts in Sport Management program gives Messiah students the ability to blend their interests in sports and business for learning to manage recreation organizations. Students utilize the 120-credit curriculum to develop a strong foundation in finance, communication, marketing, ethics, sports law, management, economics, event planning, and human resources. It’s possible to declare a double major in Accounting or Marketing. Students devote up to 16 credits for applied, practical experience outside the classroom. Past alumni have interned with the Harrisburg Senators, York Revolution, Lancaster Inferno, Harrisburg Stampede, Hershey Bears, and more. Students also work in the college’s 29,750-square foot Wellness Center and join the Sport Management Society.

Accreditation

- - - Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Contact

1 College Avenue
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
(717) 766-2511
jhaak@messiah.edu
http://www.messiah.edu/sport-management-major-pennsylvania

Millersville University

Wellness and Sport Sciences Department

Following the motto “Seize the Opportunity,” Millersville University is a public, master’s-level liberal arts institution educating over 8,400 students from its main 250-acre suburban campus in Lancaster County within a 90-minute drive from downtown Philadelphia. Millersville sponsors 19 intercollegiate teams for NCAA Division II, including the 2014 national field hockey champs. Honored with Insight into Diversity’s HEED Award, Millersville is ranked the 83rd best college and 24th top public school in the North by the U.S. News. The Wellness and Sport Sciences Department empowers students the make a significant difference in community well-being as athletic trainers, sports managers, coaches, and physical educators.

Master of Education in Sport Management

Housed in Pucillo Gymnasium, the Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Sport Management program is designed for Millersville graduate students seeking advancement in today’s big sports business. Featuring 36 credits, the 12-course curriculum offers interdisciplinary learning in preparation for leadership in the dynamic sports profession. Two concentrations are available in Athletic Management or Athletic Coaching. The program is structured for full-time and part-time learners with regionally accredited bachelor’s degrees in any field. Completing a three-credit culminating internship is required. Past placements have included the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Carlisle YMCA, Champion Fieldhouse, Harrisburg City Islanders, and Philadelphia 76ers. All M.Ed. students are welcome to join the Sport Management Student Association (SMSA).

Accreditation

- - - Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Contact

Pucillo Gym Room 112
P.O. Box 1002
Millersville, PA 17551
(717) 871-4208
sportmgmtga@millersville.edu
http://www.millersville.edu/wssd/graduate/

Misericordia University

College of Professional Studies and Social Sciences

Founded in 1924 by the Religious Sisters of Mercy, Misericordia University is a private, co-educational Roman Catholic liberal arts institution serving Wilkes-Barre with over 3,100 students enrolled on its 129-acre suburban campus in Dallas. From swimming and lacrosse to golf and cross country, the Misericordia Cougars compete in the NCAA Division III Freedom Conference. Named the 222nd best bang for the buck in the Northeast by Washington Monthly, Misericordia is ranked the 47th top regional college within the U.S. News survey. The College of Professional Studies and Social Sciences offers programs rooted in the core values of mercy, social justice, service, and hospitality.

Sport Management Major (B.S.)

The Sport Management Major (B.S.) at Misericordia builds a sound philosophical foundation on the business side of sports to prepare bachelor’s-level sporting professionals. Students are equipped with the managerial, problem-solving, and communication skills to become the sport industry’s next generation of leaders. Within the 123-credit curriculum, coursework will cover economics, marketing, event management, human capital, athletic administration, accounting, marketing, business law, and international business. For in-depth field experience, students complete a 12-week senior internship for 40 hours per week in a sports organization. Each year, the university hosts a Sport Management Roundtable that draws leading sports managers. Hands-on training also included at the Anderson Athletics Complex and McGeehan Field.

Accreditation

- - - International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)
    - Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Contact

301 Lake Street
Dallas, PA 18612
(570) 674-6337
dgargone@misericordia.edu
http://www.misericordia.edu/page.cfm?p=660

Neumann University

Division of Business and Information Management

Since its founding in 1965 by the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, Neumann University has become a private, non-profit Catholic and Franciscan liberal arts institution with over 2,500 students engaging on its 68-acre suburban campus in Aston near Chester Creek. Student-athletes compete for the Neumann Knights in 19 varsity teams for the NCAA Division III Colonial States Athletic Conference. Neumann is ranked the 144th best bang for the buck in the Northeast by Washington Monthly magazine. The Division of Business and Information Management has ACBSP approval for delivering America’s 143rd best online bachelor’s programs according to the U.S. News.

B.S. in Sport and Entertainment Management

Highly regarded with specialized COSMA accreditation, the B.S. in Sport and Entertainment Management program at Neumann lets career-minded undergraduates transition into exciting recreation professions. Coursework will provide a broad-based business understanding on the financial, marketing, ethics, legal, and communications aspects of sports clubs. The four-year curriculum consists of 125 credits completed with a minimum 2.25 GPA. At least six credits are devoted to co-operative education during the junior and senior years. Honors students can complete a senior thesis for publish in the Catalyst Student Research Journal. Minors are available in Media Arts, Marketing, Accounting, and International Business. There’s also a five-year B.S./M.S. in Sport and Entertainment Management program.

M.S. in Sport and Entertainment Management

Neumann’s M.S. in Sport and Entertainment Management program is designed using COSMA standards to update graduates on the latest sports trends and open doors for advancement into administration. The 36-credit program is delivered in a hybrid format with on-campus meetings once per week and online learning components. All students must pass a co-operative education field placement in the sport and entertainment industry. Courses will explore finance, organizational management, sports law, entertainment promotion, public relations, research design, college athletics, and resort management. In the final semester, M.S. students develop a master’s project in a supportive capstone seminar. Tuition is currently under $475 per credit.

Accreditation

- - - Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA)
    - Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
    - Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Contact

One Neumann Drive
Aston, PA 19014
(610) 361-5291
neumann@neumann.edu
http://www.neumann.edu/academics/divisions/business/dean_letter.asp

Even if you’re sidelined from a professional athletic career, you can still build a rewarding career in the multi-billion dollar sports industry. Sports management is filled with job opportunities to oversee the business-related operations of athletic teams, facilities, and agencies. Loving the game isn’t enough to succeed in the competitive sports management field though. Having at least a bachelor’s degree is ideal for an understanding of sports business. Programs accredited by the COSMA are particularly respected for high-quality education. Investing in higher education pays off because the BLS reports that management jobs in the spectator sports industry provide an annual mean wage of $117,300. Practice your leadership skills by pursuing one of these sports management degree programs from accredited colleges and universities in Pennsylvania.

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