The Sports Management industry can be exciting and lucrative for those who complete an accredited sports management degree program in Florida or other states. Florida has the third-highest percentage of sports management professionals in the United States with almost 700 and an average wage of $55,010 per year. However, some areas of Florida, such as the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area, have a slightly higher than average annual income for those who enter the sports management program. In addition, for those willing to relocate to another area of the country, annual salaries for sports management professionals rises to as much as $150,000 per year or more.
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
Jobs in the sports management field are expected to grow faster than for other industries over the next decade, with coaches and scouts estimated to increase by 15 percent while sports agents or manager positions are expected to grow by around 12 percent. Competition is fierce in the industry, however, which is why completing a sports management degree in Florida is highly recommended. To see more accredited sports management degree programs, please visit Sports Management Degree Programs in Florida (A-F) and Sports Management Degree Programs in Florida (T-Z).
Jacksonville University
Davis College of Business
The business program at Jacksonville University began as a small division at the college in 1967. It became the College of Business in 1979. In 1984, the college was renamed the Davis College of Business after the Davis family, owners of the Winn-Dixie grocery chain, donated $3 million to build a new facility for the business department. J.E. Davis developed a strong commitment to Jacksonville College in the 1950s as he and his brothers were building the Winn-Dixie empire. In 1998, the family created a $20 million challenge grant as well as a $10 million donation for another College of Business building. The college prepares students for a multitude of careers in business and management at both the undergraduate and graduate level.
Sport Business
The Sport Business program at the Davis College of Business provides insight into the exciting world of sports management. Students are prepared to enter the industry at a variety of levels. Students are provided information including:
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- How marketing communicates to fans at sporting events
- The impact of sporting events on the local economy
- The importance of promotion in the sports industry
- How technology has an impact on today’s sports
- The financial side of sports
- How individuals and teams are managed
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Core business classes provide students with the basics of business while the sports-related courses offer insight into a growing industry.
Accreditation
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- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
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Contact
Jacksonville University
2800 University Boulevard North
Jacksonville, FL 32211
Telephone: 904-256-7000
Email: web@ju.edu
Website: Jacksonville University
Johnson and Wales University
School of Business
The Johnson and Wales University School of Business offers programs designed to help students succeed in the field of business they choose to pursue after graduation. Students learn from faculty with extensive knowledge in the business world with a curriculum designed to help students develop the skills necessary to pursue a wide range of management positions. Students are taught not only in a traditional classroom setting but through real-world experiences outside the classroom as well.
Sports Entertainment/Event Management (BS)
The Sports Entertainment/Event Management degree at Johnson and Wales University offers students the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain positions in the behind the scenes world of athletic and entertainment events. In addition, students develop skills in the event planning industry. Students are provided details about concert and event production, media relations as well as trade show or event management. Core curriculum in business is expanded with electives that include:
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- Professional sports management
- Sports and entertaining marketing
- Athletic coaching administration
- Meeting management
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Students complete a comprehensive, site-based management project as well as an internship in their field of interest.
Accreditation
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- New England Association of Schools & Colleges Inc.
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Contact
Johnson and Wales University
North Miami Campus
1701 Northeast 127th Street
North Miami, FL 33181
Telephone: 305-892-7600 or 866-598-3567
Website: Johnson and Wales University
Keiser University
Port St. Lucie Campus
The Port St. Lucie Campus of Keiser University is conveniently located so that it is easily accessible from Port St. Lucie, Stuart and Fort Pierce. The campus offers admissions, student services, academic affairs and financial services departments on campus. The state-of-the-art facilities offer exceptional student services such as internet-enabled work stations, a library, a career center and much more. Students benefit from a combination of hands-on learning with the traditional classroom experience.
Sports Management, BS
Keiser University’s Online Bachelor of Science in Sport Management is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required for a career in the sports industry. The sports industry is one of the largest segments of the economy, and opportunities for careers exist in international, professional, amateur, and collegiate sports, as well as in tourism, recreation, and private sports enterprise. The curriculum focuses on the business aspects of the sports industry, including marketing, management, law, ethics, economics, and finance. The 120-credit program features a course-based track with two concentrations: Golf Management, or Sales, Media, and Technology.
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Keiser University’s Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science combines both didactic instruction integrated with supervised practice and externships necessary to provide the student with the necessary tools to be successful in this field. The focus of this program is to prepare the student to take four nationally recognized and accredited field certifications. In addition, the coursework focuses on preparing the student with a strong foundation in science-based General Educations and a balanced offering of Core classes. Following graduation from the Exercise Science program, students will have the necessary requirements to pursue a degree in a variety of medical fields including physical therapy.
Accreditation
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- Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award certificates and degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, masters, specialist, and doctoral levels. Questions about the accreditation of Keiser University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
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Contact
Keiser University
Port St. Lucie Campus
9400 SW Discovery Way
Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
Telephone: 772-398-9990
Website: Keiser University
Lynn University
College of Business and Management
At the College of Business and Management, students gain the skills and knowledge necessary to obtain a position in their chosen field of business. Students learn from an experienced faculty and are able to customize their education with electives that help focus their education in the area they choose. The college also offers study abroad opportunities as well as internships that offer hands-on experience in their field.
Sports Management
The Bachelor of Science in Sports Management at Lynn University allows students to choose courses based on their interest in the sports industry. The program offers an experiential learning experience and students gain knowledge through faculty-directed projects with companies that are world-renowned such as ESPN, X Games, PGA, NASCAR, NFL and more. Lynn University has offered a sports management degree for many years and graduates have a high success rate when it comes to obtaining positions in their chosen field.
MBA in Sports and Athletics Administration
In addition to traditional MBA courses, students enrolled in the Sports and Athletics Administration program are provided electives that allow them to focus on this exciting industry. Students are prepared for many different careers in sports and athletic administration through experiential learning experiences. The Baseball Winter Meetings event allows students to meet with baseball’s top executives, including team owners, league presidents, sports agents, baseball writers and the president of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Students are guided so that they use their particular sports interest to choose classes that complement those interests.
Accreditation
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- Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
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Contact
Lynn University
3601 North Military Trail
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Telephone: 800-888-5966 or 561-237-7900
Email: admission@lynn.edu
Website:
Lynn University Bachelor’s Program
Northwood University
West Palm Beach Campus
The West Palm Beach Campus of Northwood University is located in beautiful West Palm Beach, Florida. The campus is only ten minutes from the Palm Beach International Airport. The area has an attractive entrepreneurial business climate with many recreational opportunities available. Northwood’s Florida campus is a highly competitive private university with a top-notch faculty. In addition, some programs are offered in the evenings, on weekends and online making the campus flexible for adult learners.
Entertainment, Sport and Promotion Management
The Entertainment, Sport, and Promotion Management degree program offered at the West Palm Beach campus of Northwood University provides students with an understanding of the behind-the-scenes industry that exists for professional entertainers and athletes. Students gain insight into marketing, promotion management, retail services, public relations and more factors that go into the handling of professional singers, actors, and athletes. Graduates have obtained positions at such prestigious companies as:
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- Campbell Ewald
- Chicago Bulls
- Dallas Cowboys
- Georgia World Congress Center
- Junior Olympics
- Pro Circuit Tennis Tournament
- VNEA Billiards Championship
- WrestleMania
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Students are required to complete a 400-hour internship and at least one practicum. Often, these internships are with professional sports teams, semi-pro and pro sports teams, record labels and more. Students may also join the Entertainment, Sport and Promotion Management Association (ESPMA) which provides additional, hands-on experience. There are also study abroad opportunities available for those who wish to enter the global sporting and entertainment industry.
Accreditation
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- Higher Learning Commission North Central Association
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Contact
Heather Gray
Admissions Representative
West Palm Beach, FL Regional Education Center
2600 North Military Trail, West
Palm Beach, FL 33409
Telephone: 800-622-9000
Nova Southeastern University
H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship
The H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Nova Southeastern University is named for H. Wayne Huizenga, creator of three Fortune 500 companies, five time recipient of the Financial World Magazine CEO of the Year award and 2005 recipient of the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year. He has been named as one of the greatest deal makers of the 20th century and his been a longtime supporter of Nova Southeastern University. The school offers faculty considered to be experts in their field and offer many graduate and undergraduate degrees on either a part-time or full-time schedule.
BS in Sport and Recreation Management
The Bachelor of Science in Sport and Recreation Management at the Huizenga School of Business provides a strong foundation in the area of management, marketing, communications and event planning related to the sports industry. Graduates of the program have found great success in the growing world of sports management. It is a 120 credit hour program and enrollment must begin in either September for the fall or January for the winter. The program is offered during the day on the Main Campus of Nova Southeastern University. Students are required to complete an internship for 16 weeks and a capstone course that examines trends in the industry, career paths and current topics in sports.
Accreditation
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- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- International Assembly of Collegiate Business Education
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Contact
Nova Southeastern University
H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship
3301 College Avenue
Fort Lauderdale-Davie, FL 33314
Telephone: 800-672-7223 Ext 25067
Email: sumulong@huizenga.nova.edu
Website: Nova Southeastern University
Saint Leo University
Donald R. Tapia School of Business
The Donald R. Tapia School of Business at Saint Leo University is the Chairman of the Board at St. Leo University and an alumni of the School of Online Learning. Mr. Tapia donated $4 million to help build the new School of Business building which is why the school chose to name the business school after him. The school offers values-centered education in order to prepare students to be the business leaders of tomorrow. As the largest Catholic business school in the United States, the school not only offers students formal education but combines that education with values founded in faith. Programs offered at the Tapia School of Business are distinctive as they combine teaching, research and leadership in order to create students who are well-rounded. Students are also provided opportunities for hands-on learning through partnerships with a variety of businesses in the area.
BA Sport Business Degree
Saint Leo is in a prime location for sports-related internships, which is why the BA Sport Business degree offered by the Tapia School of Business is perfect for those who wish to enter the sports management field. The campus is within one hour of more than 50 sports organizations, including the Rays, Lightning and the Buccaneers. They are also in close proximity to the Major League Baseball Training Camp location and students may also participate in Saint Leo’s NCAA Division II Athletics. There is also a 3,500 square-foot fitness center, a six-lane outdoor pool and a brand-new School of Business building. Students are provided the opportunity to network with industry professionals through national conferences and participate in internships with pro sports teams around the world. It is one of only two schools to be accredited by the Commission on Sport Management in the first year it was available. Students take classes such as:
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- Social and ethical issues in sports
- Sport governance
- Sport marketing and promotion
- Legal issues in sports
- Professional Development Seminar
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Graduates of the program have found positions as sports information directors, marketing directors, sports facility managers, event coordinators, and sports writers to name a few. Graduates have found positions with such notable organizations as the Charlotte Bobcats, ESPN, Ironman World Headquarters, New York Yankees and the West Indies Cricket Board in Antigua.
M.B.A. Sport Business Concentration
Saint Leo offers a Master of Business Administration with a Sport Business Concentration in an online format. It is the first sport business program to be accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation. The program is delivered by expert faculty and has been recognized by SportBusiness International as the 17th best sport-related degree in the world and only five of those are in the United States. Students are provided instruction in:
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- Strategic management
- Sales and marketing
- Risk management
- Legal issues
- Facility planning and management
- Financial aspects of sports
- Research in sport
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Students are also provided with a strong core business curriculum that includes instruction in oral and written communication, ethics, team membership, leadership as well as technology. Students take up to two courses per eight-week term and can complete the 36 credits required in as little as one year or may extend their completion for up to five years. Students may take up to two concentrations at one time with the approval of the director.
Accreditation
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- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Commission on Sport Management Accreditation</strong>
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Contact
Saint Leo University
33701 State Road 52
Saint Leo, FL 33574-6665
Telephone: 800-334-5532
Website: Saint Leo University
Southeastern University
College of Education
The College of Education at Southeastern University prepares students to serve in any educational setting with a strong focus on faith. The programs through the College of Education are anchored in spirit-empowered learning experiences in a Christ-centered, student-focused learning community. All programs include views of the growing global marketplace and each student’s divine design is nurtured through both traditional and modern methods of teaching. Southeastern University is affiliated with the Assemblies of God and carries a strong Pentecostal tradition with students from every ethnic and religious background.
Bachelor of Science in Sport Management
The Bachelor of Science in Sport Management at Southeastern University prepares students for a wide variety of professions in sports, ranging from managing high profile professional athletes or helping busy executives with their long-neglected workout routines. At Southeastern, they believe that the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy that “physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” With professional sports sometimes plagued by scandal, obesity becoming a growing problem in the world and the growth of the fitness industry as people try to live healthier lifestyles, training in sports management that is combined with a faith-based curriculum is more important than ever. Students develop the tools necessary to obtain positions in a sports leadership position. The degree also offers several different concentrations, including:
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- Coaching
- PE and Coaching
- Business
- Pre-Law
- Youth Ministry
- Leadership
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Accreditation
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- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
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Contact
Southeastern University
1000 Longfellow Road
Lakeland FL 33801
Telephone: 800-500-8760 or 863-667-5018
Email: admission@seu.edu
St. Thomas University
School of Business
The School of Business at St. Thomas University places emphasis on social justice and ethical behavior throughout all its programs. As a Catholic Archdiocesan-sponsored university, St. Thomas boasts a pastoral oasis in the urban pulse of Miami. The school has a diverse student body and provides a cohesive community that promotes learning. The school offers programs based on mainstream business trends while also delving into unique, niche areas of the business world. Students are provided many opportunities to learn not only in the classroom but through internships with leading employers throughout the area.
Sports Administration
St. Thomas University pioneered the first undergraduate sports administration program, receiving accreditation by the North American Society for Sport Management in 2001. The program was developed by nationally known sports executives and blends liberal arts, business, and sports management courses into a curriculum designed to prepare students for careers with various sport-related businesses. The school’s location in southern Florida provides students with many opportunities to gain experience in their chosen profession.
Accreditation
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- Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
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Contact
Dr. Abernethy
St. Thomas University
Fernandez Center Office 202
16401 Northwest 37th Avenue
Miami Gardens, FL 33054
Telephone: 305-628-6630
Email: tabernethy@stu.edu
Website: St. Thomas University
Stetson University
School of Business Administration
Stetson University has offered business studies since 1897, longer than any other college in Florida. Students develop knowledge and education related to theory and practical applications that enable them to find success in a growing global business market. Faculty are considered experts in their field of study and teach courses in a student-centered atmosphere that promotes learning.
Sport Business
Students enrolled in the Sport Business program at Stetson University are prepared for careers in the sport and leisure industry. The program is distinctive as it combines high-level academics with high-level sport organization internship opportunities. Students have conducted research projects that have investigated intercollegiate athletics and professional sports. Students who successfully complete the program are also prepared to enter graduate study or to enter the highly competitive field of sport management.
Accreditation
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- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
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Contact
Stetson University
School of Business Administration
421 North Woodland Boulevard
Unit 8398
DeLand, FL 32723
Telephone: 386-822-7405
Anyone who is interested in pursuing a career in the field of sport management should investigate these programs. Individuals who successfully complete accredited sports management degree programs in Florida and other states will have greater success in the competitive industry of sports management.
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