Sports Management Degree Programs in Indiana (A-M)

Individuals who complete accredited sports management degree programs in Indiana are more likely to obtain positions as coaches, scouts, agents or business managers in the sporting industry. Although sports have always been an important part of many cultures around the world, the need for individuals with experience in sports management is growing rapidly.


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It is well-known what a sports coach does for players, but people may not be aware what a scout does. Scouts search for new players for teams, visiting high schools, colleges and even youth sporting events in an effort to evaluate player skills to determine their level of talent. What many people don’t know is that coaches and scouts often require at least an undergraduate degree as well as extensive knowledge of the game they support. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, coaching and scouting positions are expected to grow by 15 percent over the next ten years, a faster growth than other types of industries. In Indiana, the average salary for coaches and scouts is around $35,000 per year.

Agents and business managers in the sporting industry represent athletes in their dealings with prospective employers. They are responsible for contract negotiation and other business matters that most athletes are unable to manage on their own. The average salary for a sporting agent or business manager nationwide is $98,750, while in Indiana, the average salary is $81,820 per year.

These are just a few of the positions that individuals who successfully complete Sports Management degrees in Indiana could obtain. In fact, there are many occupations in the sporting industry where a sports management degree could be extremely beneficial. To see more accredited sports management degree programs in Indiana, visit Sports Management Degree Programs in Indiana (N-Z).

Related Resource: What is an Exercise Physiologist?

Ball State University

School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Science

The School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Science at Ball State University is a leader in professional preparation, scientific inquiry and applied technology in the sporting industry. Programs through the school provide exceptional educational experiences with intimate classroom instruction and real-world applications that provide insight into the world of physical education, sports and exercise. The school operates under the College of Applied Sciences and Technology offering five undergraduate programs of study:

        • Aquatics
        • Athletic training
        • Exercise science
        • Health and physical education teacher education
        • Sport Administration

The school also offers graduate education in:

        • Athletic Coaching Education
        • Sport and Exercise Psychology
        • Sport Administration
        • Biomechanics
        • Clinical Exercise Physiology
        • Exercise Physiology
        • Sports Performance
        • Wellness Management
        • Applied Gerontology

Sport Administration Program

The Sport Administration undergraduate degree was Indiana’s first stand-alone degree in sports administration providing students with an immersive, experiential and service-learning opportunity throughout their undergraduate studies. Students complete at least two outcome-based projects in order to obtain hands-on experience with regional sports organizations and will assist in organizing campus events to raise money for charitable organizations. The sport administration program is responsible for organizing the Chase Charlie Races designed to fight childhood obesity in the community. The program allows students to network with industry professionals, learn more about their chosen field and acquire event management experiences through the events they help organize. In addition, students complete a 12-credit, 400-hour internship.

Sport Administration

The Master of Arts in Sport Administration is challenging and rewarding, providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to seek advanced positions in the sports industry. The program is a 33-credit hour course of study, but there is no thesis required. Students must perform an on-site internship at an organization chosen by the student or complete a research project supervised by faculty. Core courses include:

        • Sport Marketing and Promotion
        • Sport Law
        • Financial Principles in Sport
        • Sport Administration

Electives that allow students to focus on their specific area of interest are available. Popular options include:

        • Facility and Event Management
        • Ethics and Philosophy of Sport
        • Intercollegiate Athletics Policy

Students who complete the Master of Arts program gain the knowledge and skills to obtain employment upon graduation.

Sports Administration

The Master of Science in Sports Administration is a 33-credit hour program that culminates in the completion of a thesis based on the student’s own research. The courses required for the Master of Science in Sports Administration program are the same as those required under the Master of Arts program. This program is designed for students who wish to pursue their education to the doctorate level.

Accreditation

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

Contact

School of Physical Education, Sport, & Exercise Science
Health and Physical Activity Building
(HP,) Room 360
Ball State University
Muncie, IN 47306
Telephone: 765-285-8746
Email: dsheller@bsu.edu
Website: http://cms.bsu.edu/academics/collegeanddepartments/physicaleducation

Huntington University

Kinesiology and Sport Leadership

The Kinesiology and Sport Leadership department at Huntington University provides programs to prepare students for opportunities in the public, private and commercial setting related to recreation, sports and exercise. Students are provided hands-on experience through practicum courses, internships and service learning. Students may choose from five undergraduate degrees through the department including:

        • Recreation Management
        • Exercise and Movement Science
        • Sport and Exercise Studies
        • Sport Management
        • 3-2 Athletic Training
        • Recreation and Sports Ministry

The Recreation and Sports Ministry program is offered in conjunction with the Ministry and Missions Department.

Sport Management

The Sport Management program is for students with a strong desire to purse positions in the management end of sports. Students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue careers in sports tourism, director of operations, as athletic directors and more. Students gain knowledge in sports management, professional development and foundational knowledge. In addition, students receive hands-on experience through practicums, internships and service learning.

Accreditation

        • Higher Learning Commission, North Center Association of Schools and Colleges

Contact

Huntington University
2303 College Avenue
Huntington, IN 46750
Telephone: 800-642-6493
Email: admissions@huntington.edu
Website:

Indiana Institute of Technology

College of Business

The College of Business at Indiana Institute of Technology prepares students for careers in a complex business environment. Students are provided with a broad-based education that is built on strong business knowledge. Degrees are available at the graduate and undergraduate level. Graduates have become business leaders and the college strives to produce lifelong learners as well as well-rounded, educated citizens.

Business Administration – Sports Management, B.S.

The Sports Management Business Administration undergraduate degree at the Indiana Institute of Technology is perfect for sports fans or those who play sports but know that a professional career is not for them. The program is designed to help students advance their career by developing problem-solving and decision-making skills. The program is offered in a traditional format and provides students with the skills to obtain positions managing athletic teams or facilities, in sports marketing or in managing a community sports organization.

Accreditation

        • Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association

Contact

Indiana Tech
1600 East Washington Boulevard
Fort Wayne, IN 46803
Telephone: 800-937-2448

Indiana State University

College of Nursing, Health and Human Services

The College of Nursing, Health and Human Services at Indiana State University is committed to inspiring students, professionals and communities. The college develops graduates who are compassionate clinicians, educators, scholars and policy makers. Programs at the college are innovative and are recognized as national leaders in health and social service education. The college values health equity, social wellness, diversity, respect, teamwork, creativity and joy.

Sport Management

The Bachelor of Science in Sport Management program through the College of Nursing, Health and Human Services at Indiana State University provides opportunities for learning, research and leadership through learning. Courses of study stress the development of programming and management related to the sports industry. Students are provided skills and knowledge related to both the private and public sector related to sports. Students are provided instruction that will help them obtain positions in professional sports, commercial health, fitness and golf clubs as well as tennis clubs, wellness centers and more. Students take courses that may include:

        • Introduction to Recreation and Sport Management
        • Fundamentals of Activity Planning
        • Activity Planning Laboratory
        • Management Theory in Recreation and Sport Management I and II
        • Fundamentals of Group Leadership
        • Diversity Issues in Recreation and Sport
        • Financial Aspects of Recreation and Sport Management
        • The Nature of Play, Games, Leisure, and Recreation
        • Legal Aspects of Recreation and Sport Management
        • Introduction to Sport Management
        • Governance and Standards of American Sport
        • Communications and Media Relations in Sport
        • Marketing Applications in Recreation and Sport
        • Venue and Event Design and Management
        • Sport Management Seminar

Graduate

The Master’s level program for Sports Management at Indiana State University provides students with the skills necessary to obtain advanced positions in public recreation and parks systems as well as voluntary agencies, facilities and in professional sports organizations. The program emphasizes seven competencies including:

        • Leadership, management and organization of recreation and sport
        • Research methods and applications
        • Legal aspects of recreation and sport
        • Marketing of recreation and sport programs and facilities
        • Recreation and sport in the social context
        • Financial management of recreation and sports programs
        • Ethics in recreation and sport management

The program has had a 100 percent placement rate for graduates since 1991 and is designed to keep the instructor-student ratio low. The program also serves an international constituency.

Doctorate

The Doctorate degree in Sports Management at Indiana State University is the only one of its type in North America. The program focuses on providing students with the skills and knowledge necessary for teaching sport management in a higher education environment. The program consists of Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in sport management. In addition, students must complete two teaching internships that includes face-to-face instruction a well as teaching distance education courses for the bachelor and master level degree programs through the university. Students must have completed a master’s degree in sport management and have completed a minimum of 72 hours of graduate course work with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. Students must also complete a minimum of 30 hours of doctorate work at Indiana State University with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

Accreditation

        • Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Schools and Colleges

Contact

Dr. Kim Bodey
Arena C-21 Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN 47809
Telephone: 812-237-2645
Email: Kim.Bodey@indstate.edu
Website: http://www.indstate.edu/nhhs/sportmanagement/

Indiana University

School of Public Health

The Indiana University School of Public Health has a long history of outstanding achievements. It was founded as the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation in 1946, garnering awards over the years for academic and research achievements. The school has been an innovator in new approaches to health, community engagement and in improving the quality of life of others. The school has more than 23,000 alumni that work in a wide variety of settings, promoting active living, behavioral change and cutting edge research throughout the world.

Bachelor of Science in Recreation (BSR), Recreational Sport Management Major

The Bachelor of Science in Recreation at Indiana University prepares students for leadership roles in many different sports programs. The program focuses on life enhancement by encouraging their participation in challenging physical activities. Students complete courses that include:

        • Nutrition for Health
        • Computers in Park, Recreation, Sport and Tourism Management
        • Recreation Facilities Management
        • Recreational Sport Programming
        • Marketing for Leisure Services
        • Fiscal Management of Leisure Service Organizations
        • Human Resource Management of Leisure Services
        • Youth Sport Management
        • Legal Issues in Sport Setting
        • Foundations of Leisure and Public Health
        • Living Well
        • Inclusion In Recreation, Parks and Tourism
        • Management in Recreation, Parks and Tourism
        • Career Perspectives and Internship Preparation
        • Data-Based Decision-Making Methods
        • Event Planning and Program Development

Athletic Administration/Sport Management Masters Program

The graduate sport management program was founded in 1985 and has produced more than 150 graduates who are currently holding positions in the professional, collegiate and/or amateur sport world. Students are provided an interdisciplinary approach to the study of sport management, obtaining skills and knowledge in sports as well as a strong business foundation. The program is 36-credit hours with a minimum GPA of 3.0 required for graduation. Students must have a four-year degree from an accredited institution and an undergraduate GPA of 2.8 or higher. Students must also provide scores from their GRE and three letters of reference along with a personal statement.

Accreditation

        • Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association

Contact

Indiana University
107 South Indiana Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47405-7000
Telephone: 812-855-4848
Website: https://publichealth.indiana.edu/index.html

Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis

School of Physical Education and Tourism Management

The School of Physical Education and Tourism Management at Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis affords numerous opportunities for students to engage with industry professionals and gain practical experience. Programs at the school include:

        • Exercise Science
        • Fitness Management and Personal Training
        • Sports Management
        • Tourism, Conventions and Event Management
        • Teacher Education

The school is a nationally ranked research institution with more than 40 full-time faculty to serve the more than 1,000 students enrolled. Students are provided international study opportunities as well as the ability to perform research with top-notch professionals who are considered experts in their field of study.

Sports Management

The Sports Management program at IUPUI taps into the six professional sports franchises, major Olympic governing bodies, NCAA and Indianapolis Motor Speedway to provide a real-life laboratory for the study of sports management. Graduates have found positions in a wide range of sports organizations and venues after learning the business side of sports in this innovative program. Through internships and practicums, students develop hands-on experience while solving real-world problems. The opportunities are endless when it comes to careers with graduates employed in athlete development, event management, fundraising, marketing, sponsorships, sports licenses and more.

Accreditation

        • Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association

Contact

School of Physical Education and Tourism, Conventions and Event Management
901 West New York Street
Room 250
Indianapolis, IN 46202-5192
Telephone: 317-274-0600
Email: pedept@iupui.edu or tcemdept@iupui.edu
Website: http://petm.iupui.edu/academics/sports-management/index.php

Indiana Wesleyan University

College of Arts and Sciences

The College of Arts and Sciences provides students with an education rooted in Christian beliefs. The college is divided into five schools:

        • School of Arts and Humanities – providing an education in language and the arts while exploring the truth and beauty of God’s world.
        • School of Social and Behavioral Sciences and Business – providing students with knowledge and skills related to human relationships.
        • School of Teacher Education – dedicated to providing competent teacher to the education community.
        • School of the Physical and Applied Sciences – a collection of disciplines using tools of science to learn more about ourselves and our creator.
        • School of Theology and Ministry – using fresh approaches to ministry that are linked to larger-than-life questions.

Sports Management

The Sports Management program at Indiana Wesleyan University prepares students for careers in the management side of sports. Students develop an understanding of facilities, finance, communication, international sports, sport sociology, business principles and factors related to a wide variety of sporting organizations. Through Christian values, the program strives to create graduates who display poise and confidence in the sporting industry, something that can be difficult in the high-paced world of sports. Courses in the program include:

        • Introduction to Physical Education, Sport and Wellness
        • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
        • Professional Experience I and II
        • Ethics and Character Development in Sport
        • Sports Management
        • Foundations of Business
        • Sports, Marketing, Promotion and Fund Raising
        • Facilities: Design, Planning, Maintenance and Scheduling
        • Senior Seminar in Health and Human Performance
        • Physiology of Sport and Exercise
        • First Aid Basics
        • Sport Law and Risk Management
        • Administration of Physical Education and Athletics
        • Principles of Strength and Conditioning
        • Computers & Technology in Physical Education and Sport

Accreditation

        • Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Contact

Indiana Wesleyan University
4201 South Washington Street
Marion, IN 46953
Telephone: 866-468-6498
Website:

Manchester University

Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences

Manchester University’s Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences offers programs designed to prepare students for careers in fields related to sports and exercise. Students develop service-oriented skills and each program focuses on the importance of fitness as it relates to the whole person. Students choose majors in athletic training, exercise science or in sport management. Graduates of the programs have found positions as athletic trainers, fitness leaders, youth sport leaders, teachers and sport managers.

Sport Management Major

The sports industry is a multi-billion dollar industry which requires individuals with knowledge not only of the sport but also the operation, management and staffing required to keep the industry moving smoothly. Students in the sport management program develop skills in business, finance, legal issues as well as event and facility management. Students learn in a traditional classroom setting as well as through internships in a wide range of settings. Through projects and events, students obtain hands-on experience that deal with real-world issues in the sporting world. There are also international study programs so that students can develop global knowledge related to the sports industry. Graduates have accepted positions in prestigious organizations such as USA Football, USA Track and Field, Midland Rockhounds, Indy Fuel and Fort Wayne Mad Ants.

Accreditation

        • Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Contact

Manchester University
604 East College Avenue
North Manchester, IN 46962
Telephone: 800-852-3648
Email: admitinfo@manchester.edu
Website: http://www.manchester.edu/academics/departments/ess/sportmanagement/smmajor.shtml

These Sports Management programs offer students the opportunity to learn the business side of the sporting industry, creating graduates who are not only knowledgeable about sports, but also how to manage and operate organizations that focus on sports and recreation. Graduates of Sports Management degree programs in Indiana have a better chance of furthering their career than those who do not complete such programs.

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