Sports Management Degree Programs in Missouri (A-M)

From undergraduate through graduate levels, there are many good choices to consider for attending accredited sports management degree programs in Missouri. Whether working in athletic, leisure or recreational industries, sports management professionals do much more in 21st-century careers than most imagine. The North American Society for Sport Management indicates that employers seek to hire qualified individuals who exhibit competencies in the areas of research, professional writing, communication, marketing, management, recruiting, leadership, facility operations, organizational structures, fund raising and conflict resolution.


Rankings


The following programs from accredited Missouri institutions those interested in the profession to develop the recommended skill sets necessary to work in diverse career settings. To see more sports management degree programs in Missouri, visit Sports Management Degree Programs in Missouri (M-Z).

Central Methodist University

Undergraduate Programs

An independent college since 1854, Central Methodist offers relevant degree programs leading to meaningful careers that impact the community. More than 5,200 students attend classes on the main campus in Fayette or at one of the institutions many state-wide extensions. Central’s programs support academic rigor, social responsibility, professionalism and ethical leadership in all areas of study. Those interested in obtaining a BS in Sports Management can do so through traditional or online programs. CMU ranks at No. 36 among colleges in the Midwest and at No. 25 for best veteran schools according to U.S. News & World Report.

Bachelor of Science in Sports Management

The Bachelor of Science in Sports Management degree requires 124 credits of general education, classes and courses in the major. Studies provide a framework for knowledge essential to careers with commercial organizations or non-profits. Coursework investigates business principles, accounting, business and recreation law, management, marketing, first aid, CPR, strength and conditioning, injury prevention, sport psychology, wellness assessments and training philosophies. Requirements also include completing an internship of choice and a capstone project. Graduates can find entry-level positions as assistant coaches or athletic directors, sports marketers, personal trainers, parks and recreation managers, corporate wellness programmers, or sales managers in retail sports or fitness venues.

Accreditations

        • North Central Association of Colleges and Universities, Higher Learning Commission
        • Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education

Contact
Central Methodist University
411 Central Methodist Square
Fayette, Missouri 65248

Patrick Reardon, Associate Professor
Sports Management
(660) 248-6627 or (877) CMU-1854
preardon@centralmethodist.edu
http://www.centralmethodist.edu/index.html

Culver-Stockton College

Business

Founded in the 1850s by the Disciples of Christ, Culver-Stockton College sets high standards to develop academic excellence in its educational programs and instill strong ethics among all students. Approximately 1,000 students pursue degrees in a variety of majors including one of the most versatile, accredited sports management degree programs in Missouri. Culver-Stockton has been designated as a College of Distinction and lands at No. 43 among its institutional peers in the Midwest and at No. 29 for best colleges for veterans in U.S. News & World Report rankings.

Bachelor of Science Sport Management

This baccalaureate encompasses 120 credits from general education and upper-division courses along with classes in the major. Students can concentrate electives in human performance, business, marketing, accountancy, or communications to suit personal career goals. An integrated curriculum draws on instruction from physical education, sport management and business divisions. Studies emphasize administration principles, ethics, governance, event and facility management, legal issues, economics, fitness and wellness, and assessment protocols for health status and treatment options. A supervised internship rounds out the curriculum. Graduates have found employment with professional sports organizations and pursued careers in athletic directing, sports marketing, sports information and recreational sports management.

Accreditations

        • North Central Association of Colleges and Universities, Higher Learning Commission
        • Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
        • North American Society for Sport Management

Contact
Culver-Stockton College
One College Hill
Canton, Missouri 63435

Dan Mahoney, Chair, Sport Management Department
(573) 288-6358
dmahoney@culver.edu

Evangel University

Kinesiology Department

In operation since 1955, Evangel University aligns its educational programs with quality instruction, Christian values, and service to others through global careers. Over 2,000 students world-wide earn degrees in cutting-edge professions such as sports management. Evangel’s campus has been noted for its beauty and peaceful surroundings, adding a positive atmosphere for learning. The university places at No. 55 in U.S. News & World Report for being among the best Midwestern regional colleges.

Bachelor of Science in Sport Management

Studies for this 125-credit major prepare graduates for the business, service and athletic responsibilities of a sport management career. Instructional formats include lectures, study sessions, group discussion, and experiential learning to build skills and master professional competencies. In-depth studies investigate kinesiology, statistics, management research, desktop publishing design, sport communication, sport sociology, and professional marketing strategies. Career outcomes include working for amateur, collegiate, or professional sports associations, sports management and marketing firms, civic centers, private sports organizations, community sports programs, communications and media outlets, public relations agencies, and tourism groups.

Accreditations

        • North Central Association of Colleges and Universities, Higher Learning Commission
        • Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education

Contact
Evangel University
1111 North Glenstone
Springfield, Missouri 65802

Ann Steketee, Administrative Assistant
Department of Kinesiology
(417) 865-2815
Email contact page
https://www.evangel.edu/programs/sport-management/#courses

Fontbonne University

Business Administration

Opened in 1923 as a Catholic institution of higher learning, Fontbonne University enrolls just over 1,800 students earning undergraduate and graduate degrees. Programs encourage learners to think critically, act ethically, become responsible leaders, and assist community wellness. Prospective sport management professionals can earn a baccalaureate that prepares them for careers across multiple sports-related sectors. Fontbonne ranks with U.S. News & World Report at No. 85 for regional colleges in the Midwest and No. 64 for best veterans programs.

Sports Management Major (Bachelor’s)

This 122-credit degree instructs from interdisciplinary perspectives in science, business, nutrition, health and athletics. These studies provide a strong foundation emphasizing human anatomy and physiology, business principles, statistics, professional writing, communication, ethical and legal issues, coaching dynamics, and marketing concepts. Real-world experience comes in the form of supervised internships. Graduates can seek jobs across a wide range of emerging industry fields including sports information management, facility and venue operations, event management planning, and non-profit sports administration.

Accreditations

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

Contact
Fontbonne University
6800 Wydown Boulevard
St. Louis, Missouri 63105

(314) 889-1400 or (800)-205-5862
fbyou@fontbonne.edu
http://www.fontbonne.edu/academics/undergraduate/departments/businessadministration/sportsmanagement/

Graceland University

CH Sandage School of Business, Division of Health and Movement Science

Graceland University uniquely provides continuous higher education opportunities in two states: the original, 1895 residential campus in Lamoni, Iowa and a more modern, urban campus in Independence, Missouri. Many programs can be accessed through traditional or online formats to accommodate adult learners. Graceland ranks at No. 104 for regional universities in the Midwest and at No. 148 for best online undergraduate programs in U.S. News and World Report.

BA Sport Management

Graduates of this program earn a Bachelor of Arts in Sport Management leading to entry-level careers with professional and civic sports organizations, non-profits like Special Olympics, sports retailers, and sports marketing businesses. The curriculum spans 120 credits from core university requirements, upper-division classes and concentrated studies in the major. Trending concepts about business, economics, sport management, accounting, physical education and recreation help students to develop skills for planning sports programs, supervising personnel and managing sports venues. Curricular requirements culminate with a supervised field experience.

Accreditations

        • North Central Association of Colleges and Universities, Higher Learning Commission
        • Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education

Contact
Grace University
Independence Campus
1401 West Truman Road
Independence, Missouri 64050

Bryan Gatzke, MS
Division Chair, Instructor of Health and Movement Science
(641) 784-5087
gatzke1@graceland.edu

Lindenwood University

Plaster School of Business & Entrepreneurship

Located just outside of St. Louis, Lindenwood provides dynamic educational programs at undergraduate and graduate levels. Approximately 16,000 students study in over 200 degree programs that foster innovation, entrepreneurship and professional ethics. Degrees can be earned in traditional fields or modern career tracks such as sport management. U.S. News & World Report lists Lindenwood at No. 108 for the Midwest region, No. 82 for best colleges for veterans, and No. 98 for best online undergraduate programs.

Bachelor of Arts in Sport Management

Degree completion requires a minimum of 128 credits combined from general education requirements, business administration classes, sport management core classes and related electives. The major delves into professional ethics, business law, communications, economics and finance, human resource and management, marketing and retail merchandising, and health and physical education. Experiential learning opportunities and an internship allow students to apply knowledge in real-world settings. Graduates go on to competitive industry jobs working for sports organizations and teams, sports management companies, sports consulting firms, and sports civics associations.

MA in Sport Management

For bachelor’s degree graduates who wish to expand career opportunities within the sport industry, this master’s provides advanced knowledge and skills desired for higher management positions. The 39-credit curriculum combines formal studies in combination with 150 practicum hours working in assigned sports venues to plan, budget, organize, direct, staff, market and manage sport activities. Candidates can take courses on a part-time or full-time basis. Concepts covered include sport marketing and promotion, management principles in sport administration, sport law and career issues.

Accreditations

        • North Central Association of Colleges and Universities, Higher Learning Commission
        • Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
        • North American Society for Sport Management

Contact
Lindenwood University
Plaster School of Business and Entrepreneurship
209 South Kingshighway
St. Charles, Missouri 63301

Molly Hudgins, Department chair
(636) 949-4192
mhudgins@lindenwood.edu.
BA: http://www.lindenwood.edu/business/departments/sportManagement/BA.html

(636) 949-4933
eveningadmissions@lindenwood.edu
MA:

Maryville University

John E. Simon School of Business

Maryville’s educational legacy began in 1872, making it one of the region’s oldest private schools of higher learning. Today, more than 5,900 students from the United States and around the world call Maryville home as they participate in over 90 relevant degree programs like the Rawlings Sport Business Management Program. This program offers undergraduate and graduate degrees that keep Maryville at the forefront of accredited sports management degree programs in Missouri. Maryville earns consistent recognition as a top school from U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, Kiplinger’s and G.I. Jobs publications.

Rawlings Sport Business Management, B.S.

Combining entrepreneurship with rigorous academics and experiential learning, the Rawlings Sport Business Management Bachelor of Science program offers solid foundations for career success. Through interdisciplinary studies, volunteer opportunities and a sport-oriented internship, students can master competencies and apply them in professional settings. Multiple networking experiences further assist students with landing competitive jobs after graduation. This program’s market-oriented approach provides foundations for competencies to be developed in sport-related areas pertaining to marketing, management, finance, operations and communications.

MBA in Sport & Entertainment Management

Professionals in the sport management industry who wish to advance into upper management or administrative levels can earn this 36-credit Master in Business Administration with a concentration in Sport Business Management. Courses can be taken part-time during evening hours on campus or through online courses to accommodate work schedules. Candidates can also opt to take classes through a full-time, one-year format. Advanced business studies cover managerial accounting, global business, advanced economics, corporate finance, strategic marketing, organizational behavior, business law, professional ethics and a required capstone course. Concentration courses focus on these topics:

-Sport and entertainment principles
-Economics of sport and entertainment management
-Sponsorship and promotional management practices
-Product development for sport and entertainment programs

Accreditations

        • North Central Association of Colleges and Universities, Higher Learning Commission
        • Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs

Contact
Maryville University
650 Maryville University Drive
St. Louis, Missouri 63141

Daniel Schmidt
Program Coordinator for Rawlings Sport Business Management
(314) 529-6872
dschmidt@maryville.edu
Program Page: https://www.maryville.edu/bu/sport-business-management/program-goals/
Catalog B.S.: http://catalog.maryville.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=12&poid=1792
Catalog M.B.A.: http://catalog.maryville.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=12&poid=1743

Missouri Baptist University

Division of Health and Sport Sciences

All programs at Missouri Baptist University underscore the importance of leadership and service to influence social change in positive ways. In addition to curricular instruction, each program provides diversity of thought, innovation and experiential opportunities to enhance learning. MBU strives for small class sizes, affordable programs and flexible formats of study at several regional learning centers. Prospective students can enroll in more than 40 undergraduate programs or a variety of graduate degrees leading to 21st-century careers in religion, business, education, or health and sport sciences.

Sport Management Major (BA or BS)

This bachelor’s in sport management prepares students with the skills employers seek to plan, organize and facilitate programs at professional and amateur levels of the sports industry. The 120-credit program can be completed as a BA or BS degree. The BA places more emphasis on general studies in the humanities while the BS requires additional studies in natural sciences and mathematics. Students can determine the degree that best suits career goals. Competencies come from courses highlighting communication in sport, sport governance and leadership, sport sociology, tournament and event management, facilities management, sport law, marketing and finance principles, and sport psychology. Students also have multiple opportunities for field placements in addition to taking a required sport management practicum. Graduates with either degree can find competitive employment opportunities with professional or amateur teams, youth sports leagues, sports foundations, health or fitness clubs, sporting retailers, non-profit organizations, community recreation centers, youth programs, event planning businesses, and tourism venues.

Master’s degree in Sport Management (MSSMGT)

MBU’s 31-credit Master of Science in Sport Management affords working professionals the opportunity to pursue a graduate degree through online or hybrid online-classroom formats. The curriculum strives to strengthen candidate skill sets leading to career advancements or broader employment possibilities. Graduates leave the program with the appropriate tools to manage sports-related responsibilities as sport marketers, special event planners, facilities managers, or athletic program directors. To achieve these outcomes, blended coursework combines classroom or cohort experiences with knowledge gained from instruction and practical application through a 400 hour internship or thesis program. Candidates take advanced courses in principles of human performance, chronic disease and obesity, research methods, sport psychology, sport law, facility management, sport finance, and public relations.

Accreditations

        • North Central Association of Colleges and Universities, Higher Learning Commission
        • Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences
        • Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

Contact
Missouri Baptist University
One College Park Drive
Saint Louis, MO 63141-8698

Craig Bodenschatz, Director of Online Recruitment
(314) 744-7638
BodenC@mobap.edu

Bachelor’s: https://www.mobap.edu/academics/health-sport-sciences-division/sport-management/#major
Master’s: https://www.mobap.edu/academics/graduate-health-sport-sciences-division/online-masters-degree-in-sport-management/

Missouri State University

Graduate College

Missouri State began its educational journey in 1905 as a normal school to train teachers. Since then, it has grown into the state’s second-largest institution of higher education enrolling over 24,000 students in undergraduate and degree programs of distinction including the Master of Science in Administrative Studies with specializations in fields such as sport management. MSU ranks at No. 16 for top public schools and at No. 64 among best regional universities in the Midwest according to U.S. News & World Report.

M.S. in Administrative Studies: Sports Management Option

Designed for professionals seeking to move into administrative positions at executive levels, the MSAS interdisciplinary program enhances business skills required for upper-level sports management jobs. The program can be taken entirely online or on campus to accommodate work schedules. Community partnerships with athletic venues add experiential components that support application of knowledge in real-world settings. The 33-credit degree consists of core administrative business classes combined with classes in the option. For sports management, candidates focus on advanced principles of management in sports, legal aspects in recreation, wellness and sports industries and current problems in sports administration. The option also requires completion of a supervised field experience.

Accreditations

        • North Central Association of Colleges and Universities, Higher Learning Commission
        • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, International
        • Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education

Contact
Missouri State University
901 South National Avenue
Springfield, Missouri 65897

Gerald Masterson, Program Director MSAS
(417) 836-6194
JerryMasterson@MissouriState.edu
Program Page: http://msas.missouristate.edu/SportsManagement/
Catalog:

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that occupations in coaching, scouting, event planning, marketing management, administrative service management, and recreation can be expected to rise faster than average by 12 to 33 percent through 2022. For individuals with a passion for athletics, encouraging physical well-being in others, creating stimulating recreational programs, and motivating people to succeed in life, this translates to sustainable career choices across sport industry settings. Acquiring the required knowledge and skills from accredited sports management degree programs in Missouri may offer advantages to achieve these outcomes.

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