Bachelor of Science in Sport Management

Program Mission Statement

The faculty of the Sport Management program collectively developed the mission of the (B.S.) program to generate the foundation of knowledge that supports a high quality learning environment, advances the intellectual and professional development of students, and fosters leadership capabilities consistent with entry level positions in the sport industry. The mission will be accomplished by providing a unique and continuously improving curriculum to our students through an innovative and flexible technological environment, encouraging field experiences and volunteerism as well as thorough examination and analysis of current sport industry issues and applicable theories. The mission supports and is consistent with the University’s strategic initiatives to promote academic excellence and student success.

Student Learning Outcomes

As one of the well-established programs in the country, the Bachelor of Science with a major in sport management at Georgia Southern University prepares students to be leaders in the sports industry. It does so by combining a broad based core curriculum that provides foundational skills for success with opportunities for advanced application in one of our three area concentrations. Georgia Southern sport managers develop an understanding of the impact sport has in society along with the professional skills needed to lead in the future of the industry.

Our mission is to educate students and provide service to our community and the sports industry. We believe continuous dialogue and feedback from industry leaders is vital to our mission. We are currently in the process of developing an advisory board who will provide guidance regarding curriculum and program initiatives. If you are interested in becoming a member of our advisory board, please contact Gregg Rich via grich@georgiasouthern.edu.

The final step before graduation is a semester-long internship in the sport industry. The internship is a full-time (480 hour) work experience. The student is encouraged to find an internship that relates closely with his/her career aspirations. Assistance for finding an internship is provided by the program if needed. The student is directed and evaluated by a faculty member with appropriate supervision and by an on-site professional. Please see our internship documents below.

*Please upload the completed internship application.

**Once an internship is secured, please submit forms 1-4.

Contact the program coordinator, Gregg Rich, at grich@georgiasouthern.edu.

In the past, students in the Sport Management program at Georgia Southern University have had opportunities to work with a number of professional sports teams, sport marketing companies, individual tournaments and event sites, and sport businesses. A few of these sites include:

The sport management major at Georgia Southern provides academic preparation and practical experience in the skills and techniques required to be successful in the sport business and leisure fields. Sport management is one of the fastest growing fields of study in the country and is well established at both the undergraduate and graduate levels at Georgia Southern. Future sport managers who graduate from the program will be prepared for success in various sectors of the sport industry such as:

• Professional teams or collegiate athletic departments
• Sport facilities and event management
• Sport marketing, promotion or advertising
• Sports information, media or communications
• The Olympic Movement
• State and county sports commissions
• Governing bodies and athletic associations
• Community sport organizations

Skills/Abilities Gained from Sport Management Degree:

• Leading/Directing
• Organizing/Coordinating
• Motivating/Developing staff
• Decision-Making
• Quantitative analysis
• Management
• Marketing/Selling
• Strategic Planning

Typical Work Activities:

• Plan and direct athletic events & activities
• Organize various components of event management
• Managing ticket sales and box office operations
• Performing game-day actions including set-up and break-down of seating, parking
• Selling sponsorships, advertisements, corporate hospitality venues
• Overseeing/directing volunteers for sporting events
• Directing media relations & communications/press releases/scheduling player interviews/game programs/social media
• Directing concessions sales/merchandising/parking/other ancillary services
• Creating/implementing game-day marketing and promotional activities
• Coordinating player/guest relations services

Sport Management Occupational Opportunities:

Possible Employment Settings:

Useful Links:

• North American Society for Sport Management
• North American Society for the Sociology of Sport
• National Association of Sport Commissions
• European Association for Sport Management
• National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics
• Internationally Facility Management Association
• The International Association of Venue Managers
• National Federation of State High School Associations
• The Aspen Institute Project Play
• Applied Sport Management Association
• Sports Jobs
  • Work in Sports
  • Team Work Online
  • NCAA
  • Front Office Sports
• Sports Management Group, Ltd.

As one of the oldest sport management programs in the U.S., Georgia Southern boasts a large alumni network of professionals in all sectors of the sports industry throughout the region, nation, and around the world. There is a lot of pride in the Eagle sport management family. We want to continue to cultivate relationships between current students and our alumni. There are many ways for alumni to become involved from mentoring students, speaking opportunities, and attending events.

We want to hear from you!