Bachelor of Science in Sport Management
Department
Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies
College
College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Overview of the program
The undergraduate degree in Sport Management is designed to prepare students to work in management, marketing, and administrative positions in sport, fitness, and recreation settings. Sport management professionals working in a number of settings within the fields of sport and leisure/recreation including professional, collegiate, and amateur sport; municipal recreation departments; commercial fitness centers; private sport clubs (e.g., golf, tennis); and the entertainment industry. The degree includes foundational coursework in areas of business (accounting, finance, marketing, management) followed by courses applying business principles to the sport/fitness/recreation industry and an extended senior internship experience.
Strengths of the program
- The Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies at Southeastern is the largest department of its type in Louisiana, with over 700 undergraduate majors, and offers a variety of degree programs in the diverse field of Kinesiology.
- The geographic location of Hammond (45 minutes from, and halfway between Baton Rouge and New Orleans) places Southeastern at an ideal location for practical experiences and internships in sport management. New Orleans is home to the Saints, Voodoo, Hornets, and the New Orleans Sport Foundation. Baton Rouge offers a variety of recreational and sport businesses where students can gain valuable experience, such as the nationally-recognized Baton Rouge Recreation Department, Youth and Adult Soccer Leagues, and the Baton Rouge Sports Foundation.
Preparing for a job in the program
Students hoping to pursue a career in sport management should:
- Become engaged in the community service.
- Become involved with current trends in the sport industry through scholarly readings.
- Find a mentor with experience in the sport industry.
- Obtain volunteer hours in the sport community.
Careers in the program
- Professional sports, such as the National Football League (NFL), National Basketball Association (NBA), Major League Baseball (MLB), National Hockey League (NHL), and Major League Soccer (MLS).
- Intercollegiate athletics (e.g., NCAA, Division I, II, III universities, two- and four-year colleges)
- High school sports (e.g., state and regional high school athletic associations).
- Recreational sports in universities and colleges.
- City and community recreation departments.
- National and state sport governing bodies (e.g., Amateur Athletic Union AAU; U.S. Figure Skating Association).
- International sports federations (e.g., International Association of Athletics FederationIAAF; International Basketball Federation-FIBA
Starting Salaries after completing the program (estimates only)
Salaries in Sport Management vary depending on the position, level of employment, and aspect of sport in which one works.
Campus organizations and activities affiliated with the program
SMA (Sport Management Association): The SMA is an active student organization open to all students majoring in sport management. Activities include social functions, fund raising, and travel to professional conferences.
Related fields that might interest you
- General business-related fields
-Business administration
-Accounting
-Management
-Marketing
- Coaching and Physical Education
- Mass communication and Journalism
- Law
How do I know this is the degree for me?
Common Strengths and interests of students in the program
• Have a strong interest in exercise, physical activity, health, and/or sport.
• Have excellent speaking and writing skills.
• Have a strong work ethic; be willing to work long hours, evenings, and weekends.
• Be proactive in obtaining volunteer and work experience in the field throughout their education.
• Have strong social skills as networking is essential to success in the sport industry.
Notable Alumni
- Katie Bonnacorso New Orleans Zephrys’
- Gerren Davis New Orleans Hornets
- Kevin Jackson CSC Event Corporation
- Julien Lassou Skidaway Island Tennis Club
- Donna (Verdun) Light New Orleans Zephyrs’
- Russell Longeway Milwaukee Brewers
- Holly Moran Coquille Sports and Recreation
- Shannon Odom Riverside Golf Club
Contact Information
Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies
SLU Box 10845
Hammond, LA 70402
On Campus: Kinesiology and Health Studies Building, Room 120
Telephone: 985-549-2129
Fax: 985-549-5119
Department Head: Dr. Eddie Hebert
E-mail: ehebert@selu.edu
Sport Management faculty:
Dr. Ashley Bowers, 985-549-3844, abowers@selu.edu
Dr. Christina Merckx, 985-549-5051, cmerckx@selu.edu
