Sport Management, A.S. - SUNY Niagara

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Sport Management, A.S.

Program Overview


The world of sport and recreation has evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry. Sport management professionals are the people responsible for the successful operation and growth of these organizations. Future managers need specialized training to serve the diverse demands of the growing sports industry.

The Sport Management degree program has been designed to assist students in one or more of the following areas: to develop their management skills and/or to prepare them for transferring to a baccalaureate program in sport management. Sport management programs offer students the opportunity to study the business aspects of the sport, the role of sport in society, and explore career opportunities.

The Sport Management degree program is a two-year academic program that includes three courses specific to this field. The coursework will provide students with an overview of the industry as well as specific skills designed to meet the needs of employers. Students in this major will also take coursework that focuses on general business topics such as accounting, marketing, and human resource management. This will provide them with a full complement of the skills needed in the business of sport.

Program Goals and Objectives

  • Demonstrate an understanding of management and organizational skills in sport.
  • Describe the role of governance in sport.
  • Explain the role of governance in sport management.
  • Outline the role of governance in business law.

Career information and opportunities

Sport Management, A.S.

SUNY Niagara’s Sport Management A.S. combines sport industry courses with core business skills in marketing, accounting, sales and management. It prepares you to work in sport organizations or transfer to a bachelor’s program.

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What careers does a Sport Management A.S. lead to?

  • Sports event and tournament planner: Organizes games, tournaments and fan events, from venues to schedules to sponsors.
  • Ticket and sponsorship sales: Sells season tickets, group packages and sponsorships for teams and venues.
  • Fan development and marketing: Builds fan clubs, runs promotions and grows a team’s community.
  • Facility, concessions or club management: Runs day-to-day operations at arenas, resorts, golf clubs and recreation centers.
  • Youth sports or camp director: Manages leagues, camps and parks and recreation programs.
  • Compliance or public relations specialist: Makes sure teams follow league and NCAA rules, or manages media and public image.

How can I move up?

Many sport careers start in entry-level sales, event or operations roles. A bachelor’s degree, internships and networking can lead to management jobs like athletic director, general manager or marketing director. Some specialized roles, like sports mediator, need more education.

Sources

How much can I earn in Western New York?

Yearly pay in Western New York, 2026
Job Starting pay Median pay
Marketing managers (usually needs experience)$91,100$147,050
Entertainment and recreation managers$61,050$80,320
Sales representatives, services$44,390$72,850
Public relations specialists$48,740$69,450
Meeting, convention and event planners$42,430$62,020

Starting pay is what newer workers typically earn. Median means half of workers earn more and half earn less. Sales jobs often include commission.

Western New York includes Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties. Pay depends on the job, your experience, your education and the employer.

What is the job outlook in Western New York?

  • Public relations specialists: Jobs are expected to grow about 20% from 2022 to 2032, with about 110 openings each year.
  • Meeting, convention and event planners: Jobs are expected to grow about 14%, with about 55 openings each year.
  • Marketing managers: Jobs are expected to grow about 11%, with about 65 openings each year.
  • Sales representatives, services: Jobs are expected to grow about 4%, with about 430 openings each year.

Across all jobs in Western New York, employment is expected to grow about 9%. Sport careers are competitive, so internships and connections matter.

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Where do sport management professionals work?

  • Professional and minor league teams
  • College and high school athletic departments
  • Arenas, stadiums and event venues
  • Resorts, golf courses and clubs
  • Parks and recreation departments
  • Youth sports leagues and camps
  • Sporting goods and equipment companies
  • Sports marketing and event agencies

How do I get there?

  1. Learn the sport industry in Sport Management and Sport Policy.
  2. Build business skills in management, marketing, accounting and sales.
  3. Finish the 62-credit A.S.
  4. Start working in sport, or transfer to a bachelor’s program in sport management.

The A.S. is designed for transfer. Work with your advisor to plan your transfer, and look for volunteer or part-time work with local teams and events to build experience.

Which courses prepare me?

  • SPM 101 Sport Management
  • SPM 201 Sport Policy
  • BUS 101 Organization & Management
  • BUS 113 Fundamentals of Marketing
  • BUS 116 Principles of Sales
  • BUS 117 Torts, Contracts & Criminal Law (option)
  • ACC 116/117 Financial and Managerial Accounting
  • BUS 229 Business Communications
  • ECO 101 Macroeconomics
  • MAT 164 Introduction to Statistics
Sources
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