Sports Management, B.A.


Gain the skills to thrive in the sports industry.

In our sports management program, you will gain skills that are applicable to a wide spectrum of industries and career fields in sports such as administration, management, public relations and marketing.

Our students have interned with NCAA Division I athletic programs and conferences, NASCAR teams, Major League Baseball organizations and PGA Champion tour events. LR students also regularly intern for the Bears’ championship athletic programs, as well as the Hickory Crawdads, a minor league team of the Texas Rangers.

You can study marketing, economics of sports, principles in sports management, first aid/emergency care, psychology of sport and physical activity, sport in society, sports law and critical issues in sport.

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Take the next step toward completing your B.A. in Sports Management degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University.

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Take the next step toward completing your Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University.

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Major Overview


Sports is a leading industry in the United States requiring highly educated, well-trained and business-minded individuals at many levels. The sports management major is designed to provide you with a comprehensive foundation of the business aspects and skills required to be successful in the sports industry.

The study of sports management is truly an interdisciplinary endeavor, requiring a rich understanding of many diverse areas of learning:

  • Business management
  • Economics of sports
  • Facilities and events management
  • Sports law
  • Marketing
  • Psychological and social issues faced in the industry

In LR’s program, you also have the opportunity to focus on a particular area of interest to better prepare for a particular specialization in the industry. Professional internships are highly recommended and encouraged as part of the degree program, as they allow you to learn about different career options while gaining firsthand work experience.

The curriculum combines coursework in health and exercise science with business and economics. The major is designed to coincide with the guidelines of the North American Society of Sports Management and the National Association for Sport and Physical Education.

Alston Robinson

Whether a classmate, friend, professor or staff member, everyone has been nothing but encouraging. I wouldn't have grown into the person I am today without their support and encouragement.

Alston Robinson '20, MBA'22

Career Opportunities


With a bachelor's degree in sports management from LR, you can find a number of fulfilling careers such as athletic director, coach, TV anchor, play-by-play announcer, multimedia sports reporter, athletic communications, marketing manager and more.

The Career and Professional Development Center can help you discover your true personality, explore academic majors and career options, assess your strengths and weaknesses, find internships and part-time work and prepare for life after graduation.

Major Requirements

The study of sports management is truly an interdisciplinary endeavor requiring a rich understanding of many diverse areas of learning:
  • Business management
  • Economics of sports
  • Facilities and events management
  • Sports law
  • Marketing
  • Psychological and social issues faced in the industry

In Lenoir-Rhyne's program you also have the opportunity to focus on a particular area of interest to better prepare for a particular specialization in the industry. Professional internships are highly recommended and encouraged as part of the degree program as they allow you to learn about different career options while gaining firsthand work experience. 

The curriculum combines coursework in health and exercise science with business and economics. The major is designed to coincide with the guidelines of the North American Society of Sports Management and the National Association for Sport and Physical Education. The Sports Management major earns a B.A. degree. .

NOTE: Sports Management students must also complete a second major or a minor.

News & Events

The Bear community came together for the seventh-annual Bears Give Back event and raised a record-setting $847,320 to support current and future students.

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As a child, Carly Godfrey '23, MBA '24, learned to swim at LR. Years later, a spot on the swim team would bring her back to learn so much more and make way for a bright future.

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