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.
Get StartedTake the next step toward completing your Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
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.
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.
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
- 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.
All BA Sports Management majors must make a minimum of a C-/1.7 in all required major courses, including technical requirements. Majors who fail to make a C-/1.7 in any required course must repeat that course until the satisfactory grade has been earned.
Honors
Students majoring in Sports Management and judged qualified by faculty may, upon invitation, elect to pursue honors work in HESS. (Health, Exercise Science and Sport Science). To graduate "With Honors in HESS," students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 and a minimum major GPA of 3.5. The student must complete HES 385, HES 390, and HES 499, with a minimum grade of 3.0/B in each course. In addition, the student must present a thesis either before the faculty or at an appropriate professional conference.
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General Education Requirements (37 hours)
Graduation Requirements (4 hours)
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Major Requirements (34 Hours)
All courses must be met with minimum C-/1.7 grade to complete requirement.
- BUS 340 - Business Management
- BUS 360 - Marketing
- BUS 366 - Sport Marketing
- HES 205 - Principles of Sports Management
- HES 220 - Facility and Event Management
- HES 287 - Personal Health
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- HES 288 - Nutrition
- HES 330 - Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity
- HES 331 - Sport in Society
- HES 408 - Critical Issues in Sport
- HES 409 - Sports Law
Choose at least 4 hours from the following:- HES 315 - Sports Management Internship I
- HES 316 - Sports Management Internship II
- HES 416 - Sports Management Field Experience
- Other advisor-approved courses/practicum experience.
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Minor or Second Major is Required
Discuss options with your advisor. The hours taken for the second major or the minor will count towards your 120-hour degree requirement.
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General Elective Credits
General Electives (45 hours) as needed to reach 120 hours overall. The minor counts towards the 120 hour requirement.
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Total Credit Hours (Minimum 120)
On occasion, technical and/or program requirements may also meet specific General Education requirements. Please confer with your program advisor to determine which courses, if any, may be counted accordingly.
All bachelor's degree programs at Lenoir-Rhyne require at least 120 credit hours. If, in combination, General Education, technical, and program requirements do not generate at least 120 hours, additional credits must be completed to achieve 120 hours. These classes may be general electives, or a student may complete a minor or additional major.
Admission & Financial Aid
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Undergraduate AdmissionOur admission team is here to assist you in making the college search process as easy as possible. Our counselors are happy to provide the information and guidance you need to submit your application, apply for financial aid and scholarships, visit and tour our campus.
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Financial AidWe recognize that paying for college is a top concern for students and their families. Our financial aid staff is here to provide you with financial aid options and assistance to help you achieve your educational goals.
News & Events
After immigrating from Korea to Hawaii, Agnes Park crossed a continent to attend Lenoir-Rhyne. She graduated in 1924, and in 2025, her granddaughter traced the journey of one of the first international Bears.
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Lenoir-Rhyne has formed a search committee to lead the national search for the university’s next provost following the announcement that Provost Jennifer Burris, Ph.D. has accepted an appointment as president of Buffalo State University.
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