Sports Management Degree Programs in Michigan (G-Z)

There’s no shortage of top-notch accredited sports management degree programs in Michigan at the bachelor’s, master’s, and even doctoral level. As our nation’s 11th largest state with over 85 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, Michigan is perhaps best known for its recreational boating industry. Michigan is home to several major-league sports teams, including the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Detroit Red Wings, and Detroit Pistons.

Rankings

The Michigan International Speedway is also a popular racing spot for NASCAR events. Collegiate sports in Michigan are particularly enthusiastic too, especially with the rivalry between the Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans. Sports management majors attending school in the “Mitten State” will have plenty of opportunity for gaining field experience and building a lasting career.To see more accredited sports management degree programs, visit Sports Management Degree Programs in Michigan (A-F).

Grand Valley State University

College of Education

Situated on a sprawling 1,322-acre suburban campus in Allendale within just 12 miles west of Grand Rapids in the Lower Peninsula, Grand Valley State University is a comprehensive four-year public liberal arts institution educating over 25,000 students. Noted as the 16th best university in the world for its environment-friendly practices by Green Metric, GVSU is ranked as the 26th best regional college and 3rd top public school in the Midwest by the U.S. News and World Report. In the NCAA Division II, the GVSU Lakers have won 16 national championships since 2002 in seven sports. The NCATE-accredited College of Education is celebrating 50 years of preparing teachers with optimal educational strategies from a liberal arts approach.

Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with Sport Leadership Emphasis

In the Department of Movement Science, the Bachelor of Science in Physical Education program is offered to undergraduates with an emphasis in K-12 Professional Instruction or Sport Leadership. Students who focus on Sport Leadership will specifically develop the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to work in the sports industry. The emphasis builds on physical education courses with business and sport management classes from the Seidman College of Business. With an additional 12 credits, students can also receive a coaching certificate to better understand the most effective reinforcement techniques for leading athletes. All students will complete two practicum experiences for at least 270 hours in an approved sports-related organization.

Accreditations

- - - National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
    - North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM)
    - Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)

Contact

1 Campus Drive
Allendale, MI 49401
(616) 331-3515
movdept@gvsu.edu

Michigan State University

College of Education

First established in 1855, Michigan State University is a major flagship public land-grant and sea-grant research institution serving more than 50,000 students from its spacious 5,192-acre suburban campus in East Lansing near the state’s capital. The championship-winning MSU Spartans participate in the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference in 25 different sports. According to the U.S. News and World Report, MSU is ranked as the 85th best university and 35th top public school in America. Also recognized as the country’s 13th best education school, the College of Education is home to some of the leading programs for the study of physical activity.

Master of Science in Sport Administration

Within the Department of Kinesiology, the Master of Science in Sport Administration program was created for MSU graduate students who are seeking to build long-lasting careers in the administration of intercollegiate sports programs. The 33-credit program allows students to tailor their studies with a concentration in Athletic Training or Student-Athlete Development. All students can expect to take courses in kinesiology, human movement, motor behavior, physiology, athletic administration, and coaching. For a capstone, students can select to complete a hands-on internship or partner with a faculty advisor for a master’s thesis research project. Passing a final certifying examination is also required. Graduates often find leadership roles in high schools, colleges, professional athletics, and other sports-related agencies.

Accreditations

- - - Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC)
    - Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)
    - Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)

Contact

220 Townbridge Road
East Lansing, MI 48824
(517) 355-4736
kingrad@msu.edu
http://education.msu.edu/kin/graduate/masters/mssa.asp

Siena Heights University

Division of Business and Management

Headquartered on a main 140-acre suburban campus in Adrian with satellite locations in Southfield, Dearborn, Jackson, Lansing, Battle Creek, Monroe, and virtually, Siena Heights University is a private senior Roman Catholic liberal arts institution affiliated with the Adrian Dominican Sisters. Enrolling around 2,200 students in 40 academic programs, SHU is a five-star member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics’ (NAIA) Champions of Character program. Boasting a low student-faculty ratio of 12:1, the Division of Business and Management has the mission of preparing tomorrow’s leaders with ethical corporate social responsibility principles to resolve key business problems.

Bachelor of Arts in Sport Management

Building on a strong theoretical foundation in business, the Bachelor of Arts in Sport Management program at SHU allows undergraduate students to examine the culture of sports and reflect on the ethical dimensions of critical sports issues. Students will study how basic fundamentals like marketing, management, law, finance, accounting, economics, human resources, and strategic planning relate to sports-related organizations. For hands-on learning, students are required to complete 150 hours of practicum and a senior internship of 40 hours per week. B.A. students are also encouraged to join SHU’s Sport Management Student Association (SMSA), which offers extra professional development opportunities.

Accreditations

- - - Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
    - Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)

Contact

1247 East Siena Heights Drive
Adrian, MI 49221
(517) 264-7624
mleibold@sienaheights.edu

University of Michigan

School of Kinesiology

Standing proudly on a massive 3,177-acre urban campus in the lively college town of Ann Arbor within the Detroit metropolitan area, the University of Michigan is the state’s flagship public sea-grant and space-grant research institution educating more than 43,600 students annually. Named the 22nd best university in the world by ARWU, UMich is currently ranked as the 29th top college and 4th best public school in America by the U.S. News and World Report. The Michigan Wolverines boast 27 varsity sports and the nation’s largest college football-only stadium. The School of Kinesiology is regarded as an international leader in studying physical activity, human movement, wellness, and sport business.

Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology in Sport Management

Featuring a rigorous 120-credit hour curriculum, the Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology in Sport Management is available for UMich undergraduate students who are looking for entry-level professional positions in the sports industry. In the first two years, students build a strong liberal arts foundation and take introductory courses. Then, students compete to advance into more advanced sports-related management coursework related to the business of athletics. Students in the cohort-based program can also pursue a dual degree with the Ross School of Business. In addition to working with world renowned faculty, students have internship and networking opportunities with organizations like Adidas, PGA, and Octagon.

Master of Arts in Sport Management

Exploring all aspects of the multi-faceted sport industry, the Master of Arts in Sport Management program draws on the university’s unparalleled resources to provide valuable real-life projects for tomorrow’s leading sport industry executives. In the 30-credit hour program, students delve into topics like urban planning, finance, economics, social justice, marketing, entrepreneurship, law, and organizational behavior in relation to sport enterprise. Students learn all of the nuances of sports business to unlock managerial positions at the youth, high school, community, collegiate, professional, and/or international level. For admissions, graduates must have an accredited bachelor’s degree, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4, and a satisfactory GRE score.

Ph.D. in Sport Management

As the highest degree awarded in the School of Kinesiology, the Ph.D. in Sport Management program at UMich is designed to develop scholarly and research competence among advanced graduate students who already possess a master’s degree. Requiring a minimum of 50 credits, the doctoral degree includes an original doctoral dissertation that must add to the scientific body of knowledge related to sport management. Students can use this degree as a stepping stone for becoming researchers, scholars, professors, or senior-level executives in the sports industry. Though the program is rooted in the study of human movement and sports business, students have the freedom to tailor their curriculum for developing certain career-oriented skills.

Accreditations

- - - North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM)
    - Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)

Contact

500 South State Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
(734) 764-5210
zernicke@umich.edu
http://www.kines.umich.edu/programs/sport-management

Wayne State University

College of Education

As Michigan’s fourth-largest comprehensive senior public research institution, Wayne State University is home to over 27,500 students from its 203-acre urban campus in Midtown Detroit. The WSU Warriors compete in the NCAA Division II with an illustrious history winning 10 national championships for fencing. According to Washington Monthly magazine, WSU is the 144th best masters-level university for social mobility, ethics, and services. Within the College of Education, students can choose from on-campus, online, and hybrid programs ranging from kinesiology to counseling and special education.

Master of Arts in Sports Administration

Offered in a flexible online format from anywhere with Internet access, the Master of Arts in Sports Administration program is designed to prepare graduate students at Wayne State for making their dream of working in the sports industry a reality. Students select one of four areas of specialization: Interscholastic Athletic Administration, Professional Sports Administration, Commercial Sports Administration, or Intercollegiate Athletic Administration. A custom degree plan can be created based on every student’s career goals. On either a full-time or part-time basis, students will progress through 30 credits of courses taught by leading sports industry executives. With no residency requirements, the culminating internship can be fulfilled with an approved athletic organization anywhere in America.

Accreditations

- - - Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)

Contact

42 West Warren Avenue
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 577-2704
laurel.whalen@wayne.edu
http://coe.wayne.edu/kinesiology/sports-admin/

Western Michigan University

Department of Human Performance and Health Education

With an enrollment of over 23,900 students, Western Michigan University is a comprehensive four-year public research institution located on a beautiful 1,200-acre urban campus in Kalamazoo. The WMU Broncos have won two NCAA national championships in the Mid-American Conference for cross country. Along with being Washington Monthly’s 90th best masters-level university, WMU is ranked as the 173rd best college, 97th top public school, and 58th top university for veterans nationwide by the U.S. News and World Report. In the 136th best education school, the Department of Human Performance and Health Education is dedicated to fostering the development of skills conducive to employment in allied fields of recreation.

B.S. in Recreation: Sport Management Concentration

The B.S. in Recreation program at Western Michigan focuses on training undergraduate students with the knowledge and skills to develop a professional career in leisure leadership. In particular, Sport Management Concentration is available for recreation majors who seek the practical training necessary for sports business. The bachelor’s program covers topics like facility management, sports promotion, marketing, sports media, community relations, sports law, licensing, athletic administration, and sports finance. Along with a practicum, students are required to complete at least 600 hours of supervised internship experience. WMU graduates have successfully started careers in youth, amateur, college, and professional sports. There are also two minors available in Coaching and Event Management.

M.A. in Sport Management

Designed around the standards established by the NASSM, the M.A. in Sport Management program at WMU will equip graduate students with the general management abilities necessary to successfully lead teams or other sports-related agencies. Offered with a thesis or non-thesis option, the 36-credit curriculum explores the role of sports in society and the business world. Courses will include research methods, sport administration, sport law, ethics, marketing, sales, financial management, economics, human resources, event planning, facility management, and sociocultural influences in sports. Maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher is mandated. For extra practical experience, students can elect to complete an internship of at least 75 site contact hours per credit.

Accreditations

- - - Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA)
    - Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)
    - Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)

Contact

1903 West Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 387-2710
kathy.beauregard@wmich.edu
http://www.wmich.edu/humanperformance/academics

Investing long hours, dollar signs, and hard work in a sports management degree can pay off greatly in jumpstarting your career in leading athletic organizations. According to a study from A.T. Kearny, the sports industry has grown seven percent per year for the past decade, which is significantly better than the GDP for many countries worldwide. Aspiring business leaders can follow their passion for sports while tapping into this job growth. Sports management is a fast-paced, dynamic niche focused on increasing profit and enhancing brand value for both amateur and professional sports. If you’re a sports fan in the “Great Lakes State,” consider transitioning into a rewarding career by attending one of these accredited sports management degree programs in Michigan.

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