Sports Management Degree Programs in Virginia

There is no question that the field of sports has expanded quite a bit and as a result, there are a number of job options for those who complete sports management degree programs in Virginia. The key is to find a quality program that will provide the educational experience that a person needs for success. The foundation acquired will ensure students can work with athletes of all ages and provide the services they need for success. Some of the top sports management programs in Virginia can be found here.

Rankings

American Military University – Online

School of Health Sciences

The School of Health Sciences at the American Military University is dedicated to the preparation of students for careers in a number of industries, including fitness and exercise, overall public health and nursing. The interactive and engaging learning environment blends together practical application and theory to provide students the competitive advantage they need when entering the workplace. Since the practitioners and faculty are experts in the subjects they teach, they are able to tap into real-world resources to help students maintain a relevant and current perception of the sports management industry.

Bachelor of Science in Sports Management

This degree prepares students to meet the demands that go along with the sports management industry. This is done by using a curriculum that applies administration, leadership, management and business learned competencies, and that utilizes skill sets that are necessary for success in the industry. Students will also find the staff has a thorough knowledge of the curriculum, which ensures their success in the program. During the course, the students learn to evaluate, analyze and synthesize the core issues that are essential for fields including sports ethics, sports sociology, sports marketing and sports finance. Some of the courses that will be required in this program include Sports Event Management and Planning, Sports Governance, Sports Communication and a Senior Seminar in Sports Management.

Master of Science in Sports Management

This degree is specifically designed for anyone interested in sports administration, coaching or management careers. The core curriculum of this program includes social contexts of sports in modern and historical society, sports law, marketing, economics, finance and public relations. Students receive the chance to concentrate in their area of interest in this program to ensure they are successful in their future career. When the course is completed successfully, students will be able to enter into a career of their choosing in the sports management industry. Some of the courses that will be taken include Coaching Theory, Methods and Issues, Coaching Leadership and Collegiate Sports Administration.

Accreditation

• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Contact
American Military University
111 West Congress Street
Charles Town, WV 25414
(304) 724-3700
conduct@apus.edu
http://catalog.apus.edu/2015/undergraduate/academic-programs/bachelor/sports-management.htm
http://catalog.apus.edu/2015/graduate/academic-programs/master/sports-management.htm

Bluefield College

College of Sciences

The staff at the College of Sciences present at Bluefield College diligently works to expose students to quite a few educational endeavors to ensure they are prepared for their career goals down the road. The educational experience each student receives is tailored to their specific goals and to ensure they can compete in the changing and growing workforce. The degree programs in the College of Sciences have a very high success rate at ensuring that students are effectively prepared for additional education if they so choose, or to enter a career in their chosen field.

Exercise and Sport Science Major – Sport Management Concentration

This degree program is designed to expose students to a Christian worldview that pertains to the principles and concepts of sports management while providing the tools necessary to facilitate and administer sports programs at the amateur, professional, agency, and corporate levels. There are a number of real-world opportunities provided in a theoretical framework to develop the skills and knowledge that is relevant to the performance of these various roles. The talented and qualified staff and faculty work with students to help them gain the foundation necessary for success in this field.

Accreditation

• SACS Commission on Colleges

Contact
Bluefield College
3000 College Avenue
Bluefield, VA 24605
(800) 872-0176
bluefield@bluefield.edu

George Mason University

College of Education and Human Development

This college prepares students to become future leaders in a number of settings, including social and public health services and health care settings. They acquire the necessary skills to actively solve the challenges that face the culturally diverse and rapidly changing health environment. Community engagement efforts are combined with research to provide a relevant and rigorous educational experience for students. Regardless of their future plans, nursing, food students, health administration or rehabilitation science, students receive the foundation they need to succeed in this industry upon graduation.

Sports Management – BS Concentration

The BS in Sports Management enhances a person’s professional development in the liberal arts field. This program prepares students to take on entry-level managerial positions in the sporting industry that is continually growing. Upon completion, students will be fully prepared and have the educational foundation to provide their services in public employment sectors, private enterprises, voluntary agencies and more. Some of the courses that a student will take in this program include Sports Management and Leadership in Sports Organizations, Sport and Recreation Law and Global Perspectives in Sport.

Sport Management – MS Concentration

The Sports Management graduate program offers students the traditional thesis option, as well as the option of applied research projects that are linked to an internship or professional setting. Students in this program are required to complete certain core courses that will provide the necessary foundation for a future career in a sports management position. Some of the courses students will take in this degree program include Social Psychology of Leisure, Economics and Financial Management in Sports Industry and Recreation Administration and Planning.

Accreditation

• Kinesiology: NSCA, CAAHEP
• Exercise Fitness and Health Promotion: NSCA
• Health and Physical Education: NCATE
• Athletic Training, B.S.: CAATE

Contact
George Mason University
4400 University Drive
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
(703) 993-3670
Masonlive@edu.com
https://rht.gmu.edu/sport-management/degree-options/degree-requirements
https://rht.gmu.edu/sport-management/degree-options/sport-management-graduate-degree

Hampton University

School of Education and Human Development

The School of Education and Human Development provides an innovative learning experience for students. Here the staff and faculty come from diverse perspectives and cultures and work collaboratively to provide a strong educational foundation for students. The goal is to motivate learners of any age to generate and disseminate the knowledge that will enrich and improve the lives of communities, families, and individuals in a global society. The environment of these programs is intellectually challenging to help students find success after graduation.

Master of Science (M.S.) Degree in Sport Administration

This degree is comprised of three different concentrations: international sports, sports business leadership and intercollegiate sports. The graduate program is going to work along with Hampton University Athletics. This impressive collaboration helps to strengthen all study areas by providing students with the opportunity to participate in volunteer work, internships and take on specialized course assignments within the universities athletics department. To be admitted to this program, students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and have acquired a Bachelor’s degree. Applications must be received by June 1st for those entering in the fall semester and November 1st for those entering during the spring semester.

Accreditation

• Council for Higher Education Accreditation
• National Architectural Accrediting Board
• International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education
• Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society
• Computing Accreditation Commission

Contact
Hampton University
100 E. Queen St.
Hampton, VA 23668
(757) 727-5000
admissions@hamptonu.edu
http://edhd.hamptonu.edu/education/sports_admin.cfm

James Madison University

Hart School of Hospitality, Sport and Recreation Management

This is a community that creates an environment to provide quality education for students that integrates theory, philosophy and practice all while enhancing the personal and professional growth of the students. James Madison University’s Hart School is nationally renowned by industry partners, peers, and students thanks to the innovative teaching methods, exceptional research and the transformational impact on the larger community. The core values of this school include innovation, diversity, student-centered learning, respect, integrity, and leadership.

Bachelor of Science in Sport and Recreation Management

The mission of this program is to create a community of learners by providing quality education that integrates personal growth, practice and theory in the sport and recreation industries. This program is dedicated to the development of tomorrow’s leaders in the sports management profession. Upon successful completion, students will be ready to take on a role as a fitness or health club manager, sports agent, athletic director or coach and more. The program is associated with a number of professional organizations, providing a number of networking opportunities for students during the course of their studies.

Sport and Recreation Leadership (M.S.)

The sport and recreation leadership master’s program has been specifically designed to help empower students and provide them with the skill sets necessary to succeed and find success as a leader in the recreation or sports industries. The fields of sport and recreation are extremely competitive and the education provided by the master’s program at JMU prepares students to have the foundation and competitive edge to be successful in this field. Thanks to a practical knowledge of applied skills and real world experience, students are ready to tackle the industry upon graduation. With the help of JMU, every graduate will be able to move ahead and remain ahead of their competition.

Accreditation

• ABET, Incorporated
• AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
• Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
• Association for Advancement of Health Education
• Association of University Health Programs in Health Administration
• Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education, the accrediting agency for The American Dietetic Association
• Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education

Contact
James Madison University
Grace Street House MSC 6702
17 W. Grace
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
(540) 568-6131
grad@jmu.edu
http://www.jmu.edu/catalog/15/programs/sport-recreation-management.shtml
https://www.jmu.edu/grad/programs/snapshots/kinesiology-sport-and-recreation-leadership.shtml

Liberty University

Department of Sport Management

The goal of Liberty University’s Department of Sports Management is to provide students with a well-rounded, Christian foundation and education while giving them the information necessary to prepare them to successfully organize, administer and also facilitate sports programs at the amateur, professional, agency and corporate levels. The faculty and staff are experienced in this field and provide a number of real-world opportunities to students to ensure they fully understand the impact of their future position. They will gain the foundation necessary to be successful in their future career.

Sport Management (B.S.)

This is the undergraduate program offered at Liberty University in the field of Sports Management. It offers students a program that consists of 120 credit hours to earn a Bachelor of Science degree. This is ideal for students who want to earn the necessary business foundation for a successful career in sports. As a supplement to the undergraduate program, students can choose to enroll in 17 elective course hours toward the Coaching minor, or they can opt for enrolling in 18 elective hours for a Business minor. Even non-sport management majors can elect to take 15 credit hours as a Sports Management minor.

Master of Science in Sport Management (M.S.)

The master’s program at Liberty University offers a number program options that meet the needs of recently graduated undergrad students, international applications, non-traditional students, as well as working professionals. This degree has been specifically designed to prepare students for their future careers. It is a 36-hour graduate program and offered in online and residential formats. There are graduate assistantships available, as well. Some of the courses that students will take in this program include Legal Issues in Sports, Foundations of Sports Ministry and Ethics in Sport.

Accreditation

• Commission on Sports Management Accreditation (COSMA)

Contact
Liberty University
1971 University Blvd.
Lynchburg, VA 24515
(434) 582-2000
admissions@liberty.edu
http://www.liberty.edu/academics/education/sport/index.cfm?PID=22456
http://www.liberty.edu/academics/education/sport/index.cfm?PID=21952

Lynchburg College

School of Health Sciences and Human Performance

There is no question that professionals who have a strong understanding of the health industries are in high demand today. If you are a person who is passionate about others wellness and health, then you can begin, or continue, your career with one of the programs offered by the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance. This school offers a number of opportunities, beyond the average community service programs, clinical experiences, and class internships. These are the types of activities that provide students with the practical experience they need to stand out from the competition when seeking employment in this field.

Sport Management

This program offers students access to a challenging and exciting field that offers a large array of opportunities. The major, which is a BA degree, offers information about the legal aspects of sports, how to manage clubs and teams, promotional and marketing strategies and more. During this course, students will cover the history of sports in America, sports ethics, principles of sports management, controversies and issues of gender and sport, event management, sports law and more. Upon completion, students will be ready to take on roles in sales or marketing positions, event and facility management, intercollegiate or professional sports and more.

Accreditation

• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education

Contact
Lynchburg College
1501 Lakeside Drive
Lynchburg, VA 24501-3113
(434) 544-8100
admissions@lynchburg.edu
http://www.lynchburg.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/sport-management/

Virginia Commonwealth University

School of Education – Center for Sport Leadership

This department at Virginia Commonwealth University offers students access to quality education from professionals in the industry. The staff and faculty of these courses are dedicated to student success and provide a number of innovative and exciting opportunities for students who enroll in the program. Offering master level and Ph.D. level degrees in sports leadership and management courses, you will find that the Center for Sports Leadership offers superior classes that exceed student expectations. With the courses offered here, students will be prepared for a successful career in the sports management sector.

M.Ed. in Sport Leadership

At the Virginia Commonwealth University, the Center for Sports Leadership offers a well-structured graduate program that combines classroom theory and relevant field experiences. The faculty and courses ensure students are fully prepared for their future careers. In addition to a full curriculum, students who enroll in this program will take a two-week course to Europe to study sports around the world. This provides students with the opportunity to concentrate on new areas that are important in the sports business.

PhD in Education Concentration in Sport Leadership

The Ph.D. in the education field, with a concentration in sports leadership, requires students complete a total of 48 graduate credit hours. This program is specifically designed for students who need to learn to research, use and understand contemporary literature as it relates to sport’s industry leadership. This helps to extend the students understanding and knowledge of leadership in this particular industry. During the course, students will have the chance to integrate practice and theory in certain areas, including sociology, communications, management, marketing and finance of sport.

Accreditation

• The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
• Council for Accreditation for Counseling and Related Educational Programs
• The National Council for accreditation of Teacher Education
• The Virginia Department of Education

Contact
Virginia Commonwealth University
1015 W. Main Street
PO Box 842020
Richmond, Virginia 23284-2020
(804) 827-5131
Bdwyer@vcu.edu
http://www.soe.vcu.edu/programs/m-ed-in-sport-leadership/
http://www.soe.vcu.edu/programs/ph-d-in-education-concentration-in-sport-leadership/

Virginia State University

College of Graduate Studies

The main purpose of the graduate program from Virginia State University is to provide capable students with the opportunity and the facilities to advance their studies in the field of sports management, or another degree program. The courses are specifically designed to ensure the success of students enrolled. Superior curriculum, along with a knowledgeable faculty and staff helps to make the graduate program at this university one of the best in the state and country.

Master’s in Sport Management

Anyone who applies for the master’s program at Virginia State University in Sports Management needs to first acquire a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. They must also meet the requirements of the program they wish to gain entry to. This course will prepare students so they can assume a number of leadership roles in the sports industry and serve as productive and efficient entrepreneurs, educators, coaches, administrators and managers. They will also have access to a learning environment that includes practical and theoretical experiences to ensure students are fully prepared for their future careers.

Accreditation

• National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

Contact
Virginia State University
1 Hayden Dr
Petersburg, VA 23806
(804) 524-5000
admission@VSU.com
http://www.gradstudies.vsu.edu/masters-degree-programs/sport-management/admission-requirements.php

When it comes to sports management degree programs in Virginia, there is no question that there are more than a few to choose from. Taking the time to learn about each program and determining where you want to go to school will help you find the program that best meets your needs. Take some time to evaluate each program and the career goals you have. Doing this will help ensure that the right program is selected and that a student will gain the educational experience they want and need. Don’t underestimate the value of a quality education. All of the programs here are accredited and provide students with the foundation they need to be successful in the sports management industry. Being informed and choosing from one of the programs here will help ensure that the student chooses the program that best suits their needs and future career goals.

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