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CAREER
ABSTRACT
The Sport Administration Option in the Sport and Wellness Leadership is designed for students intending to pursue careers of leadership in the sport industry. Management and administrative positions are currently a high-growth employment area. Graduates work in a variety of settings including private sport and fitness clubs, recreation departments, YMCA’s, high school, community, college, and professional sport organizations, sports promotions and marketing firms, sporting good businesses, and sport camps. Students completing this concentration are well positioned for entry-level leadership opportunities in the field. Some positions sport administration are enhanced by graduate study.
QUESTIONS
STUDENTS OFTEN ASK
What
can I do with a degree in Sport Administration?
Graduates of this program find employment in the areas management, administration, marketing, fiscal management, public relations, and communications within of sport organizations. Sport administrators have the responsibility for planning, organizing, conducting, and evaluating all forms of sporting events and services. Students obtain position in organizations such as minor league sports (e.g. Roanoke Express), intercollegiate athletics (e.g. Promotions Coordinator, Sports Information), and high schools (e.g. athletic director), as well as a variety of special/community sport events (e.g. Special Olympics, Commonwealth Games).
What
academic skills and strengths should I possess to be successful in commercial
fitness?
A strong background in the exercise and sport foundations is essential. Academic preparation and experience in the business and management areas are also essential, including coursework in business, marketing, management, finance, and media relations. Coursework fostering leadership skills such as psychology and communications may also help prepare students for career advancement in the sport management field. Careers are also strengthened by a master’s degree in business or sport management. Field experience is also important for career entry in sport administration.
What
are the academic requirements, such as grade point average or minimums to take
fieldwork?
The minimum grade point average required to enter fieldwork (internship) is a 2.10 overall and 2.50 in the major. Fieldwork placements are enhanced when students have already pursued volunteer experience and special certifications in the field.
What
courses may enhance my career opportunities in commercial/corporate fitness?
Coursework
in the business and management field strengthen career opportunities.
Students are required to complete 15 hours of interdisciplinary
coursework in areas such as management, marketing, finance, media studies, and
communications.