Old Main
School of Education & Health Sciences

Sport Management

Watch Video
▶
 Request Info

Why pursue a sport management degree at North Central College?

Sports managers are responsible for overseeing business operations across multiple organizational departments. Leaders in the field analyze and solve managerial problems regarding people, organizations and markets. Our program is designed to prepare you for a wide range of career paths, with a extensive curriculum and practical experience in sports you’ll need to succeed. At North Central, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in on-campus organizations, off-campus internships, or on-the-field projects. A sport management degree offers a lasting career with a diverse skillset and the opportunity to transform sports organizations.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN

  • Developing long-term plans for organizational success
  • Developing innovative solutions for day-to-day challenges
  • Applying business concepts to a sports environment

then a degree in SPORT MANAGEMENT might be for you.

Why study sport management at North Central College?

In the Classroom

Coursework topics:

  • Applied Sport Sales
  • Budgeting and Finance in Sport
  • Contemporary Sport Studies
  • Full Immersive Internship Experience
  • Sport Facility and Event Management
  • Sport Law, Ethics, and Organization
  • Sport Marketing

Beyond the Classroom

As a sport management major, you can:

  • Intern in a variety of areas such as hospitality and fan services, sales, event management, tourism or sports facility operations.
  • Volunteer and job shadow in Naperville and the Greater Chicago area, one of the most vibrant sport communities in the country.
  • Interact with industry experts on topics such as sport entrepreneurship, running youth sports clubs and leagues, risk management, rules and governance changes and so many more.
  • Join the SportxNC, an organization for students interested in networking, increasing their marketability, discussing current sport topics, organizing events and taking on leadership roles on special projects and committees.
  • Work with nearby organizations like the Chicago Bears, Chicago Fire, Chicago Bulls, Kane County Cougars, Game Day USA, the Chicago Marathon, Premier Sport Tourism, the City of Naperville, and more.
  • Research with faculty, administrators and professionals who have firsthand experience in sports.

Campus Virtual Tour

 

Sport Management, B.A.

The Sport Management program is designed to provide the academic foundation and practical experience required to make an impact in today's sport industry. Business and sport-focused courses with tailored emphasis in a student's chosen area provide a unique combination in preparing students to be curious, engaged, ethical and purposeful citizens and leaders.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Health Sciences.

Note:

Students must also choose a minor from another NC department to complete the major.

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

Sport Management, Digital Marketing Track, B.A.

The Sport Management program is designed to provide the academic foundation and practical experience required to make an impact in today's sport industry. Business and sport-focused courses with tailored emphasis in a student's chosen area provide a unique combination in preparing students to be curious, engaged, ethical and purposeful citizens and leaders.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Health Sciences.

Sport Management Core Courses

Digital Marketing Courses

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

Sport Management, General Business Track, B.A.

The Sport Management program is designed to provide the academic foundation and practical experience required to make an impact in today's sport industry. Business and sport-focused courses with tailored emphasis in a student's chosen area provide a unique combination in preparing students to be curious, engaged, ethical and purposeful citizens and leaders.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Health Sciences.

Sport Management Core Courses

General Business Courses

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

Sport Management Minor

The Sport Management minor is designed to provide the academic foundation and practical experience required in today's sport industry.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Health Sciences.

A minimum of 20 credit hours, including:

Elective(s)

An additional four credit hours of Sport Management.

Sport Management Internships and Jobs

A North Central education integrates sport management career preparation with rich academic study.  We prepare students for a competitive job market by connecting them with organizations in Chicagoland.  Sport Management majors must complete an extensive internship program that allows them to apply their academic experience in an area of their interest. 

Internships

Recent graduates in sport management interned with:

  • American Junior Golf Association
  • Naperville Central High School Athletics Department
  • Aurora River Light FC
  • Naperville North High School Athletics Department
  • Brawlers Ball MMA
  • Naperville Park District
  • Buffalo Bisons
  • Naperville Saints Youth Football
  • Bullpen Tournaments
  • Naperville Yard
  • CHAMPRO
  • Normal CornBelters
  • Chicago Dawgs
  • North Central College Athletics Department
  • Chicago Metro Girls Hockey
  • North Chicago High School High School Athletics Department
  • Chicago Rush Soccer
  • Oak Brook Park District
  • Chicago Steel
  • Skyhawks Youth Sports Academy
  • Chicago White Sox
  • Society for American Baseball Research
  • DuPage Sports Commission
  • Startletics Sports
  • Glenbard North High School Athletics Department
  • Tamarack Golf Course
  • Hi-Five Sports
  • Team One Lacrosse
  • Hit Dogs Illinois Baseball
  • TOCA Naperville
  • Indiana High School Athletics Association
  • University of Illinois-Chicago Athletics Department
  • Joliet Slammers
  • Vikings Youth Hockey
  • Kane County Cougars
  • Volo Sports
  • Lake Country DockHounds
  • Wagner College Athletics Department
  • Madison Mallards
  • Waubonsee High School Athletics Department
  • Maine South High School Athletics Department
  • Willowbrook Park District
  • McHenry High School Athletics Department
  • Windy City Thunderbolts

 

Careers

Recent graduates in sport management have landed jobs at these organizations:

Company logos for sports management majors

 

Student Profiles

Myles Walton
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois 
Internship Site: Chicago White Sox
Area of Academic Study: Sports Management major and Business minor 
“My internship experience was very informational, fun, and hands-on. I learned so much about the ticketing sales system, gameday operations, and customer service. As an intern I approached every day with a good attitude, always willing to learn, and which that set me up for the future as I received a full-time position after my internship.”

Sydney Tucker
Hometown:  Wentzville, MO
Internship Site:  DuPage Sports Commission
Area of Academic Study:  Sport Management Major, Marketing Minor
“My internship experience at the DuPage Sports Commission was nothing short of incredible. It really opened my eyes to all the different types of work in sports outside of what you might traditionally think of. I had the chance to work on events like an esports tournament, Beep Baseball, and the Presidents Cup, while also seeing firsthand how a sports commission works to bring groups and events to DuPage County”

Ciré Smith
Hometown: Stoughton, WI
Internship Site: North Central College Office of Institutional Communication & Marketing
Area of Academic Study: Sport Management: Digital Marketing. Minor in Marketing.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Office of Institutional Communication and Marketing this semester. I’ve gotten to experience so many different sides of communication and marketing through a variety of projects, from athletics communication to broader campus communications, and I’ve learned something new from each one. Having such a supportive, collaborative team around me has made this experience even more meaningful, and I’m excited to keep learning throughout the semester!”
 

Sport Management Student Opportunities

Sport management students can get involved in a number of related extracurricular activities on campus, including:

Invest in your future

Choosing the right college is a big decision. Don’t make it alone. North Central’s admission and financial aid team is here to help you design a financial aid solution that works best for you and your family.

Merit scholarships, grants, loans, campus employment - these are just some of the resources available to you. Over 95 percent of students and 100 percent of all eligible students receive aid. Let our team partner with you in finding the best value for your education.

Learn more about financial aid and costs for North Central College

Apply to North Central College

The first step to becoming a North Central student is reading the application instructions specific to you. Find out everything you need to know about applying by selecting the group you belong to below.