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Barney School of Business

Sports Management

At a Glance

Make a career out of your love for sports. Get behind the scenes of the industry you love. With hands-on experience in events, facilities, and team operations, see yourself here gaining the skills to become an effective leader in sports business.

Full Time
Rolling Admission

Degrees Offered

Total Credits

Bachelor of Science

120

Minor

12

Trending Now

Students in Barney’s Facilities and Event Management class got an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at one of Hartford’s newest sports venues—Dunkin’ Park, home of the Hartford Yard Goats. Read more.

About the Program

Join us for an Open House!

Join us on Oct. 18, or Nov. 2 to learn more about UHart and the Barney School. Register today!

Are you passionate about sports and the business of sports? Our sports management program prepares graduates for a career in sports marketing, media, sales, athletic administration, event operations, facility management, community relations, and more.

The sports management program will prepare students with the analytical and technical skills necessary to succeed in a broad array of career paths in the sports industry. Students will develop managerial skills through specialized classes, guest speakers, industry-relevant topics and hands-on experience. 

Sports Management is offered as a:

  • Major
  • Minor
  • Post baccalaureate certificate

Degree Requirements

The program combines core courses, electives, and an internship. You will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Your degree will comprise of core courses, electives, and an internship. This unique program offers a variety of sports-related electives within our other colleges at the University— meaning you can tailor your academic experience to your specific interests through projects and internships. 

See the course catalog for the additional requirements to earn your Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Total for the sports management major: 120 credits

All students start with the following core classes that build a foundation in sports business, analytics, and more.

Sports Management Core Courses:

  • Sports Management & Analysis
  • Sports Economics & Finance
  • Sports Marketing Analytics
  • Sports Law & Risk Management
  • Internship in Sports Management

Electives:

  • Applying Digital Innovation in Sports
  • Facility & Event Management
  • Diversity & Inclusion in Sports Organizations
  • Digital Productions for News and Sports
  • Sports Broadcasting
  • Sports Journalism
  • Sports Psychology
  • Beginning Principles in Sports Medicine and First Aid
  • Sport, Culture, and Society
  • Sport Nutrition

Request more information.

All students start with the following core classes that build a foundation in sports business, analytics, and more.

Sports Management Core Courses:

    • Exploring & Planning Career Options (BAR 211)
    • Internships (required & course managed and credited) - UHart has connections with alumni at businesses in the sports industry.
    • Projects
      • Sports related organizations
      • Collaborated projects with Digital Media & Journalism professors and students 
Request more information.

 

Career Outlook

Mascot with a student on the street.

The focused market review suggests “Good Growth, Economic Demand: There is a likely 11% increase in potential jobs that BS Sports Management graduates could choose to apply for between 2018-2028."

Example of positions:

  • College Athletic Administration Staff
  • Operations Manager
  • Facility Manager
  • Team Marketer
  • Event Planner
  • Ticket Sales Specialist
  • Agent/Scout
  • Esports Manager
  • Self-Employed Manager/Coach/Agent
  • Youth Sports Coordinator

See yourself here.

Reilly Keegan ‘24, M'25

Internship with Hartford Yard Goats

Reilly Keegan ’24, M'25 has hit a home run with her summer internship: spending her days at the Hartford Yard Goats stadium. As a Barney student enrolled in the 3+1 program, she will receive both her bachelor's degree and MBA in just four years. She is a marketing major and sports management minor, which led her to her role as a summer associate with the local minor league baseball team.

Read more.

Matthew Elwell '25, M'26

Internship with Special Olympics Connecticut

Matthew Elwell is a third-year student in the Barney School of Business 3+1 program, double majoring in marketing and sports management. He has recently taken his talents to a summer internship for Special Olympics Connecticut (SOCT) thanks to a Barney connection.

Read more.

Student Life

Students can get involved in sports on campus in a number of different ways, including through student run organizations like SBA (Sports Business Association), STN (Student Television Network) and The Informer (student-run newspaper), as well as the university’s Athletics Department.

"During my time in the sport management program, I can confidently say that each class provided me with so many skills. It allowed me to learn about the history of the sports industry, but also how current news impacts the industry. Lastly, students are able to talk to guest speakers and hear their stories, including day-to-day situations in the industry.”

John Orsini '24, Sports Management and Business Management double major

About the Minor

Sports management is a field of interest for sports enthusiasts as well as individuals seeking careers in an expanding sports industry. A minor will allow students from all University colleges to supplement their major with knowledge of the sport industry. Visit our course catalog for specific requirements for Barney students and non-Barney students.

Barney Minor Total Number of Credits: 12

Non-Barney Minor Total Number of Credits: 18 with prerequisites

Admissions

Applications for admission are considered on a "rolling basis." We look forward to welcoming you to Barney! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact admission@hartford.edu.

Meet the Sports Management Program Team

John Papa
Director, Sports Management Program
Dean's Office for Barney

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Hailey Harris
Assistant Professor of Sports Management
Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship

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Ben Brewer
Associate Professor of Economics
Economics, Finance, and Insurance

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Christy Miller
Sports Management Adjunct Professor
Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship

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James Fairfield-Sonn
Professor of Management
Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship

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