The business of sports offers plenty of opportunities for potential college graduates. Maranatha’s new Sport Management major and minor will help students pursue careers in sports marketing, management, and administration as well as fitness-related occupations.
Christian young people are uniquely positioned to impact the world through ministries made available to them through sports. People are drawn to recreational and physical fitness activities, and well-trained, others-oriented Christians can be a positive testimony to those around them. Outreach opportunities abound for Christians involved in sports, recreation, and physical fitness careers.
According to the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE), “individuals who want to pursue a sport management career should pursue an academic degree program that provides them with a thorough understanding of (1) sport, (2) business/management, and (3) significant and meaningful practical work experiences related to managing sport organizations/events.” The NASPE reports career opportunities for management functions in sports, including administration, communications/media, facilities and events, finance, law, marketing, public relations, and travel/tourism.
Maranatha’s program combines core requirements in Bible, General Studies, Business, Sport Management, and additional electives. A one-semester internship is required at the conclusion of the program.
Suggested Schedule
This is the suggested class list for the Sports Management major. You may also want to look over the details for our Physical Education and Health Management major.
Year 1
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Sport Management | 2 | Sport and Society | 2 |
| Introduction to Business & Management | 2 | Introduction to Information Systems | 2 |
| Computer Applications Seminar | 1 | Microsoft Excel | 1 |
| Christian Life 1 | 1 | New Testament Survey | 2 |
| Old Testament Survey | 2 | English Composition 2 | 3 |
| English Composition 1 | 3 | Science Elective | 3 |
| The Modern World | 3 | Math Elective | 3 |
| Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 2 |
Year 2
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leadership and Ethics in Sport | 3 | Financing Sport Operations | 3 |
| Org of Sports & Administration of PE | 3 | Campus Sport Management Practicum | 1 |
| Principles of Accounting 1 | 4 | Sport Management Elective | 2 |
| Principles of Marketing | 3 | Microsoft Access | 1 |
| Principles of Bible Study | 2 | Business Communication | 3 |
| Christian Life 2 | 1 | Baptist Heritage | 3 |
| Literature Elective | 3 |
Year 3
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recreation Management Practicum | 1 | Principles of Management | 3 |
| Sport Marketing and Public Relations | 3 | Athletic Administration Practicum | 1 |
| Business Law 1 | 3 | Microeconomics | 3 |
| Macroeconomics | 3 | Bible Doctrine 2 | 3 |
| Christian Life 3 | 1 | American Studies Elective | 3 |
| Bible Doctrine 1 | 3 | Open Elective | 3 |
| Music Elective | 2 | 16 |
Year 4
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sport Management Elective | 3 | Internship in Sport Management | 12 |
| Bible Electives | 4 | Bible Elective | 2 |
| Open Elective | 9 | Open Elective | 2 |
Career Options
- Team administration
- Communications/media contact
- Facility manager
- Events manager
- Financial and business manager
- Marketing director
- Travel/tourism contact
- Activities director