Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) – Sport Management
Build the skills to manage sports organizations, lead events, and grow your career in the sports industry.
Build a career at the intersection
of business and sports.
The sports industry relies on professionals who understand leadership, marketing, operations, and event management. West Liberty University’s Sport Management concentration prepares students for careers in one of the world’s most exciting industries through hands-on experiences, industry partnerships, and a strong foundation in business and sport administration.
Degree Type: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA)
Total Credits: 120 Credit Hours
Outcome: Preparation for careers in athletic administration, sport marketing, event management, facility operations, recreation, and professional sports organizations
Format: Primarily On-Campus with select General Education and Business Core coursework available online
Program
Overview
The Sport Management concentration prepares students to succeed in the fast-paced and growing sports industry through a combination of business education and sport-specific coursework. Students gain the knowledge, leadership skills, and practical experience needed to support athletic organizations, manage events, build fan engagement, and contribute to organizational success across a variety of sport settings.
Who This
Program Is For
Sports Industry Enthusiasts
Students passionate about athletics and interested in building careers with collegiate, professional, amateur, or community-based sports organizations.
Event & Operations Leaders
Individuals who enjoy organizing events, managing logistics, coordinating facilities, and ensuring exceptional experiences for athletes and fans.
Future Athletic Administrators
Students interested in leadership positions within collegiate athletics, professional sports organizations, and athletic departments.
Marketing & Fan Engagement Professionals
Individuals who want to promote teams, events, sponsorships, and brands while enhancing fan experiences and community engagement.
Community & Recreation Advocates
Students interested in using sports and recreation to improve quality of life, support youth development, and strengthen communities.
What
You’ll Learn
Students develop an understanding of sport industry operations while building leadership, communication, marketing, and organizational skills. The curriculum prepares graduates to navigate the business, operational, legal, and ethical dimensions of athletics and sport-related organizations.
Sport Industry & Organizational Management
- Understand the structure and economics of the sports industry
- Apply business principles to athletic organizations
- Support organizational growth and operational success
Sport Marketing & Fan Engagement
- Develop marketing and promotional strategies
- Create fan engagement and sponsorship initiatives
- Strengthen brand awareness and audience connections
Leadership, Events & Ethics
- Plan and manage sporting events and facilities
- Lead teams and collaborate with stakeholders
- Apply ethical decision-making and legal principles in sport settings
Curriculum
Overview
The Sport Management curriculum combines foundational business education with specialized coursework in sport marketing, event management, sport leadership, facility operations, and legal and ethical issues in sport. Students gain practical experience through applied projects, industry engagement, and experiential learning opportunities that connect classroom concepts to real-world sport environments.
Program Structure
- General Education Foundation – Communication, critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and quantitative skills essential for professional success.
- Business Core Curriculum – Accounting, finance, management, marketing, economics, business analytics, and information systems.
- Sport Management Major Coursework – Sport marketing, sport leadership, event management, facility operations, sport law, and athletics administration.
- Applied Learning Experiences – Internships, event operations, sport industry projects, and experiential learning opportunities.
Required Prerequisites Include:
- No program-specific prerequisite coursework beyond university admission requirements.
Admission Requirements
Students must meet West Liberty University’s general undergraduate admission requirements. Once admitted, students may declare Sport Management as their concentration within the BSBA program.
Career &
Outcomes
Graduates are prepared for opportunities throughout the sports industry, including collegiate athletics, professional sports, recreation, event management, sport marketing, and facility operations. The program equips students with business acumen and sport-specific expertise that support advancement into leadership and management positions.
- Athletic Department Administrator
- Event or Facility Manager
- Sports Marketing or Promotions Coordinator
- Social Media Coordinator
- Team Operations Assistant
- Recreation or Community Sports Director
- Sports Sales or Sponsorship Coordinator
The Sport Management concentration combines practical experience, industry exposure, and business knowledge to help graduates enter the workforce with confidence. Students build the professional skills, industry awareness, and leadership abilities employers seek throughout the sports industry.
Admission
Requirements
The Sport Management concentration offers an accessible pathway into the growing sports industry while ensuring students gain the academic foundation necessary for sport and business leadership roles.
Requirements:
- University admission
- Declaration of Sport Management concentration within the BSBA program
- No separate program application required
- No additional selective admission requirements beyond university admission standards
Application Deadline: Follow West Liberty University undergraduate admission deadlines.
Applicants are evaluated through West Liberty University’s standard undergraduate admissions process. Once admitted, students may declare Sport Management and begin completing coursework aligned with their academic and career goals.
Advisors are available to help students identify experiential learning opportunities, internships, and career pathways throughout the sports industry.
Cost, Aid
& Affordability
West Liberty University is committed to delivering a high-quality professional education that remains accessible and affordable.
Students may be eligible for:
- Federal and state financial aid
- Institutional scholarships
- Program-specific or need-based assistance
Financial aid counselors and academic advisors work closely with students to help them understand costs, explore funding options, and plan for their educational investment.
Steps to
Enrollment
Step 1: Apply to West Liberty University
Step 2: Declare the Sport Management concentration within the BSBA program
Step 3: Meet with an academic advisor and prepare your degree plan
Admissions counselors and program advisors are here to support you at every step.
Become A
Hilltopper
West Liberty University is a place where you can pursue your dreams and prepare for the future. With more than 60 programs, a vibrant campus life, small classes, and an affordable cost, the quality education you’ll get at West Liberty is like no other.