The sports administration degree equips you for careers in sports administration, business, and management. The curriculum is designed to meet the standards set by the North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM) and the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA).

The sports administration degree is designed to prepare you for dynamic careers in sports administration, business, and management by offering a comprehensive curriculum that meets the North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM) standards and the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA).

 

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Offered On Campus

120 Credit Hours

Estimated Time to Complete: Four Years

Emphasizing Practical Experience and Internships

You will gain a solid foundation through core courses in professional communication, sports marketing, financial management, law and ethics, event planning, and international sports management. Specialized topics such as E-sport management, psychology of human performance, and sports for individuals with disabilities provide a broad perspective on diverse areas within the industry. Practical experience is emphasized through practicum and internship opportunities. 

The program also integrates essential business principles, allowing you to tailor your education by selecting courses in accounting, economics, marketing, and business administration. With this interdisciplinary approach, you will have the knowledge and skills to succeed in various roles, from managing sports organizations and facilities to promoting events and leading teams.

Sample Coursework

Foundations of HPER/A

Professional Communications in HPER/A

Behavioral and Social Science Issues in HPER/A

Sport Marketing

Financial Aspects of Sport

E-Sport Management

Sport Law & Ethics

Event Planning & Facility Management

Related Minors

Adapted Physical Activities

Coaching

Physical Education

Marketing

Public Relations

Sport Management

Sport Media

Sports Psychology

Similar Programs

Business Administration

Human Performance

International Business

Management

Marketing

Digital Media

Physical Education

Communication Studies

Earn Your Master's Degree with our accelerated option

Northern students have the unique opportunity to apply for the Accelerated Master’s Program during their sophomore or junior year, depending on their plan of study. As a dual-listed student, you'll be able to take graduate-level courses that count toward both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees, allowing you to fast-track your education and earn both degrees in just five years. This program is designed for high-achieving students who want to graduate a year earlier, saving time and tuition costs while gaining a competitive advantage in your field. With personalized academic support and a seamless transition into graduate coursework, you’ll be well-prepared to enter the workforce with a master’s degree in hand—one full year ahead of your peers. Take the next step in your academic journey and apply today!

 

Sports Performance and Leadership Master's Degree

 

The Sports Sciences Department highly values experiential learning at Northern State University as it offers numerous benefits beyond the traditional classroom setting. Encouraging you to engage in hands-on experiences actively fosters a deeper understanding of the subject, as well as critical thinking and practical skills application. Northern State University offers experiential learning in various forms, exemplified by partnerships with esteemed organizations such as the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the South Dakota Special Olympics, and the Northern State Athletics Department. These collaborations allow you to work directly with diverse populations, honing your empathy, adaptability, and cultural competence. Additionally, you'll benefit from immersion in real-world scenarios, such as conducting research in the Nora Evert Staale Human Performance and Sports Biomechanics Lab and the Digital Arts Green Screen Lab, where you can apply theoretical knowledge to solve practical problems. Through experiential learning, Northern State University ultimately empowers you to become a versatile professional equipped with the skills and insights needed to excel in your chosen fields and make meaningful contributions to society

Hands-On Learning

Our mission at Northern University is to provide our students with hands-on learning and real-world application opportunities. For students majoring in Sports Sciences, completing at least three hundred hours of field experience is mandatory. We offer various internship opportunities to students, where they can gain practical experience in their preferred field. The internships provide exposure to different areas, such as collegiate athletics, physical therapy, and semi-professional sports teams. Our athletics department provides internships in coaching, game-day operations, and sports marketing/statistics. In Aberdeen, the Avera Human Performance Center offers internships that cater to various populations, including high school teams and rehabilitation patients. Additionally, the Aberdeen Wings, a semi-professional hockey team, offers internships in both sports performance and management.

Get Involved on Campus

Build skills outside the classroom and get involved with the Aberdeen community with clubs and organizations.

 

Student Involvement and Leadership