What Are the Differences and Similarities Between a Sports Management Degree and a Business Degree?

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For sports fans with an interest in business, it’s important to understand the differences and similarities between a sports management degree and a business degree. An education in sports management can prepare you for a number of roles handling the business side of sports events and organizations. However, its narrow focus might not make the path the best choice for students who aren’t sure working in the sports industry is their long-term career goal.

Job Prospects

There are many differences and similarities between a sports management degree and a business degree. One of the main differences is the career opportunities available to candidates who hold these degrees.

According to the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE), sports management professionals find work in a variety of employment environments. Some of the most popular workplaces include:

sports marketing firms
sports news and media outlets
advertising firms
stadiums and arenas
sporting goods firms
professional, college and amateur athletic organizations

Students who choose a general business administration educational path may also put their skills to use in an environment related to athletics. However, without the specialized knowledge their counterparts in sports management programs have, they might have a hard time standing out from the competition when trying to attain a sought-after position. On the other hand, spending more of their time studying a wide range of business topics means that these candidates aren’t pigeonholed into one single industry. Their education is versatile enough to allow for a broader variety of career paths.

Subjects of Study

When it comes to curriculum, there are both differences and similarities between a sports management degree and a business degree. Sports management professionals handle tasks like:

organizing
planning
budgeting
directing
leading
controlling
evaluating

All of these are business skills students can begin learning by taking introductory through advanced courses in many business concentrations. Real-world training is valuable, so many programs encourage students to complete internships.

Of course, there are differences as well as similarities between a sports management degree and a business degree’s coursework. Sports management students take foundational business courses and often complete general business core requirements. They also take specialized classes. These courses often include:

sport facility design and management
accounting fundamentals and financial statements for sports managers
sports marketing
sports laws and ethics
sport finance
sport marketing
sport finance
sport communication

A sports management degree program is the perfect fit for some business-minded students, but it’s not the right choice for every student or every sports fan.

When deciding what school to attend and what major to declare, you should consider the differences and similarities between a sports management degree and a business degree. This includes coursework and career prospects.

Related Resources:

What Are the Differences and Similarities Between a Sports Management Degree and a Business Degree?

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Job Prospects

Subjects of Study

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