Wayne State College in Nebraska is continually recognized as one of the best colleges for a sport management degree.
About the Sport Management Degree Program
The popularity of sports is in full force in today’s culture. But sports is more than just the game. The world of sports and athletics is made up of not just the teams, but also the event facilities, support staff and trainers, fans, marketing, sports information, ticketing and operations, and media relations. All of these things contribute to success in sports – and need managers to guide such success. With a Sport Management degree from Wayne State, you’ll be prepared to take on any career related to athletics and sporting events. You’ll get to understand the ins and outs of athletics, how to build a fan base, and how to manage an event facility. You’ll understand the needs of athletes and teams and how best to meet those needs. If you have a passion for anything sports-related, a sport management degree from Wayne State is the right choice for you.
Percent of recent WSC graduates employed or in graduate school
based on the most recent graduate survey
Fast Facts
Degrees offered: B.A. or B.S. in Sport Management
Hours required:
For major: 57
General education: 30
To graduate from WSC: 120
Popular pairings: Marketing, Organizational Leadership and Public Relations
Popular minors: Journalism, Online Media, Business Administration, Electronic Media
School: Science, Health, and Criminal Justice
Department: Health, Human Performance, and Sport
Nationally Ranked Program
No. 4 in the U.S.
Best College for Sport Management, 2018-19
Schools.com
Best College for Sport Management, 2018-19
No. 4 in the U.S.
Schools.com
The sport management program at Wayne State College earned fourth place among all colleges and universities in the U.S. for 2018-2019. Students who love the business side of athletics often pursue degree in sports management. These programs can lead to many career possibilities in the field of sports and athletics, including working as an account manager for the National Football League or an entry-level position with one of country's powerhouse sports talent management firms.
Schools.com created rankings using a unique methodology that blends a wider range of data provided by the National Center for Education Statistics. Criteria used in ranking the top sports management programs included tuition and fees, graduation rate, accessibility, student-to-faculty ratio, size of the program, and more.
Learn more about our sport management degree
Recognized for Excellence
Best Colleges of Distinction, 2022-23
Colleges of Distinction
Best Colleges of Distinction, 2022-23
Recognized for Excellence
Colleges of Distinction
Wayne State College has been named as a College of Distinction. Colleges of Distinction honors and recognizes the hundreds of smaller, teaching-centered colleges that make up the fabric of the American educational system, schools that deliver well four overarching distinctions — Engagement, Teaching, Community, and Outcomes — which are the fundamental elements of an effective undergraduate education.
To be designated a “college of distinction,” a school’s curriculum must emphasize such core competencies as critical thinking, writing, oral skills, research, and global perspectives. They must also offer dynamic out-of-classroom learning and study abroad programs. The process is objective, in-depth, and qualitative; however, quantitative data such as class-size statistics, faculty-to-student ratio, plus retention and four-year graduation rates are also taken into account.
Scholarships and Aid
In addition to having the region’s most affordable tuition, we offer thousands of dollars in scholarships every year. Learn more about scholarships and aid for your sport management degree.
Our Focus is Results
Wayne State has the keys to your success and offers just what you need to become well prepared for the real world in the sport management degree program.
Skills Learned
- Sports and event management
- Sports marketing and promotion
- Law and ethics in sport management
- Facility management
- Media and public relations
- Introductory accounting
- Leadership and organization
- Social skills
- Oral and written communication
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
Possible Careers
- Athletic director
- Athletic counselor
- Sports broadcaster
- Sports information director
- Box office manager
- Event coordinator
- Sports facility / stadium director
- Sports marketing manager
- Tournament coordinator
- Wellness center director
- Equipment manager
Employers
- Professional sports teams and leagues
- Youth sports teams and leagues
- Colleges and universities
- Community wellness centers
- Radio or television networks
- Sporting goods stores
- Sports facilities and venues
- Equipment manufacturing companies
- Event and promotion companies
- Self-employment
- Sport governing bodies
Learn From the Best
Our faculty are accomplished. Several are highly regarded as experts and have been recognized with notable honors and awards. And with a low student-to-faculty ratio, you'll be sure to receive an excellent education in the sport management degree program.
Outside the Classroom
At Wayne State College, you’ll have opportunities to enhance your education by participating in clubs, organizations, activities, and more.
Clubs and Organizations
Service-Learning
Make a difference in the community while learning skills you can apply toward your future career. Volunteer at the Summit League Conference Basketball Tournament, the NAIA Women’s Basketball Tournament, and work as a member of the event staff for any of Wayne State’s athletic events. Additional community service opportunities exist through Wayne State’s Service-Learning program, which has received national awards in recognition of outstanding community service.
Opportunities
- Competitions and tours – Travel to Boston, Indianapolis, and other major cities to present your work in case study competitions sponsored by the Sport Marketing Association. Other opportunities include tours of local and regional sport club facilities.
- American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Convention – Watch and learn coaching and leadership skills from the pros. Wayne State College is the only college in the nation that provides student staff workers to the largest gathering of volleyball coaches in the country.
- Recognition – Each year, the department awards and recognizes one student from each of the HHPS majors for their achievements.
- Study Abroad - Earn credit toward your degree while experiencing exciting global adventures overseas.
Internships
Before graduating with your degree in sport management, you will complete an internship in order to gain practical work experience in this field. Career Services is available to help you find the best internship opportunities.