Sports Management
Learn the business behind the sports industry.
Build a foundation in business and the backstage world of sports, with close access to Southern California’s finest teams and corporations.
Kickoff your career
In the sports management program, you’ll explore principles of business, communication, marketing, and the ins and outs of the multi-billion dollar sports enterprise to apply these skills to a career in one of many booming job sectors.
Through our curriculum developed in partnership with professionals from organizations such as the Los Angeles Rams and the LA Galaxy, you’ll take classes in a variety of disciplines to approach sports from different angles and explore its sociology, economics and more. Hands-on learning experiences will prepare you to develop financial, marketing, and other strategies as a sports management professional.
Get support from our advisory team
Our program is backed by a robust advisory board of professionals who are eager to identify student needs and opportunities to succeed in the sports industry. They represent organizations including the U.S. Olympics, the LA Kings and various sports agencies, providing a range of perspectives and resources.
Create your personal schedule
From day one you’ll be on track towards graduation with a yearly plan. You won’t have to worry about what classes to take — we’ll help you create the perfect schedule with an academic plan that suits your personal journey.
Steven Dorfman Scholarship
Covering 75-100% of tuition, the Steven Dorfman Scholarship is awarded to selected admitted students for majors within the School of Management.
At a Glance
Degree Type
Bachelor of Science
Department
School/College
College of Arts and Science
Next Steps
Interested in this major? Here's what you can do next:
With challenging and relevant courses, outstanding faculty, small class sizes, and an emphasis on hands-on learning, the sports management program will position you to succeed in your chosen career.
Program Details
Find out what it takes to earn a degree in sports management and explore the courses.
Highlighted Courses
Get familiar with some of the courses you might take in this major.
SPMG 322: Ethical & Legal Aspects of Sports
This course provides an extensive overview of legal principles and ethical issues in sport. This course introduces the different fields of law and issues (Federal Amendment, torts, contracts, labor relations) as they relate to sport. In addition, this course examines the basic philosophical issues concerning ethics and moral reasoning and how these issues relate to sport. Furthermore, this course is designed to help future sport administrators develop an ethical decision making process.
See descriptionSPMG 347: Introduction to Sports Management
Themes include the impact of the legal process on sport, how the price and market system, income and employment affect the sport enterprise, effects of marketing and promotion on the economic well-being of the organization, and an overview of the total responsibilities of the sport administrator, including planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling the sports enterprise.
See descriptionSPMG 411: Sport Analytics and Research Methods
The class will discuss the theory, development, and application of analytics in sports. Students will learn about the application of analytics in sports for purposes of in-game strategy, player performance, team management, sports operations, and fantasy competitions, among many other topics.
See descriptionSPMG 417: Sports Facilities, Design and Management
Investigates the design and planning processes inherent in developing sustainable supporting facilities for organized sports at multiple levels including recreational, secondary school, post secondary, and professional venues. Includes investigation of components including playing fields and courts, site selection and development phases, facilities operation, safety and risk management, and development of contributing areas.
See descriptionSPMG 488: The Business of Sports
This course offers a selective examination of various aspects of the business of sport. Themes include tensions between amateurism and professionalism, strategies for developing athletic talent, the globalization of sports, the interaction of business and politics in sport, sports communication technologies, funding and design of sports facilities, and issues of race and gender.
See descriptionSPMG 497: Capstone
The Sport Management Capstone Course focuses on the process, production, and presentation of an applied research/data-based project for a property, cause, issue, or event concerning some issue regarding the management of sport.
See description4+1 Option: Fast Track Your Graduate Degree
Add further value to your degree by choosing the 4+1 Option, which gives you a head start on earning a related graduate degree. With 4+1, you’ll be able to take graduate-level courses as part of your undergraduate curriculum. After graduation, you’ll only need one additional year to complete your degree at Cal Lutheran — saving you both time and money.
Recommended Minors
Want to add even more value to your degree? Consider one of these minors to gain a unique combination of skills and perspectives.
Assistant Professor, Economics
Professor and Program Director of Business Administration
Assistant Professor and Director of Sports Management Program
Senior Lecturer, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship
Lecturer, School of Management
We offer hands-on opportunities that give you the freedom to explore your passion through real-world work and prepare for a fulfilling career.
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Student Clubs
Our School of Management offers many clubs and associations to help you meet professionals, learn more about the industry, and have fun at events.
- Accounting Association
- American Marketing Association
- Business of Sports Club
- Delta Sigma Pi
- Investment Club
- PIHRA, Human Resources Club
- StartupCLU
- Women in Business
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School of Management Events
Throughout the year you can attend events that create opportunities to learn about new ideas and forge new relationships within a powerful and lively business community.
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Practice With the Pros
California holds the largest share of sports-related jobs nationwide. With close proximity to the Los Angeles sports hub, you’ll have access to a network of teams and organizations eager to provide internships that can help enhance your skills, find your niche, build your resume, and even help connect you with your first job after college.
I chose to be a sports management major because of my love for sports. After graduating in May, I will be moving to Orlando, Florida to work for the top junior golf organization. I wouldn’t say I have an exact path yet for my future, but I have learned in college that not having a path is just fine.
Conor Cline '23
Sports Management Major
California holds the largest share of sports-related jobs nationwide. With close proximity to the Los Angeles sports hub, you’ll have access to a network of teams and organizations eager to provide internship and career opportunities. Our alumni have gone to work for the Los Angeles Chargers, the Los Angeles Kings and other competitive employers.
Potential Careers
Media Technical Directors/Managers
Coordinate activities of technical departments, such as taping, editing, engineering, and maintenance, to produce radio or television programs.
See descriptionManagement Analysts
Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.
See descriptionAgents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes
Represent and promote artists, performers, and athletes in dealings with current or prospective employers. May handle contract negotiation and other business matters for clients.
See descriptionEntertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling
Plan, direct, or coordinate entertainment and recreational activities and operations of a recreational facility, including cruise ships and parks.
See descriptionAdvertising and Promotions Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or giveaways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis.
See descriptionMarketing Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm's customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.
See descriptionFacilities Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate operations and functionalities of facilities and buildings. May include surrounding grounds or multiple facilities of an organization's campus.
See descriptionLooking for more career paths? Search these related areas to discover more options.
Employers
Graduates from this major have gone to work at:
- College & University Athletics
- Los Angeles Clippers
- Los Angeles Kings
- Los Angeles Rams
- Major League Baseball
- Ontario Reign
- San Francisco 49ers
- Special Olympics
- U.S. Olympics
Graduate Schools
Our alumni have pursued advanced degrees at:
- California State University, Long Beach
- Grand Canyon University
This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Some occupations listed above may require a related graduate degree.
How We Prepare You for Success
We have 20,000+ employer contacts for jobs and internships, with over 200 listings posted each week.
Our excellent career counselors in the Career Services center will get in touch with you during your very first term on campus. They offer over 50 workshops each year on resume writing, interviewing, salary negotiations, applying to graduate schools, and other critical skills to help you begin your career successfully.
After you graduate from Cal Lutheran, you receive free access to Career Services for life, as a valued member of our alumni family.
of Cal Lutheran graduates find a job or enroll in graduate school within nine months
We work with students and families to make sure everyone who is admitted to Cal Lutheran can afford it.
Tuition & Fees
You and your family might have questions about how you’ll cover the costs of college. We can tell you this — it costs less than you think.
Scholarships & Grants
We offer a range of awards based on academic merit and financial need. This is money that does not need to be repaid.
Financial Aid
If you're new to the financial aid process, you probably have a lot of questions. But don't worry — we're here to help guide you all the way.
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