Sports and Recreation Management Schools

Considering a Career in Sports and Recreation Management?

Are you outgoing, enjoy motivating people, have interest in physical activities and manage others well? Sports and Recreation Management could be the right career for you! Graduates in Sports and Recreation Management will be well acquainted with the sport industry, be highly trained in various theories of management, and exhibit college-level communication skills. A Sports and Recreation Management Program will prepare you for managerial positions in the sports and recreation industry, including: fitness clubs, intramural and recreational sports, athletics equipment merchandising, athletic directors at colleges and universities, recreation programs, and even professional sports management. When you complete your degree, you will have what you need to begin a rewarding career in Sports and Recreation Management.

Average Length of Program

A Sports and Recreation Management Degree Program can vary in length from 4 years for a bachelor’s degree to 6 if you choose to extend it with a Masters degree. Degrees are available both on-line and locally. Investigating programs you think focus on the aspect you want to specialize in is key. Programs differ dramatically and need to be compared to be sure you get the right one for your career goals. No matter the program, students can expect to graduate as business savvy, industry knowledgeable professionals.

Opportunities in the Work Force

Factors such as personal experience, location, and whom you know are likely to affect what type of organization you ultimately work for. The successful completion of a Sports and Recreation Management Program will allow for career opportunities working all over the globe. Program graduates are prepared to face the rigorous demands of management and coordination of finances, promotion, labor relations and negotiation, broadcast relations and revenue strategies as well as understanding natural resources and psychological aspects of management. Sports and Recreation Management graduates are trained leaders who have knowledge, skills and commitment to bring to the table.

Costs and Potential Salary

Sports and Recreation Management Programs can cost between $18,000 and $30,000 a year - depending upon the length of the program if it is local or on-line, and the resulting degree or certification. In 2011, the average salary of people with degrees in recreation management typically began at $36,000 for entry-level positions; $40,000 for middle-management positions; and $62,000 or more for owner or director positions. The BLS claims overall employment of recreation workers -- not just those with recreation management degrees -- will increase by 15% between 2008 and 2018. The BLS also reports that competition for career positions in recreation is high. Holders of Masters degrees typically tend to have more opportunities for supervisory or administrative positions. Top states for Sports and Recreation Management and similar positions are California, New York, Florida, Illinois and Tennessee.

Why Sports and Recreation Management?

This is an up and coming career with lucrative pay and exciting experiences available to its graduates. Employers are looking for trained and knowledgeable experts with a background in management who will understand the business of sports and recreation, and promote their client or facility. By completing a Sports and Recreation Management Program, you will enter this exciting field with an understanding of the management business and what it takes to succeed in maximizing your career in the Sports and Recreation industry.