Bachelor of Arts in Sports Administration

The BA in Sports Administration at STU offers a blend of liberal arts, business, and sports-specific courses, preparing students for leadership roles in the sports industry.

Program Overview

In 1972, St. Thomas University pioneered the first undergraduate Sports Administration program in the nation. This BA program combines business principles with sports administration, equipping students with the skills needed to excel in management positions across professional sports teams, college athletics, sports media, and more. The curriculum includes economics, marketing, law, and psychology, supported by opportunities to network with industry professionals and gain hands-on experience through internships. The program requires 120 credit hours, including 33 hours of major-specific courses. Along with our BA, we also offer a BBA in Sports Administration.

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100%

of students receive experiential learning in the sports industry

85%

of graduates secure employment in the sports industry within one year

30%

of alumni work for Fortune 500 sports organizations

Specializations

The BA in Sports Administration degree program that prepares students for diverse career paths in the sports industry. To further specialize their expertise, students can choose from focused tracks that align with key industries and career paths.

Coaching Leadership

A Coaching Leadership specialization focuses on developing the skills and knowledge needed to lead athletes and teams effectively, both on and off the field. This specialization combines principles of coaching, leadership theory, sports psychology, ethics, team dynamics, and athlete development. Students learn how to motivate, mentor, and manage athletes while also understanding the business and administrative side of sports programs. Graduates are well-prepared for careers as coaches, athletic program directors, team managers, or sports development professionals in school, collegiate, or professional sports settings.

E-Sports Management

An E-Sports Management specialization prepares students for leadership roles in the world of competitive gaming. This specialization blends traditional sports management principles with the unique aspects of the e-sports industry, including event planning, team and league operations, digital marketing, streaming, sponsorship, and game-specific branding. Students gain insights into the business side, learning how to manage teams, organize tournaments, build fan engagement, and navigate the digital media landscape. Graduates are equipped for careers as e-sports team managers, event coordinators, marketing specialists, content creators, or executives in gaming organizations and leagues.

Entertainment, Leisure, and Tourism

An Entertainment, Leisure, and Tourism specialization focuses on the business and management side of experiences that bring people together through recreation, travel, and live events. This specialization equips students with skills in event planning, destination marketing, guest services, facility and attraction management, and tourism operations. Students explore how to create, promote, and manage memorable leisure experiences in settings like theme parks, resorts, concert venues, cruise lines, and sporting events. Graduates are prepared for careers in hospitality management, tourism marketing, event coordination, and entertainment venue operations.

General Sports Administration

A General Sports Administration specialization provides a broad-based education in the leadership, business, and operational aspects of the sports industry. This specialization covers areas such as sports marketing, facility and event management, athletic administration, finance, law, and organizational leadership. It is designed for students who want flexibility in their career path, offering a strong foundation to work in professional, collegiate, amateur, or community sports settings. Graduates are well-prepared for roles such as athletic director, sports operations coordinator, team manager, or front office executive.

Sports Media and Communications

A Sports Media and Communications specialization focuses on the relationship between sports and the media. Students learn how to create and manage content across digital, print, and broadcast platforms, while building skills in public relations, journalism, social media strategy, branding, and sports reporting. This specialization prepares students to shape the public image of athletes, teams, and organizations, tell compelling sports stories, and engage fans through evolving media channels. Graduates are equipped for careers as sports broadcasters, media relations specialists, content creators, social media managers, or communication directors in the sports industry.

Career Landscape

Graduates of the BA in Sports Administration program can pursue careers in various sectors, including professional sports teams, college athletics, sports media, marketing, and event and facilities management. Opportunities exist in organizations such as the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, MLS, and NCAA, where roles range from Athletic Director to Sports Marketing Manager. The program’s strong alumni network includes leaders in major sports franchises, enhancing career prospects.

In the Classroom

The program offers a dynamic blend of learning experiences, including immersive simulations and hands-on volunteer and co-curricular activities. Students have the opportunity to work on special projects with employers and industry executives, gaining valuable real-world insights. They also participate in mock sports trials, negotiations, and debates, which help to refine their skills and prepare them for various professional scenarios.

Ready to turn your passion for sports into an exciting career?

Apply now to join the nation’s first Sports Administration program and take the first step toward becoming a leader in the sports industry.

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Sports Administration Fast Facts

First In the Nation
STU pioneered the first undergraduate Sports Administration program in 1972.
Networking Opportunities
Thanks to the incredible sports administration alumni base, students hear and connect from top industry executives and speakers.
Career Growth & Potential
Alumni hold leadership positions in major sports franchises across the world.
Internship Opportunities
Internships are integral, providing hands-on experience in top sports organizations.

For more information or to begin your enrollment in the BA in Sports Administration program at STU, please contact our admissions office. Our advisors are ready to assist you.

Admissions
16401 NW 37th Avenue
Miami Gardens, FL 33054
Call or Text: 305-563-8792
Email: admissions@stu.edu

Bachelor of Arts in Sports Administration

Program Overview

Specializations

Career Landscape

In the Classroom

Ready to turn your passion for sports into an exciting career?

Sports Administration Fast Facts

First In the Nation

Networking Opportunities

Career Growth & Potential

Internship Opportunities

Contact

Reach out

Information

Compliance