Program Overview

Program Course Delivery
Sport and Recreation Management - Major On-Campus & Online
Sport and Recreation Management - Minor On-Campus & Online
Sport and Recreation Management - Certificate On-Campus & Online

Online program details

Explore the sport and recreation management program

What really drives you? For some, it’s being fully immersed in sports and opportunities in recreation. For others, life after the game is the game. A career in coaching, facilities management, or sports marketing and promotion are a calling, a lifestyle that embraces the glory of sport and the health and wellness benefits of recreation - or a combination of both. Whatever drives you, the vastness of career paths in sports and recreation is worth the pursuit. From professional leagues to the community programs, your future in one of the most captivating industries worldwide is waiting.

Sport and Recreation Management is a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. 

Sport and Recreation Management Major

Two students in the weight room in the Wellness Center

The sport and recreation management program gives students the opportunity to develop knowledge and expertise in sport and recreation with an orientation toward management. It is employment-oriented, designed around active learning and responsive teaching, and technology-driven, focused on communication and human relations.

Program graduates will be able to manage, assist in the management of, or find employment in sport and recreation organizations. Career opportunities include positions in professional sport franchises, sport and recreation facilities, participative sport event management, spectator sport event management, licensed athletic apparel companies, corporate fitness programs, college and university athletic departments, park and tourist attraction sites, community centers, senior centers, health clubs, sport and recreation camps, clinics, and seminars.

After completing the program, graduates will:

  • Skilled in general business disciplines (i.e. management, marketing, finance) as related to sport and recreation management;
  • Hone skills in written and oral communication that relate to the sport and recreation industry;
  • Ability to apply industry-specific technological tools and operating procedures for sport and recreation; 
  • Team building skills and the ability to work in groups.

Sport and Recreation Management Major Courses

Sport and Recreation Management Minor

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Coursework in this minor covers many different aspects of sport and recreation management, including management and marketing as it relates to the sport industry, sport ethics, leadership, facility management, event planning, sport communication, psychological, and sociological aspects of sport.

Sport and Recreation Management Minor Courses

Sport and Recreation Management Certificate 

Coursework in this certificate covers many different aspects of sport and recreation management, including management and marketing as it relates to the sport industry, sport ethics, leadership, facility management, event planning, sport communication, psychological, and sociological aspects of sport.

Sport and Recreation Management Certificate Courses

Interview with sports & recreation management and finance double major, Connor Humble, about his journey at U of M Crookston.

Program Description

  • Your knowledge of sport marketing, facility management, and athletics administration will make you an all-star in the front office or down on the field.
  • Learn from real-world scenarios happening right now in the sports industry.
  • Endless career opportunities at any level.
  • Spend an internship with your favorite sports team.
  • Gain experience in areas of finance, management, and marketing.
  • Become career-ready through real-world experience.
  • Pairs well with a coaching minor.

Awards & Accreditation 

This sport management degree program has been granted Candidacy Status by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA), located in Fort Collins, CO, USA. Candidacy Status is not an accredited status, but a step toward seeking accreditation by COSMA. Additional information is available at COSMA Profile Data.

Student Experiences

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Two students having a conversation while looking at a laptop
A women smiling while glancing outside of the window.
Two female students smiling while looking at a laptop screen
Image of a basketball gym.

Average Cost After Aid

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$13,436

Average amount of grants & scholarships received (2022-2023 data)

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$12,894

Average net price after grants &
scholarships (2021-2022 data)

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$22,883

Average TOTAL student loan debt after
graduation (2022-2023)

Scholarship and Funding Options

The University of Minnesota Crookston provides quick and easy access to over $1 million worth of scholarship opportunities for new and returning students!

Your Future Professors

Josh Lunak
Academic Advisor, Head Coach - Women's Tennis
Eddie Walker II
Associate Professor, Honors Program Coordinator

What is Campus Life Like?

Residential Life

University of Minnesota Crookston's residence halls are ranked #1 public college dorms in Minnesota by Niche. The residential halls are clean, safe, spacious and modern. There is a mix of traditional style rooms, suites, and apartments available on-campus which include amenities such as ensuite bathrooms, walk-closets, and full size kitchens with all major appliances. There are also beautiful common spaces in every residential building that are great places to hangout, play games, study, or relax. Schedule a tour to see for yourself why they're ranked #1!

A women getting food at a salad bar.
Server handing stacked takeout boxes to a customer at a counter.
Collage of all the to-go options available at the Eagle's Nest
Person holding a Caribou pink refresher outside Sargeant Student Center with beautiful fall colors in the background
A male and female students sitting in a booth outside Regal's grill with their burgers and sandwiches, fries and laptops talking
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Student Stories

Connor Humble talking during his interview

Humble Has Career Lined Up as Ending is in Sight to Prolific Academic and Athletic Career at U of M Crookston

Current U of M Crookston student-athlete Connor Humble, a name journalists can only dream about, was kind enough to share his experience as a Golden Eagle and just how his degree landed him his dream job.