Ball State University offers a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science in sport administration through the School of Kinesiology in the College of Health.
Why choose a sport administration degree?
- Hands-on experiential learning through athletic events, sales projects, community programs, event planning, and partnerships with sport organizations.
- Real-world industry experience with organizations such as Ball State Athletics, the Fort Wayne TinCaps, Albany Golf Club, Muncie ICE League, and Chase Charlie Races (opportunities vary).
- Business-focused curriculum with a required business-related minor Foundations of Business Foundations of Management Marketing Professional Selling or approved second major to strengthen leadership and management skills.
- Professional development opportunities through student organizations (Sport Administration Association, Women in Sport Business), alumni mentoring, guest speakers, volunteering, career fairs, networking, and leadership activities.
- Practical event management experience developing skills in planning, promotions, ticket and sponsorship sales, budgeting, logistics, teamwork, and customer service.
- Internship opportunities that provide professional experience and prepare students for careers in the sport industry.
What you’ll study as a sport administration major
Sport administration coursework includes:
- financial accounting
- business law
- organizational management
- technology applications in sport
- sport facilities
- revenue generation
- sport law and governance
- sport marketing and finance
- sport communication
- international sport
For a full list and specific coursework requirements visit the course catalog or speak with an academic advisor.
View Sport Administration Courses
What career options are available for sport administration students?
Depending on their experience, interests, location, and additional qualifications, graduates may pursue roles such as:
- athletic operations assistant
- event coordinator
- game-day operations assistant
- ticket sales representative
- sponsorship sales assistant
- marketing coordinator
- community relations assistant
- facility operations assistant
- recreation program coordinator
- athletics communications assistant
- development assistant
- volunteer coordinator
Potential employment settings include collegiate athletics, professional sport, parks and recreation, events, venues, marketing agencies, nonprofit organizations, youth programs, entertainment, and sporting-goods businesses.
Advanced positions and professional designations may require additional education, experience, examinations, or licensure. This list is not comprehensive, if you don't see your preferred profession in this list speak with a faculty member or an academic advisor about career opportunities.
Graduate Study
The master of arts in Sport Administration and the master of science in Sport Administration are optional graduate program paths for students.
Qualified undergraduates may also apply to the Accelerated Master’s Program. Admission to any graduate option is separate from completion of the bachelor’s degree.
On top of the dozens of funding options offered through Ball State’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, our department awards scholarships to our own students. Find a scholarship.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Sport Administration degree combines business, leadership, and hands-on experience to prepare students for careers behind the scenes, helping sports organizations, teams, and events succeed.
Skills you could learn include:
- Event planning and operations
- Leadership and team management
- Marketing and promotion
- Sales and sponsorship development
- Budgeting and financial management
- Communication and public relations
- Customer service and fan engagement
- Problem-solving and decision-making
- Business strategy
- Project management
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Take the Next Step
If you’d like to learn more about our Sport Administration Major, please contact us. Or one of the best ways to get a true feel for Ball State is to see it for yourself, so schedule a visit today! And if you’re ready to apply, review our admission requirements and complete our online application.