Sport Administration, BA/BS

Why Major in Sport Administration?

Whether you're a dedicated athlete, an enthusiast or simply someone who loves the game, a major in Sport Administration could be your ticket to an exhilarating and fulfilling career. At Belmont, we believe in learning by doing. Our program combines classroom learning with practical experience, ensuring that you graduate with the hands-on skills required to succeed in your dream sports career. Whether it's through internships, projects or collaborations with local sports organizations, you'll be well-prepared for the challenges of the industry.

Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, featuring a large banner that reads 'Welcome to Smashville' with images of Nashville Predators hockey players in yellow jerseys.

Nashville: A Thriving Sports Hub

Nashville, Tennessee, is a thriving sports hub, offering incredible opportunities for Sport Administration students to gain real-world experience. Home to major teams like the Tennessee Titans (NFL), Nashville Predators (NHL), Nashville SC (MLS) and the Nashville Sounds (Minor League Baseball) — not to mention our 17 NCAA Division I Belmont Athletic teams — the city provides a dynamic environment for sports enthusiasts. Whether it's internships with professional teams, networking at major events, or learning from industry leaders in one of the fastest-growing sports markets, Nashville is the perfect place to kick-start your career in sports. At Belmont, you'll be at the center of it all, combining classroom knowledge with hands-on experience in Music City’s vibrant sports scene.

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The Future of Entertainment lives at Belmont

Sport Administration is part of Belmont’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business, where students studying fields across the entertainment ecosystem come together. You'll have opportunities to work alongside students in music business, media production, journalism and more—just like you will in the real world of sports and entertainment.

Whether it's teaming up with media production students to create highlight reels, assisting with live event operations, or collaborating with future journalists covering sporting events, you'll gain hands-on experience while building connections with peers and industry professionals who will be your colleagues in the industry. This interdisciplinary approach ensures you're ready for the dynamic intersections of sports, media and entertainment.

Two individuals working at a sports event in an arena. One is seated at a table with a laptop and headset, while the other is standing nearby, wearing a credential lanyard and headset. In the background, a crowd fills the arena, with 'Home of the Bruins' displayed prominently on the wall.

What You'll Learn

Our program covers all the essential aspects of the sports industry, including sociocultural dimensions, management and leadership, ethics, communication, finance and the legal aspects of sports. You'll gain a well-rounded understanding of the field, equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this dynamic industry.

With our top-notch faculty, comprehensive curriculum and strong connections to the Nashville sports market, Belmont's Sport Administration program offers a world-class education in this exciting field. You'll be part of a supportive community that is dedicated to your success.

As a Sport Administration major, you'll learn:

Management and leadership: develop a perspective and understanding of creating effective teams.
Ethics and sociocultural dimensions of sport: understand the importance cultural influences on and off the field and how it shapes decision making in the industry
Sport finance: analyze and evaluate assets and expenses to maximize effectiveness within a sport organization.
Sport marketing: examine brands, revenue generation and consumer behavior in the sport space.
Legal Issues impacting sport: learn about how the law intersects and impacts sports and how to manage those issues in an ethical and legal manner.
Event Operations: assess how organizations put on events and create quality customer experiences
And so much more!!!

Program Details

Curriculum

The Sport Administration program prepares students to become practitioners in this unique field by engaging them in real-world experiences. Reflecting the diversity of the profession, Sport Administration is an interdisciplinary degree with elective course work in Communication Studies, Media Studies, and Public Relations, as well as core Sport Administration classes endorsed by the North American Society for Sport Management and the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation. The program provides hands-on engagement through internship and capstone experiences.

BELL core requirements: 53 hours
Major requirements: 33 hours
Sport Administration Required courses: 24 hours
Elective Courses: 9 hours
Minor requirements: 18 hours

See all program requirements

Courses You'll Take

SAM 2010. Introduction to Sport Administration
Introduction to the multiple facets of the sport industry. The knowledge gained in this course will provide a foundation for the future study of the industry.
SAM 2020. Sport in Society
This course explores the contemporary issues in sport and the impact sport has on society. Topics that will be critically analyzed include children and sport, sport and education, gender and racial issues, and deviance in sports.
SAM 3100. Legal Aspects of Sport
Introduction to important legal aspects when managing sport. The course examines common legal concepts in addition to case studies to learn from the experiences of various sport organizations in managing legal issues.
SAM 3210. Principles of Sport Finance
This course examines the financial and accounting principles and practices and their application in for-profit and nonprofit sport organizations. Topics include revenue and expenses, issues impacting revenue and expenses, budgeting methods, economic impact, and methods of funding for-profit and nonprofit sport organizations and programs.
SAM 3400. Sport Leadership
Focuses upon the leadership, legal, and governance elements of sport organizations. Topics covered in the course include leadership theory, ethical decision-making, human resource management, policy development, and budget planning.
SAM 3500. Globalization of Sport
The intent of this course is to develop student understanding of the global impact of sport. The overall objectives is to examine the ways in which sport has developed internationally and influenced culture, economics, nationalism, and social values. The class will dissect various aspects of international sports such as governing bodies, events, politics, racism, gender equality, global sport industry, media evolutions, and career opportunities. This course will give students the ability to process, analyze, and articulate the expansion of sport on a global level.
SAM 4000. Sport Administration Internship
This course allows students opportunities to experience real-life sports management situations “in the field.” Internships are cooperatively sponsored by participating partners. The course approach and content can be designed to match the needs of the sponsor with the desires of the student, as the student gets hands-on opportunities to participate in the practical application of the sports management concepts and principles studied in the classroom. Normally taken during senior year.
SAM 4030. Sport Administration Capstone
This course allows students to critically reflect on their progression through the program and coursework to this point as well as completely prepare them for professional placement in the industry. Must be taken during senior year.

Students in our program don’t sit on the sidelines, they are active participants in the thriving Nashville Sports scene. Through partnerships with organizations like the Nashville Sports Council, students get hands-on experience to contribute to events like Music City Bowl, Nashville Rock N’ Roll Marathon, SEC men’s basketball championship and the Music City Grand Prix. Students are also able to work with the many professional and collegiate sport organizations through internships, class projects and special events like the NFL and NHL Drafts. If it is sport-based and happening in Nashville, our program is connected to it.

Wanting to explore a bit farther from Nashville? Each year our program offers students the opportunity to develop an international perspective by extensive study abroad experiences focused on sport. Recent study abroad trip locations have included Germany, Italy, Spain and Portugal, just to name a few. During these experiences students are able to meet with international organizations, attend sporting events and analyze how sport is administered in other parts of the world. Belmont East and West are additional opportunities for students to “study away” in locations like New York, L.A. and Atlanta.

The Sport Administration Club is another great way students can connect and engage while on campus. This group provides students with opportunities for personal development and networking. There are so many opportunities available to our students its basically impossible not to be involved and connected while competing your degree.

For those looking to further their education, we offer a Master of Sport Administration program, allowing you to continue your journey and expand your knowledge in the sports industry.

Learn more about the program

Outcomes & Alumni Success

A group of Belmont University graduates stands in front of the Geodis Park entrance, home of Nashville SC, with the club's iconic yellow logo prominently displayed above them. Belmont University's Sport Administration program equips students with the skills and experiences necessary for successful careers in the sports industry. Our hands-on approach has led to graduates securing positions with major sports leagues, including the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB and MLS, as well as roles in intercollegiate athletics and community sports organizations. We're also proud to rank #3 nationally on the sport job site Teamworkonline in placement of our graduates in the sport industry.

We're committed to your success

Curb College's Professional Development team helps students and graduates grow their skills and networks, preparing them to enter the entertainment industry. To support this, our team offers one-on-one meetings, weekly workshops led by industry experts, off-campus networking events and hundreds of internships each semester. We serve as ambassadors and connectors for Curb College students and graduates through active involvement in the entertainment world.

It's no wonder that 95% percent of Curb College graduates are employed, pursuing continuing education or enlisted in the military within 6 months of graduation and 85% of employed graduates are in positions that align with their short or long term career goals.

Learn more about Career & Professional Development

Alumni Testimonials

Rachel Boorse

Class of 2023

Sport Administration

Communications Coordinator, NHL’s Utah Hockey Club

“While at Belmont, I got to intern with the Nashville Predators as their Digital Content Intern. I got to interview and write feature stories on players and other individuals in the organization as well as edit the website. Having a portfolio of work and the ability to use specific industry related systems definitely helped me land my current position.”

Anthony Uccello

Class of 2024

Sport Administration

Sales Associate | Nashville Predators

“The Sport Administration program provided the foundation for my success. The faculty and staff are truly dedicated to helping students achieve their goals and grow both personally and professionally The networking opportunities within this program are unmatched, and learning in one of the nation’s most dynamic sports markets was invaluable. Ultimately, I was able to secure a job before graduation with the Nashville Predators.”

Abby Berghane

Class of 2024

Sport Administration

Event Services Coordinator | Cincinnati Reds

“In the Sports Administration program, I was surrounded by a passionate, tight-knit community of peers and mentors, alongside countless career-oriented opportunities through real-world case studies, social clubs, and internships in Nashville, Orlando, and New York City. My time at Belmont gave me the self-confidence, industry experience, and lifelong connections that have shaped my career in professional sports.”

Career Possibilities

A major or minor in Sport Administration opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities in the sports world. Whether you aspire to be a sports manager, event coordinator, marketing specialist or work in sports finance, our program provides a solid foundation for your chosen path. Possible career paths include:

Assist with in-game social media posting/monitoring in conjunction with other game day responsibilities as well as maintaining internal planning calendars to ensure a constant supply of relevant content across platforms. Monitor social channels and engage with customers to resolve customer service issues and create positive PR opportunities.

Responsible for assisting the day-to-day Corporate Partnerships Activation efforts as well as assisting the New Business efforts with prospecting and administrative items. Be part of the activation team to ensure partnerships needs and goals are accomplished.

Lead and support day-to-day stadium operations and ensure seamless execution of events and games. This position plays an integral role in delivering an exceptional experience for fans, players and staff.

Individual is responsible for helping achieve overall ticket sales and attendance goals. Responsible for ticket sales revenue and game day box office operations, cash control, event management and third-party vendor relations.

Learn from the Best

Belmont's Sport Administration are industry professionals with extensive experience across various sectors of the sports industry. This diverse expertise enables them to provide students with practical insights and real-world applications, enriching the learning experience through engaging storytelling and mentorship.