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.
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.
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
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.
Belmont Sport Administration Club: This group of students provides opportunities for professional growth, development, and networking in the sports industry. All majors are welcome!
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.
Outcomes & Alumni Success
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
Rachel Boorse
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.”
Austin Smalling
Sports Administration
"Belmont University has given me an amazing opportunity during my years here. The Sport Administration department has allowed me to further connections throughout Nashville and given me a chance to break into the world of college athletics. From studying abroad to my internships, the chances to learn and grow have been endless here at Belmont. You are in the best city in the world and surrounded by the best professors. Professors that will continuously invest in you want to see you succeed. Belmont has allowed me to grow professionally, spiritually, and mentally. I will always be grateful for the amazing connections I have made here at Belmont."
Emma Sneed
Sport Administration
Sports Operations, Missouri Valley Conference
"The Sport Administration program here at Belmont is truly special and one of a kind. The professors are some of the best I've had, and I've even traveled to two countries with them for study abroad! Our professors are extremely well-connected in the Tennessee sport world and are always willing to help you get more experience and internships. I have been able to have so many impactful and beneficial opportunities to help me with my future career in sports through this program."
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:
- Sports Manager
- Event Operations
- Sponsorships
- Sports Finance
- Communications
- Sports Marketing
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.
Chris Barnhill
Email: chris.barnhill@belmont.edu
Office Location: Curb Event Center Industry Suite M 305
Robbie Matz
Email: robbie.matz@belmont.edu
Office Location: Curb Event Center Industry Suite 307
Kristi Oshiro
Email: kristi.oshiro@belmont.edu
Office Location: Curb Event Center Industry Suite 306
Stephen Hankil Shin
Email: stephen.shin@belmont.edu
Office Location: Curb Event Center Industry Suite 304
From Belmont to the Olympics!
Belmont's Sport Administration program leads students to a variety of real world opportunities.
Junior Sabrina Oostburg capitalizes on these connections and was able to spend two weeks working at the 2024 Olympic Games!
Contact Us
Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business
Natalie Peterson
Admissions Coordinator
615.460.6453
Email Natalie