Sports and Fitness Management—BS

Your Game Plan Starts Here

If you have a passion for sports or fitness—or both—a Bachelor of Science in Sports and Fitness Management is a good call on your part. At Michigan Tech, you will determine the direction of your degree based on your own professional interests.

Whether your goal is to work one-on-one with people to maintain a healthy lifestyle and achieve personal wellness goals, to manage fitness programs or facilities, to coach athletes, or to promote sporting events or teams, we will help you to create a winning career.

A Scientific Spin on a Practical Degree

In our degree program, there is no need to choose between the disciplines of business and science. You will gain a strong grounding in both the business of sports/fitness and the science of human movement, physiology, and more. As a sports and fitness management major, you will complete diverse course work spanning topics in:

  • Kinesiology
  • Accounting
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics

Plus, your sports and fitness management degree from Michigan Tech will prepare you for graduate programs like a Master of Business Administration or a sports- or fitness-oriented master’s degree such as Master of Sport Leadership.

  • 19%
    job growth for fitness trainers and instructors
  • 20%
    job growth for coaches and scouts
  • 13%
    job growth for in sports and entertainment

Tomorrow Needs Sports and Fitness Management Pros

The sports and fitness industry is experiencing significant growth and is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. Individuals are seeking ways to stay fit and maintain good health, leading to increased participation in sports, gym memberships, and fitness programs and technology. Increased participation in competitive sports and sports tourism is fueling growth in sports infrastructure and facilities, event management, coaches, and others involved in managing and supporting sports teams and organizations. A degree in sports and fitness management from Michigan Tech opens doors. You will gain a strong grounding in both the business of sports/fitness and the science of human movement, physiology, and more. And be ready for what tomorrow needs.

Sports and entertainment is expected to see 13% job growth, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is faster than the average for all occupations in the next decade.

Career Opportunities for Sports and Fitness Management Majors

Sports and fitness management major graduates can go directly into the workforce upon graduation (additional certification may be required). Some of the careers open to you with a BS in Sports and Fitness Management:

  • Athletic Director
  • Athletic Operations Assistant
  • Coach
  • College Recreation/Intramural Sports Director
  • Event Coordinator/Manager/Planner
  • Facilities Manager
  • Fitness Center Director
  • Fitness Programmer
  • Membership Sales Personal Trainer Assistant
  • Personal Trainer
  • Recreation Specialist
  • Sports and Fitness Administrator
  • Sports Agent
  • Sports Development Officer
  • Sports Facility Manager
  • Sports Information Director
  • Sports Manager/Coordinator
  • Sports Marketing Assistant/Coordinator
  • Strength and Conditioning Coach
  • Wellness Director

Companies Hiring Michigan Tech Sport & Fitness Management Majors

Some of the places Michigan Tech sports and fitness management graduates have ended up include:

  • Arizona Coyotes
  • Aspirus
  • CrossFit 24
  • Detroit Red Wings
  • Detroit Tigers
  • Lake Superior State University
  • Los Angeles Kings
  • Michigan Technological University
  • OneTeam Partners
  • Texas A&M University
  • University of Wisconsin Athletics
  • University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Athletics

 

Ready to take the next step?

Learn more about studying sports and fitness management at Michigan's flagship technological university.

It was great having the athletic department faculty and staff teaching classes. They had industry knowledge. Hearing about their experiences in the real world was really applicable.

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Student Learning Goals

When you complete our Bachelor of Science in Sports and Fitness Management degree, you can expect to achieve the following:

  • Fundamental knowledge of the science and discipline which comprise the field: biology, exercise science, health, sport and exercise psychology and business.
  • Cultural awareness of differences and a sensitivity to varying cultural beliefs, learning styles, cultural backgrounds and diverse physical, emotional, and personal goals needs.
  • Demonstrate and apply critical thinking and problem solving abilities.
  • Well-developed writing skills, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Familiarity with the rules of scientific writing, plagiarism, citation, and literature review.
  • Fundamental knowledge of a variety of technologies, and have an appreciation for civic engagement in the local community.

Study Sports and Fitness Management at a Technological University

As a student you will build knowledge and a foundation for a career across a variety of disciplines. You’ll have access to leading edge science, business technology, and facilities in kinesiology, biology, accounting, marketing, and more. You’ll learn from knowledgeable professionals who have worked in the very careers you hope to pursue in sports and fitness management.

  • Get personalized attention: With a student-faculty ratio 5:1, our smaller department ensures your academic advisors and professors know you and understand your interests and needs. 
  • Learn from experienced practitioners: You will take courses from individuals currently working in the field (e.g. athletic director, media marketing director).
  • Engage in research: Become involved in a research project under the direction of a faculty member. Whether you are planning to go to graduate school or pursue a graduate health career upon graduation, one of the factors that gives our students an edge is the opportunity to engage in research as an undergraduate student and gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art research instrumentation. 
  • Jumpstart your career: Working one-on-one with your advisor, understand how to develop your career path, from student internships to post-graduation employment. Develop networks and presentation/interview skills at professional industry conferences and events. Our undergraduates complete an internship before their senior year & it’s also a reason why the placement rate for our graduates into physical therapy and medical school exceeds 90%.

Undergraduate Majors in Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology

Not sure which major is the right fit? No problem.
Just declare the General Sciences and Arts major, give yourself time, and decide when you arrive on campus. To learn more speak to an academic advisor.

Undergraduate Minors and Certificates

Want a future career in medicine? A minor in Pre-Health prepares you for graduate school. Want to find out how everyone's health is interdependent? A minor in Public Health is available for our students across many disciplines. Want to become a coach? Gain practical coaching experience through our coaching fundamentals minor or coaching certificate. You can declare a major anytime, but it is recommended you begin your minor studies as early as possible in your academic career. To learn more, speak to an academic advisor.

Tomorrow Needs You

Supercharge your sports and fitness management skills to meet the demands of an increasingly active society at a flagship public research university powered by science, technology, engineering, and math. Graduate with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed to solve real-world problems and succeed in academia, research, and the sports and fitness management landscape.

"I am grateful to be starting my career in college athletic business administration and I look forward to continuing to learn in my role and grow."Jamie Dompier '18, BS Sports and Fitness Management