Sport & Recreation Management

Majoring in Sport Management

You will learn from and network with experienced sports industry professionals in this Sport and Recreation Management degree program.

“You don’t need to throw it, kick it, or bounce it. You can be the one to run the show by enrolling in the Sport and Recreation Management program at Russell Sage.”

-Bob Stulmaker, B.S., M.S., SAS, SDA, CAA, Sport and Recreation Management lecturer, former director of physical education, athletics, and health, and former assistant director of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association

Sport Management Classes

As a Sport and Recreation Management major, you’ll take specialized courses, such as sport law, sport marketing, facility and event management, sport psychology, nutrition, coaching theory, physical education and courses on various athletic games.

You’ll also take general business courses, such as marketing, management, law, information systems, leadership and diversity and human resources. You will apply what you learn in class at a professional internship that is tailored to your goals.

Classes are taught by full-time professors and experienced sport and recreation management professionals.

We keep classes small, therefore professors can offer individual attention and support that is rare in business schools.

SEE CATALOG FOR SPORT MANAGEMENT DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Internship and Networking Opportunities

Employers that have hosted interns from Sage’s sport management degree program include the Madison Mallards collegiate summer baseball team, Nike Basketball Camp, New York State Public High School Athletic Association Inc., and the New York State Department of Health.

Students in the Sport and Recreation Management program frequently hear from professionals in the field who visit classes and share their journey and responsibilities, encouraging internships that have led to jobs. Past speakers have included:

Afirm Nezaj, owner and founder of Afrim’s Sports Centers
Doug McClaine, former assistant general manager of the MVP Arena and general manager of the Capital Center
Molly McMaster Morgoslepov, author, cancer survivor, former professional ice hockey player, and current ninja trainer
David Brown, president and CEO of the Capital District YMCA
John “JR” Rickert, professional sports agent
Joe Alteri, assistant director of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association
Amber Marino, executive director of 15 Love
Todd Czepiel, superintendent of Shaker Ridge Country Club
Matt Callahan, vice president and general manager of the Tri-City ValleyCats
Gina Mintzer, executive director of the Lake George Chamber of Commerce
Debby Goedeke, Albany County film commissioner
Brien Bouyea, director of communications for the National Horse Racing Hall of Fame
Sachi Vines, director of marketing for RPI Athletics
Ned Monthie, general management of the Brewster Whitecaps of the Cape Code Baseball League
Laurel Hay, current club liaison for Whipsnakes LC, Premiere Lacrosse League

Careers with a Degree in Sport Management

Sport management majors go on to work with professional and minor league teams, high school and college athletics departments, club-level athletics teams, private and public fitness facilities, camps, parks, athletics merchandise companies and more.

Individuals with a sports management degree work in a range of positions, including administration, sports information, advertising, marketing and public relations, sales, coaching, and facility and event management.

Graduate Studies with a Degree in Sport Management

Our Sport and Recreation Management majors may receive assured or early acceptance to Russell Sage College’s:

If you are interested in pursuing a master’s degree at Russell Sage College, you can take graduate courses in your senior year and may be eligible to get prerequisite courses waived — this means you can earn a bachelor’s degree and graduate degree in about five years.

A graduate degree is so much more than just more education. It is about being an expert and leader in your chosen field, and it signals to employers, managers, and recruiters that you are not only committed to your field but to personal excellence in your career. Russell Sage’s graduate programs aren’t centered on merely increasing knowledge – they are about teaching you to think, understand, and lead.

Tom Schreck

Director of Communications for Wildwood, author, and boxing historian