Prepare for the “Big Leagues” as a Sports Industry Leader
Get ready for work to become play! At UNE, our Sport Leadership and Management (SLAM) major prepares you for a career in the $500 billion global sports industry. Whether you're interested in professional, intercollegiate, interscholastic athletics, or in specializations like event management, sales, or venue management, this is the major for you.
Situated on the scenic Maine coast, our campus provides easy access to surfing, biking, hiking, skiing, and more. An array of regional major and minor league sports franchises, sports management firms, and sports events give you an open shot at many fun and exciting internships and valuable industry contacts.
Note: This program was formerly know as Sport and Recreation Management.
Why UNE for Sport Leadership and Management Degree
With UNE, you’ll form a strong foundation in sports management from our team of seasoned professionals. Combined with our strong relationships with professional sports programs across the country and our close proximity to a variety of incredible recreational areas, you’ll have a leg up when you're looking for your dream job in sports.
- UNE is ranked #1 in Maine for graduates getting a job — Zippia
- Work alongside accomplished faculty with industry experience
- Hands-on learning opportunities with professional sports franchises
- Fully integrated Business minor for a competitive edge in the job market
- Guest speakers from industry insiders
- In-class engagement and visits to premier sports sites
Alumni Story: Working in professional golf
Career Paths for Sport Leadership and Management Majors
At UNE, you’ll combine a solid business foundation with knowledge of the underlying theory, latest technology, and best practices of the sports industry across its many segments. Not only will you develop the skills to be an effective leader, but you’ll also be prepared to make a difference in the lives of those you serve through sports programming.
Our graduates have pursued many exciting professions, including:
- Athletic Director
- Professional Sports Sales
- Coach
- Game Day Manager
- Director of Sports Partnerships
- Sport Event Manager
- Business Owner
- Sport Information Director
- Operations Manager
Career Advising for B.S. in Sport Leadership and Management Students
Whether you have a specific career goal in mind or a vague idea of the field that interests you, Career Advising is here to help you plan your next step.
Student Success by the Numbers
of undergrads employed or in ongoing higher education within one year of graduating
in Maine for getting a job
What Will You Study? Sport Leadership and Management Degree Curriculum Overview
B.S. in Sport Leadership and Management Courses
If you’re passionate about sports and management, our curriculum is built on a strong foundation and real-world relationships to set you up for a terrific career.
The following are some examples of the exciting courses that we offer:
- Sport Marketing
- Sport and Recreation Finance
- Sport Venue Planning and Management
- Leadership
- Athletic and Sport Administration
- Sport and Society
Curriculum
| CAS Core Requirements (must take MAT 120 or MAT 150 as MAT course) | Credits |
|---|---|
| Total | 42 |
| Program Required Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| BUAC 201 – Financial Accounting | 3 |
| BUEC 204 – Microeconomics | 3 |
| BUMG 200 – Management | 3 |
| MAT 120 – Statistics or MAT 150 – Statistics for Life Sciences | Credits Fulfilled by Core Requirements |
| SLM 160 – Introduction to Sport Leadership and Management (formerly SRM 160) | 6 |
| SLM 225 – Sport and Recreation Marketing (formerly SRM 325) | 3 |
| SLM 250 – Sport and Recreation Finance (formerly SRM 350) | 3 |
| SLM 305 – Sport and Society | 3 |
| SLM 330 – Sport Governance | 3 |
| SLM 340 – Athletic and Sports Administration | 3 |
| SLM 355 – Sport Venue Planning and Management | 3 |
| SLM 360 – Leadership (formerly SRM 360) | 3 |
| SLM 370 – Law and Ethics in Sport and Recreation Management (formerly SRM 370) | 3 |
| SLM 420 – Research Methods | 3 |
| SLM 430 – Seminar in Sport Leadership & Management | 3 |
| Six (6) Credits of Electives with SLM prefix | 6 |
| Six (6) Credits of Electives from College of Business | 6 |
| Six (6) Credits of Internship Experiences (see below) | 6 |
| Total Credits | 63 |
| Open Electives (as needed to reach 120 credits) | Variable |
| Minimum Total Required Credits | 120 |
|---|
Internship Experiences (six (6) credits required at Minimum)
Each of our Sport Leadership and Management majors is required to complete at least two-hundred and forty (240) contact hours, or six (6) credits, at approved internship sites upon attaining sophomore standing, which is after completing their first year. They may, however, complete up to four-hundred and eighty (480) hours, or twelve (12) credits, if they wish. The internship experience is a primary requirement for degree completion.
The internship experiences allow our Sport Leadership and Management majors to gain pre-professional experience and is designed to enhance their development of knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in the sport industry.
Common internship experiences include one or more of the following "hands-on" activities:
- Customer interaction and personnel supervision
- Observation and participation in program planning/leadership.
- Observe/research/analyze current activities and future trends in the industry
- Involving the student intern, when appropriate, in management meetings and communications
- A “capstone” experience, e.g., marketing plan, fundraising project, special event promotion, etc.; professional presentation, or research/case study in a sport management or outdoor recreation discipline.
Affiliated Internship Sites in Sport Leadership and Management
Experiences in sport marketing, sport event planning and delivery, athletic administration, coaching, sports information, and sport venue management:
- American Red Cross (Portland, ME)
- Antrim Recreation Department (Antrim, NH)
- Atlanta Hawks (NBA) (Atlanta, GA)
- Atlantic Pool and Billiards (Biddeford, ME)
- Baltimore Ravens (NFL) (Baltimore, MD)
- Bath Country Club (Bath, ME)
- Berwick Academy (South Berwick, ME)
- Bethel Inn Resort and Country Club (Bethel, ME)
- Biddeford High School Athletics (Biddeford, ME)
- Biddeford Parks and Recreation Department (Biddeford, ME)
- Brewster Sports Center (Brewster, NY)
- Burlington Free Press (Burlington, VT)
- Cal Ripken, Jr.’s Ripken Baseball (Massachusetts)
- Camp Pontiac (Glen Head, NY)
- Camp Sunshine (Casco, ME)
- Cape Arundel Golf Course (Kennebunkport, ME)
- CCBA Summer Basketball League (Lebanon, NH)
- Cedar Rapids Kernels Baseball (Cedar Rapids, IA)
- Charlotte Bobcats Basketball (Charlotte, NC)
- Complete Athlete (Derry, NH)
- Concord Recreation Center (Concord, MA)
- Dan Duquette Sports Academy (Western MA)
- Derry Sports Zone (Derry, NH)
- Dove Springs Recreation Center (Austin, TX)
- Dover Recreation Department (Dover, NH)
- Fitness by Favara (Portsmouth, NH)
- Glens Falls Golden Eagles Baseball (Glens Falls, NY)
- Greater Nashua YMCA (Merrimack Branch, Nashua Branch, and Camp Sargent, NH)
- IMG Athletics (Bradenton, FL)
- Keene Swamp Bats (Keene, NH)
- Kennebunk High School Athletics (Kennebunk, ME)
- Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation (Bethel, ME)
- Maine Mammoths Football (Portland, ME)
- Maine Mariners Hockey (Portland, ME)
- Maine Senior Games (Kennebunk, ME)
- Maine Special Olympics (Portland Area, ME)
- Maine Sports Commission (Augusta, ME)
- Manchester Monarchs (Manchester, NH)
- Massalonskee High School Athletics (Oakland, ME)
- MBNation (Saco, ME)
- Mid Cape Racquet and Health Club (South Yarmouth, MA)
- Nantucket Country Club (Nantucket, MA)
- Northern York County YMCA (Biddeford, ME)
- Oakland Maine Recreation Department (Oakland, ME)
- Oakley (Freeport, ME)
- Old Orchard Beach High School Athletics (Old Orchard Beach, ME)
- Portland Athletic Club (Portland, ME)
- Portland Ice Arena (Portland, ME)
- Portland Red Claws Basketball (Portland, ME)
- Portland Sea Dogs Baseball (Portland, ME)
- Portsmouth Country Club (Portsmouth, NH)
- Princeton Men's Basketball (Division I) (Princeton, NJ)
- Pure Hockey (Franklin, MA)
- Resort Sports Network (RSN) (Portland & Sunday River, ME)
- Rosewood Recreation Center (Austin, TX)
- Saco Parks & Recreation Department (Saco, ME)
- Saco Sports and Fitness (Saco, ME)
- Scarborough High School Athletics (Scarborough, ME)
- Shamrock Sports and Entertainment (Portland, ME)
- South Shore Baseball Club (Hingham, MA)
- Southern Maine Community College (South Portland, ME)
- Sports Authority (South Portland, ME)
- Sugarloaf (Carrabassett Valley, ME)
- Team Central Lacrosse (Northboro, MA)Thornton Academy Athletics (Saco, ME)
- University of New England, Department of Athletics (Biddeford, ME)
- University of New Hampshire (Durham, NH)
- University of Southern Maine, Department of Athletics (Gorham, ME)
- USSA Major League Soccer (Saco & Portland, ME)
- Vermont Sun Sports and Fitness (Middlebury, VT)
- Windham Parks and Recreation Department (Windham, ME)
- XL Sports World (Saco, ME)
For more information see the Academic Catalog.
Honors Program
Internship Experiences (Minimum 6 Credits Required)
Each UNE Sport Leadership and Management major is required to complete at least 240 contact hours at approved internship sites, beginning as early as the summer after their freshman year.
Internships allow our students to gain pre-professional experience and enhance their knowledge and skills in one of the many sports industry segments.
Common internship experiences include one or more of the following “hands-on” activities:
- Customer interaction and personnel supervision
- Observation and participation in program planning and leadership
- Research current activities and future trends in the industry
- Participation in management meetings and communications
- A capstone experience, such as marketing plan development, special event promotion, or a professional presentation in a sports leadership discipline
Affiliated Internship Sites in Sport Leadership and Management
UNE Sport Leadership and Management students have completed internships with the following partners, working on sports marketing, sports event planning, athletic administration, coaching, sports information, and sport venue management.
- Portland Red Claws Basketball (Portland, ME) Portland Sea Dogs Baseball (Portland, ME)
- Maine Mammoths Football (Portland, ME)
- Maine Mariners Hockey (Portland, ME)
- Atlanta Hawks (NBA) (Atlanta, GA)
- Baltimore Ravens (NFL) (Baltimore, MD)
- Shamrock Sports and Entertainment (Portland, ME)
- IMG Athletics (Bradenton, FL)
- Manchester Monarchs (Manchester, NH)
- Keene Swamp Bats (Keene, NH)
- South Shore Baseball Club (Hingham, MA)
- Glens Falls Golden Eagles Baseball (Glens Falls, NY)
- Cal Ripken, Jr.’s Ripken Baseball (Massachusetts)
- Charlotte Bobcats Basketball (Charlotte, NC)
- Cedar Rapids Kernels Baseball (Cedar Rapids, IA)
- University of New England, Department of Athletics (Biddeford, ME)
- Princeton Men's Basketball (Division I) (Princeton, NJ)
- Biddeford High School Athletics (Biddeford, ME)
- Thornton Academy Athletics (Saco, ME)
- Old Orchard Beach High School Athletics (Old Orchard Beach, ME)
- Scarborough High School Athletics (Scarborough, ME)
- University of Southern Maine, Department of Athletics (Gorham, ME)
- Southern Maine Community College (South Portland, ME)
- Kennebunk High School Athletics (Kennebunk, ME)
- Berwick Academy (South Berwick, ME)
- Messalonskee High School Athletics (Oakland, ME)
- University of New Hampshire (Durham, NH)
- Maine Sports Commission (Augusta, ME)
- Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation (Bethel, ME)
- Northern York County YMCA (Biddeford, ME)
- Cape Arundel Golf Course (Kennebunkport, ME)
- Biddeford Parks and Recreation Department (Biddeford, ME)
- Atlantic Pool and Billiards (Biddeford, ME)
- Saco Parks & Recreation Department (Saco, ME)
- Saco Sports and Fitness (Saco, ME)
- XL Sports World (Saco, ME)
- MBNation (Saco, ME)
- USSA Major League Soccer (Saco & Portland, ME)
- American Red Cross (Portland, ME)
- Maine Special Olympics (Portland Area, ME)
- Portland Athletic Club (Portland, ME)
- Portland Ice Arena (Portland, ME)
- Resort Sports Network (RSN) (Portland & Sunday River, ME)
- Windham Parks and Recreation Department (Windham, ME)
- Bath Country Club (Bath, ME)
- Camp Sunshine (Casco, ME)
- Maine Senior Games (Kennebunk, ME)
- Oakland Maine Recreation Department (Oakland, ME)
- Bethel Inn Resort and Country Club (Bethel, ME)
- Concord Recreation Center (Concord, MA)
- Portsmouth Country Club (Portsmouth, NH)
- Fitness by Favara (Portsmouth, NH)
- Dover Recreation Department (Dover, NH)
- Antrim Recreation Department (Antrim, NH)
- Greater Nashua YMCA (Merrimack Branch, Nashua Branch, and Camp Sargent, NH)
- Complete Athlete (Derry, NH)
- Derry Sports Zone (Derry, NH)
- CCBA Summer Basketball League (Lebanon, NH)
- Vermont Sun Sports and Fitness (Middlebury, VT)
- Pure Hockey (Franklin, MA)
- Mid Cape Racquet and Health Club (South Yarmouth, MA)
- Team Central Lacrosse (Northboro, MA)
- Nantucket Country Club (Nantucket, MA)
- Dan Duquette Sports Academy (Western MA)
- Brewster Sports Center (Brewster, NY)
- Camp Pontiac (Glen Head, NY)
- Dove Springs Recreation Center (Austin, TX)
- Rosewood Recreation Center (Austin, TX)
- Sports Authority (South Portland, ME)
- Oakley (Freeport, ME)
- Sugarloaf (Carrabassett Valley, ME)
- Burlington Free Press (Burlington, VT)
Experiential Learning in the B.S. in Sport Leadership and Management Program
As a UNE student in Sport Leadership and Management, experiential learning is critical to your professional development. In addition to your internships, you’ll also interact with sports industry professionals through in-class experiences.
- Boston Red Sox
- San Francisco Giants
- Fenway Sports Management
- New England Sports Network
- Bauer Hockey
- Maine Mariners
- College Football Playoff
- Atlantic Coast Conference
- Hockey East Conference
- University of Florida Athletics
- University of South Florida Athletics
- Merrimack College Athletics
- Fenway Park (Boston, MA)
- Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, MA)
- NFL Super Bowl LVIII (Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV)
- Portland Expo (Portland, ME)
- Cross Insurance Arena (Portland, ME)
For more information about the Sport Leadership and Management major program, contact the Program Director, Dr. Kiernan Gordon, at kgordon6@une.edu or (207) 602-2605.
UNE Sport Leadership and Management PROGRAM INTERNS IN ACTION
Global Education for Sport Leadership and Management Majors
See the World
Sport and recreation often bring people together — and coming together means learning about our differences. Our Global Education Programs offer many brief travel courses in a wide range of locations, such as Mexico, Kenya, Italy, and Ireland, that expose you to new ways of thinking and introduce you to other cultures and customs. If you’re looking for a longer cultural immersion experience, we offer semester-long programs in Spain, France, Iceland, and at our own international campus in Morocco.
Interested in studying abroad? Make a plan with your advisor.
Apply Today
Ready to begin your future in UNE’s B.S. in Sport Leadership and Management degree program? Get started today.
Bachelor of Science in Sport Leadership and Management FAQ
What is a sports management degree?
A sport management degree equips students with a strong grasp of the interconnected dynamics of sports, business, and management. It offers direct instruction on business aspects within the realm of sports and includes valuable hands-on experiences in managing sports organizations and events.
UNE in Maine offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Sport and Recreation Management which provides you with a comprehensive education; a solid foundation in program planning/management, finance, marketing, law and leadership; a choice of a concentration in either Sport Management or Outdoor Recreation Management; a minor in Business Administration.
Learn more about UNE’s Bachelor of Science (B.S) degree in Sport and Recreation Management
What can you do with a sports management degree?
Sport management majors have the potential to pursue careers with various employers, which may include professional teams, colleges, recreational departments, and marketing firms. The job prospects in sports management are anticipated to be favorable in the upcoming years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there is a projected increase of over 1 million positions in combined sports and entertainment management occupations from 2020 to 2030.
As a UNE Sport Management graduate, you'll be ready for the sports management workforce or additional graduate studies. This training equips you to be a passionate and effective leader, making a positive impact in fields like athletic administration, sports marketing, and event management.
UNE students who have graduated with a B.S. in Sport and Recreation Management in Maine have pursued many fascinating careers, including athletic director, coach, camp director, game day coordinator, director of sports partnerships, event coordinator, business owner, sports information director, and operations manager. Students can benefit from the Academic and Career Advising Center, whether they have specific career goals or general field interests.
How much do sports management majors make?
Some examples of jobs and their average salaries related to a sports management degree according to Zippia include:
- Marketing Manager: $125,659
- Athletic Director: $119,592
- Sports Agent: $192,070
- Sports Manager: $94,330
- Business Operations Specialist: $77,420
- Athletic Trainer: $49,860
- Business Manager for Athletes: $75,420
How long does a sports management degree take?
Like most undergraduate business programs, a bachelor's degree in sports management typically requires four years of full-time study. To achieve a two-year bachelor's in sports management as a transfer student, you usually need either an associate's degree or a minimum of 60 transferable credits. Make sure to verify the eligibility of your transfer credits.
UNE in Maine typically accepts transfer credits from institutions with regional accreditation, as well as credits from AP exams, CLEP tests, accredited military training programs, and, to a limited extent, previous experiential learning, with specific conditions in place.
Learn more about how to apply to UNE as a transfer student
If you are interested in applying to UNE’s sports and recreation management program as a first-year student, we also want to simplify the process as much as possible.
First-year high school students should:
- Submit either a Common Application or the UNE Application along with a $40 application fee.
- Provide an official high school transcript.
UNE follows a test-blind admissions policy, which means ACT or SAT scores are not considered for general admission. Instead, we assess your overall high school experience.
Learn more about how to apply to UNE as a first-year student.
How much does a sports management degree cost?
The cost of a four-year sports management bachelor's degree is impacted by various factors, including:
- Your residency status, whether in-state or out-of-state.
- The type of institution, whether it's a public in-state university or a private college.
- Additional expenditures such as housing, meals, and miscellaneous fees.
Learn more about the tuition and fees for undergraduate degree programs at UNE in Maine
UNE is Maine's largest private university. We offer merit-based scholarships, regardless of your chosen major, demonstrating our commitment to accessible education. Some important facts:
- 98% of undergraduates receive merit scholarships.
- Our students receive about $26,000 in award packages on average.
- We award $42 million in scholarships every year.
Learn more about grants and scholarships available for UNE students
How to get a sports management degree?
A sports management degree typically takes four years and gives you a good understanding of business and the sports industry. However, specific program requirements differ among schools.
At UNE in Maine, you'll be required to finish 120 credits to obtain your degree. Our Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Sports and Recreation Management is designed to work together with the University's liberal arts core curriculum. This includes:
- 42–46 credits of College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) core curriculum
- 18 credits of required business foundation courses
- 15 required sports and recreation management courses
- 15–16 credits of required courses in your concentration
- Variable elective courses as needed to reach 120 credits
Learn more about UNE’s sports and recreation management curriculum
What’s the best sports management degree program for me?
When assessing which sports management degree program is best for you, begin by considering essential criteria. The following list can assist you in making your decision.
Faculty
When it comes to choosing a sports management program, look for professors who specialize in areas that align with your interests, such as athletics, management, marketing, finance, or related fields. Ensure their professional backgrounds match your goals.
UNE’s School of Business faculty in Maine are experienced, skilled, and supportive offering relevant curricula that will help prepare students to thrive in and face the challenges of an ever-changing world.
Meet faculty and professional staff in UNE's College of Business
Curriculum
Assess the sports management program to see if it aligns with your preferences, taking into account subjects like management, marketing, finance, and other related fields, along with the availability of sports management internships.
UNE's Sports and Recreation Management program in Maine offers students:
- A strong education in program planning, finance, marketing, law, and leadership.
- The option to specialize in either Sport Management or Outdoor Recreation Management.
- The opportunity to minor in Business Administration.
- At least 480 hours of hands-on experience through internships and campus leadership roles.
Students gain diverse internship experiences, such as leading outdoor adventures, handling merchandising for a local minor league sports team, organizing travel for college athletics, and assisting with ecotourism operations.
Learn more about UNE’s sports management curriculum
Career goals
Choose a sports management program that aligns with your career aspirations and goals, including internships. Explore the available resources to help you plan your path forward.
As a student in UNE's Sport and Recreation Management program, you'll receive an education that equips you for diverse career opportunities in the fields of athletics and sport management, outdoor recreation, and tourism industries.
Our robust internship program requires 480 hours of on-the-job, real-world learning because experience is a key component in your sport and recreation management education. UNE sports management students have interned with renowned organizations, including the Baltimore Ravens, Portland Sea Dogs, New England Revolution, Shamrock Sports Group, Maine Sports Commission, and Maine Red Claws.
Based on UNE graduate surveys from 2016 to 2022, 95% of our undergraduate students are either working or furthering their education, which includes pursuing MBA programs, within one year of graduating. In 2022, Zippia ranked UNE as the leading university in Maine for job placement. Additionally, students can benefit from the support of the Academic and Career Advising Center, whether they have a clear career goal or a general interest in a particular field.
Learn more about Career Advising at UNE
Learning environment
Consider the location and environment that best supports your undergraduate journey as a sports management major.
Whether you're into coastal recreation or aiming for opportunities with minor league sports teams in the region, UNE's Southern Maine location is an excellent pick for your sport and recreation management studies.
Learn more about UNE’s campuses and how you can visit us
UNE's Global Education program offers semester-long study abroad options in Spain, France, Iceland, or our Morocco campus. You can also select shorter travel courses to places such as Ireland, Mexico, Kenya, Italy, Cuba, and more.
Learn more about study abroad opportunities at UNE
Financial aid
Consider whether the school you're interested in provides financial aid or scholarships to support your education.
A UNE undergraduate education is affordable. Our tuition is 16% below the average tuition for private universities in New England. Plus, all incoming full-time undergraduate students at UNE will receive Merit Scholarships in amounts from $5,000 to $22,000 per year.
Learn more about grants and scholarships available to students at UNE