Prepare for the ‘Big Leagues’ as a Sports Industry Leader
Get ready for work to become play as you embark on an exciting and fulfilling career in the dynamic world of sports. At UNE, our Sport Leadership and Management (SLAM) major is designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience needed to thrive in the $500 billion global sports industry. Whether your passion lies in professional sports, intercollegiate athletics, interscholastic competitions, or specialized areas such as events, sales, or venue management, this comprehensive program will provide you with a solid foundation and a competitive edge.
Worldwide Sports Opportunities Await
Launch your sports career with national and global opportunities while studying from a beautiful coastal Maine location. Our program connects you with industry-leading faculty and staff, offering unparalleled access to major and minor league sports franchises, sports management firms, and exciting sports events. This opens the door to numerous fun and rewarding internships and industry contacts. Situated on the scenic Maine coast, our campus also provides easy access to surfing, biking, hiking, skiing, and more.
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
- Local internship opportunities with sports teams like the Portland Sea Dogs and Maine Mariners
- Engage in industry-related projects with tangible outcomes
- Connect with sports industry professionals and expand your network
- 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
UNE helps two students land dream internships
Kristin Dechene Campbell ’16
As a double major in Psychology and Business Administration, I had the opportunity to take two complementary perspectives on issues such as motivation in the workplace and research-based decision making. I discovered a passion for applied data analysis in my research methods course, in which I designed a study that found positive effects of exercise on short-term recall. I also gained valuable workplace experience through my internship with Unum, a Fortune 500 company located in Portland, and a consulting project with L.L. Bean. I graduated from UNE with a diverse set of experiences and an inspiration to continue learning.
My psychology background has been integral throughout my MBA program because I was already proficient in the data analysis and critical reading and writing that was required at the graduate level. I graduated this past May and am encouraged that my background at UNE has given me a strong foundation for career success.
My background at UNE has given me a strong foundation for career success.
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
For more information see the Academic Catalog.
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.
UNE Center for Sport and Business Innovation
The Center for Sport and Business Innovation equips our graduates with a competitive edge in professional sports, preparing you to lead effectively in the workforce. The center promotes research, hosts events, and creates revenue-generating programs in the sports marketplace. By bridging theory and practice, it prepares you to be a future leader for the business of sports, offering hands-on experience and connections with industry experts.
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.
For more information about the Sport Leadership and Management major program, contact the Program Director, Dr. Kiernan Gordon, at kgordon6@nihonnkazamidori.com or (207) 602-2605.
UNE Sport Leadership and Management Program Interns in Action
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.
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
For more information contact Program Director Kiernan Gordon at kgordon6@nihonnkazamidori.com.