The College's Sport Management program-one of few in the nation-leads to the M.S. in Sport Management, a unique degree in the sport industry. The program's course work and experiences emphasize a solid basic foundation in the sport business industry as well as the most innovative concepts in the area.
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The program was initiated in 1986 by Dr. Keith W. Lambrecht and approved as a Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed) with a specialization in Sport Management by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) in April of 1991. The initial program has undergone several changes since its inception, with each new phase improving the overall quality of the program. The most recent change occurred on January 5, 2001 when the IBHE approved NIU to offer a Master of Science (M.S.) in Sport Management, which became effective with the fall term of 2001. NIU is one of few institutions in the nation to offer a master's level degree in sport management, a distinction that attracts many students to our program as they work to meet the needs of the sport industry.
Currently, approximately 70 students are enrolled in the program, which graduates approximately 15 students each year. Our students come from diverse backgrounds and varied experiences, yet work together cooperatively on a host of team projects and related activities. Dedicated and hard-working professionals, these students strive to make a difference in the sport industry. KNPE's sport management faculty is also outstanding, with experience in academia as well as the sport and business industries. There is a great deal of camaraderie and mutual respect among faculty, students, and staff, which results in a supportive educational learning environment. The curriculum emphasizes leadership, communication skills, and solid business practices in the sport management field.
Our program has developed a strong regional and national reputation with a tradition of excellence. A unique aspect which sets KNPE's program apart from others is our strong relationship with the College of Business, one of the best in the country. The College of Business has supported our program since its inception by including our students in MBA courses. Students typically take courses in accountancy, finance, marketing, operations management, and information systems. Students can also take advantage a number of rich internship opportunities.