If you're passionate about working behind-the-scenes in the rapidly growing sport industry, check out NIU's experiential and research-informed Sport Management major. We will prepare you for the extensive career opportunities that are available with professional franchises, collegiate athletic departments, marketing and management firms, parks and recreation operations and more. Our strong relationships with Chicagoland's many sport organizations and with NIU's NCAA Division I athletics program will provide students with outstanding experiences for hands-on learning and networking.
You can also pursue the sport sales minor, the only one of its kind in the country. In collaboration with NIU's renowned Sales Program, housed in the College of Business, you'll have the opportunity to participate in real sport sales experiences. Through the College of Education's Engage U.S. series, students pursuing the M.S. degree in sport management have traveled for behind-thescenes looks at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the NCAA Hall of Champions (where they heard from NCAA professionals discuss current issues in the industry) and Purdue University's Mackey Arena. Similar experiences will be offered in the new undergraduate program.
The NIU College of Education embeds diverse, real-world learning opportunities in its programs, including Sport Management
The LESM 486 internship is the culminating requirement for the B.S. in Sport Management program. It's a six-credit hour field experience designed to provide you with the opportunity to develop practical skills and knowledge in a professional sport setting.
The LESM 385 field experience course is the elective course for the B.S. in Sport Management program. This three-credit hour (can be repeated up to three times) hour field experience is designed to provide you with the opportunity to develop practical skills and to gain early experience in a professional sport setting.
Alumni of our M.S. degree program are employed by the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago White Sox, the Chicago Bulls, the Chicago Sky, the Chicago Bears, the Chicago Blackhawks and many other teams in Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, the National Football League and the National Hockey League as well as Intercollegiate Athletics programs.
Our professors prepare you for the next steps after college. They introduce you to people in your field and allow you to network and ask questions. It is extremely hands-on, and has been a life-changing experience for me.
Mikerra Hall, sport management major
Professor Jenn Jacobs makes her "Psychology of Sport" class so interactive and interesting that I've never loved a class more. Being a Division I athlete, and navigating my own mental trials, her class has helped me personally – and is making me consider a career in this field.
Maddie Mackey, sport management major
Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education
Anderson Hall 221
DeKalb, IL 60115
P: 815-753-1407
F: 815-753-1413
knpe@niu.edu