New Baccalaureate-level Sport Management Program

Alfred State College will be accepting students in a new baccalaureate-level sport management program beginning fall 2011. Students may enter the program, which results in a bachelor of business administration (BBA) degree, as freshmen; students holding associate degrees in sport management may transfer into the program with full junior status.

The BBA in sport management was developed in response to the demand for higher education programs in this academic area throughout the State of New York. There are numerous employment opportunities nationwide. Although the specific job openings change monthly, TeamWork Consulting, Inc. (an executive search firm for the sports and live event industry) has reported posting 300 new jobs on its Web site monthly.

ASC’s sport management program is designed to prepare students to perform sport management roles in educational institutions, professional, not-for-profit, and recreational organizations, sport retail operations, and private firms involved in sport management. Examples of private firms are those involved in sport marketing, event management and promotion, facility management, representation of athletes, etc. The course work involves a core body of knowledge in sport management, general education, and a specialization that will position the graduate to be particularly attractive to sport management employers. Contemporary technology available to a professional in sport management will be included throughout the curriculum.

Additionally, each student will participate in field experiences during the second year, as well as a full semester internship in the senior year. There will be an emphasis placed on writing and speaking proficiently, as well as the development of job pursuit skills.

A two-year program in sports management already exists at Alfred State College. The addition of a four-year degree in the discipline will allow for a “laddering opportunity” for students, providing associate degree graduates an entry into a related four-year program. This program will provide such an avenue not only for students enrolled in the AS degree program, but also for those wishing to transfer from other colleges. In fact, four NYS community colleges with associate-level sport management programs have already expressed a desire to enter into an articulation agreement: Niagara County Community College, Tompkins Cortland Community College, Finger Lakes Community College, and Genesee Community College. Further, the program’s graduates will be eligible to enroll in the sport management graduate programs throughout the United States, as well as the outstanding programs that exist in New York State.

To fulfill the degree requirements, each student must complete 124 credit hours of study, including all SUNY General Education requirements, a physical education course, a core of business requirements, a thorough course-of-study in sport management, a sport management specialty, an internship experience, and 12 credits of free electives.

The demand for and popularity of a business degree in sport management within New York State and the surrounding Northeast region by prospective undergraduate students continues to increase. This growth has been fueled, in part, by the recognition of this degree as the preferred entry degree within the sport industry and the establishment of sport management as a viable academic discipline. These two factors in conjunction with the overwhelming influence of sport in American and world cultures are attractive for students wanting a career combining their passion for sport and interests in business.

For additional information about this exciting new bachelor degree program, contact the Alfred State College Admissions Office at 1-800-4-ALFRED or (607) 587-4215.