Which Sports Management Colleges in Pennsylvania Have the Best Degree Programs?

by Alex Morgan · January 11, 2023

Trying to find the best colleges in PA for sports management? Let’s point you in the right direction.

Students searching for sports management schools in Pennsylvania have increased recently because the Oil State has become one of the most profitable states for a sports management degree holder. Why is that? And which are the best colleges in PA for sports management? Let’s find out.

Which Type of Sports Management School is Good for Me

The answer to the above question is quite subjective. No one can determine whether a school is good for you or not. However, what we can do is make it easy for you by short-listing the schools that offer the type of degrees that is in demand and several niches to choose from.

For those who want to just polish their skills a certification is a good start. This is usually good for professionals in the field or if you are just starting off and want to test the water.

On the other hand, if you are keen on pursuing a career in sports management then start with a bachelors degree. This opens up doors to niches like sports training, facility management as well as finance in sports management.

You may also want to find out if the sports management college at Penn State offers the flexibility to study full-time or part-time. This is a handy option if you want to work while studying. So, given these aspects, now let’s see which Pennsylvanian sports management college is a good fit for you.

Top 5 Sports Management Colleges In Pennsylvania

Does Penn State have a sports management program? Well, Penn State does, but there are plenty of other options. So, here are five of the best schools for sports management in Pennsylvania.

1. Drexel University Sports Management

Drexel University is one of the leading private research universities in Pennsylvania. It’s ranked one of the 40 most comprehensive research universities in the United States. Hence, it’s on the first spot on our list.

Drexel University offers a comprehensive range of sports management programs that will prepare you for a successful career in the sports industry. This includes their bachelors and masters programs:

BSBA in Sports Business

MS in Sports Business

With a BSBA in Sports Business, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field, as this degree usually teaches how to manage teams and leagues, develop marketing strategies, analyze data, and more. The programs also provide opportunities to network with industry professionals through internships and other experiential learning activities.

On the other hand, the Master of Science in Sports Business offers an innovative, comprehensive curriculum will prepare you for the challenges in rapidly changing world of sports management. The program’s interdisciplinary approach combines elements such as business, law, finance, and marketing aspects of sports.

2. East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania for Athletes

The East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania is a great choice for students who are looking to pursue a career in sports management. Not only because of its outstanding degree but lenient programs that are designed to evolve in an industry like sports.

The university offers both undergraduate and graduate sports degrees:

BS in Sports Management

MS in Sports Management

The university’s BS program provides students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to succeed in the field of sports management. Through its curriculum, students will gain an understanding of key elements, such as:

Principles of sport business operations
Leadership and communication skills
Legal issues related to sport management
And marketing strategies for sports organizations.

Furthermore, ESU’s unique co-op program allows students to gain real-world experience while completing their MS degree. With its cutting-edge curriculum and experiential learning opportunities, the Master of Science in Sports Business provides an ideal environment for aspiring professionals looking to make a successful transition into the world of sports management.

3. Alvernia University Athletics

Alvernia University is a relatively young university, but its programs have already attracted thousands of students. With a modern approach to education, it has become one of the top choices for sports management in Pennsylvania.

Alvernia University Athletics offers a comprehensive education in sports management, with both undergraduate and graduate programs. This includes:

BS in Sport Management

MBA in Sports Concentration

The Bachelor of Science in Sport Management program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the field. This includes courses on marketing, finance, economics, law, and communication.

In addition, Alvernia University also offers an MBA program with a concentration in sports management. This program provides students with advanced knowledge of the business side of sports management, including topics such as facility management, event planning, and budgeting.

However, the focus of the MBA in sports concentration will largely remain on the marketing and business side of sports. With courses covering topics such as:

Sports analytics and analytics-driven decision-making
Sports facility management
And sports media relations.

This program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field. Thus, with these programs offered at Alvernia University, students can gain the skills they need to become successful managers in the world of sports.

4. Robert Morris University Sports Management

Robert Morris University is one of the primary universities in Moon Township, Pennsylvania. It’s known as one of the leading and most prestigious universities in the state. Besides that, it offers a 94% acceptance rate.

The program you should look forward to is called:

BS in Sport Management

Robert Morris University’s BS in Sport Management program is designed to prepare students for a career in the sports industry. The program provides an interdisciplinary approach, combining business management with sport-specific knowledge. Students can specialize in areas such as:

Sports Marketing

Facility Management

Sports Analytics

The curriculum also includes courses on legal and ethical issues related to sports management, as well as courses on communication and leadership skills necessary for success in the sports field.

5. University Of Pittsburgh

The University Of Pittsburgh is one of the foremost universities in the keystone state. The institution is renowned for its affordable programs and high acceptance rate.

The University Of Pittsburgh offers a unique opportunity for students to pursue their passion for sports through the program called:

Certificate Program in Sports Management (CPSM)

The Certificate Program in Sports Management (CPSM) is ideal if you wish to get a certificate/diploma and it focuses on practical and theoretical side of things including sport finance, sports marketing and sport management.

The program will additionally help you as it also offers internships and hands-on experience so you can gain real-world experience that can be applied to your career paths in the sports industry.

Why it’s Good to Have a Degree in Sports Management

A degree in Sports Management in PA is a great way to get the necessary skills to make it in the sports industry. With a degree, you will have access to high-paying jobs and a lot of job opportunities. Besides that, the sports industry is growing rapidly and having a degree gives you an edge over your competition.

It also helps you develop the necessary skills to stay ahead of the curve and make sure that you are up-to-date with all the latest trends and developments in the field. This includes recently growing fields in sports, such as:

Broadcasting
Sports marketing
Turf management and recreation
Team management
Physical education, etc.

This makes having a sports management degree one of the most profitable investments of both time and money for a student. It doesn’t only promise a long-lasting career but a fulfilling and high-paying one too.

What to Expect–Sports Job Opportunities And Employment Rate

From Philadelphia Eagles to the Philadelphia 76ers, Pennsylvania is known for many great sports teams. That’s part of the reason it has 11,000+ active job offers at any given moment. Besides that, there are plenty of lucrative options in the State of Independence.

Besides that, you can earn up to $71,000 per year as a post-internship sport management degree holder. This means the salaries in this state are some of the highest in the United States. Making it one of the most profitable investments to find the best schools for sports management in Pennsylvania.

Conclusion

These are some of the most lucrative programs in sports management that you can find in Pennsylvania. All of these accredited universities allow you to gain a degree that promises a long-lasting career. So, pick the one that’s most suitable for you and your career plans.