Management in Sport and Movement Science

Are you a student interested in working in the fields of sports, non-profit organizations, fitness or leisure organizations?
Do you have a desire to work in sport management, school or college athletics, sports marketing and consulting, or professional sporting bodies and institutions?
Are you interested in park or event management?
Do you love the outdoors and have an interest in leadership roles at camps, nature-based organizations or local, state or national park services?
Do you have an interest in mentoring youth in after-school programs, art or music centers, or development-based organizations such as the YMCA or Boys and Girls Club?

Join Salem State's sport and movement science department to study management courses and find a future career in sport management or recreation management. Learn more about which of our two management concentrations is right for you:

Sport Management

Teaches current sports business in all aspects, from the content of the material to the form of assignments
Focuses on the development of managerial, analytical, and creative skills and abilities
Simulates a real business environment in the classroom
Stimulates passion and curiosity for sport management, creativity and analysis, personal growth, participation, and enthusiasm in class
Balances student and instructor-centered learning
Reflects competencies required by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA)
Reflects competencies required by the National Association of Sport and Physical Education (NASPE)

Recreation Management

Teaches management for governmental, private and non-profit organizations
Teaches park, recreation, and sports facility planning/development, as well as recreation program planning and management
Explores camp administration and therapeutic recreation
Focus on environmental and social justice issues
Teaches legal issues and risk management
Focus on leadership, recreation and community wellness
Provides students with necessary theoretical framework and applied experiences
Prepares students for work in the recreation management field or graduate degree program

Which manager are you?

The sport management concentration prepares students to become managers and leaders for the dynamic sports industry of tomorrow. Salem State Sport and Movement Science faculty strive to provide well-rounded education balancing and integrating such content areas as business and sport science, local and international practices, mass and high-performance sport, finance, economics and law, marketing and ethics, and event and facility management. By sharing research and professional experiences at the international level, faculty equip graduates with a competitive advantage of knowing progressive methods from around the world, particularly in providing opportunities for healthy lifelong sports participation to all and to improving the health and wellbeing of home communities.

The recreation management concentration prepares students for careers that make a difference in people’s lives through nature, art, music, sports, fitness, and the management of recreational activities and areas that are vital to not only our community and wellness but also our economy. In 2019, local parks and rec had an economic impact of $166 billion and added 1.1 million jobs while outdoor recreation contributed $887 billion and 7.6 million jobs to the economy. The pandemic has only served to increase the importance and impact of recreation in our world. Not only did people depend on their preferred forms of recreation for their wellness, but they were driven to change their lifestyles.

Sport Management Careers

Sporting clubs and league manager
School and college athletics manager
Manager of professional and amateur state and national sporting bodies
Venues and facilities manager
Event organization manager
Sports marketing consultant
Player agent organization career
Fitness center manager
Management in sports commissions, institutes and academies
Park, recreation and leisure organizational leader

Recreation Management Careers

Event planner/manager
National, state or city park and recreation director; park planner; park program director
YMCA director
Boys and Girls Club program director
Therapeutic recreation specialist
Youth sports directors/managers; youth mentors; youth development specialists
Coaches
Camp owner/director
Scouting directors; adventure programming directors; outward bound program directors
Outdoor outfitters
Park or historical interpreters
Business owners/managers
Museum assistant
Marketing specialists
Environmental specialists

100
%

Students who find internships within their area of interest
77
%

Grads employed in recreation management or in grad school
16-20
%

Estimated job growth in recreation management from 2020-2030

Apply to our sport and movement science program!

Explore the requirements for the sport management concentration.
Explore the requirements for the recreation management concentration.

Learn about tuition and fees

Stephen Guttadauro

Class of 2021

Now working for the Houston Texans

“During my time at Salem State, I was able to discover the path I wanted to take for my career. Without the multiple opportunities to go on-site with different organizations that I got with the Sport and Movement Science department, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I want to thank Dr. Bloom as well as all of the professors I had during my journey for helping set me up for success.”
Alexis Raash

Class of 2018

Head Women’s Swimming and Diving Coach at the University of Jamestown

“The recreation management program at Salem State provided me with vital knowledge that helped propel me to coach at the college level. I am thankful for the real-world knowledge and hands-on experiences that prepared me for a successful career in the recreation and sports industry.”
Mark Carney

Class of 2010

Team Manager

“During my time at Salem State, I was able to get hands-on experiences through internships and directed study. The faculty supported and helped guide me through the curriculum and regularly discussed career paths, which allowed me to narrow my focus to what I was really passionate about. Because of this, I have enjoyed a number of jobs within the sports industry that have been hugely rewarding, including my most recent appointment as Team Manager for Rugby ATL.”
Justin Barry

Class of 2016

“The recreation management program gave me the opportunity to serve a tight-knit community at the North Andover Youth and Recreation Department. This degree was a doorway to a work environment where I came out of my shell and shared myself with others. It has given me the self-satisfaction to feel I am doing something important and proud to be leaving a positive impact on our community. I wake up every day with the ability to bring creative ideas and programs to life. We've done everything from sports leagues, whitewater rafting, camping, cooking, ropes course, fishing, archery, and more. These offerings allow children to try new experiences, make friends, learn about each other and about themselves.”