Hands-On Learning
In classes like Cardiovascular and Flexibility Training, you'll apply fundamental theories to your own fitness level as you fully learn about techniques that you'll soon be teaching.
The Sports Management major prepares students for a successful career in sports management. Our curriculum includes business-related courses on which to build a solid foundation of business knowledge needed to help sports organizations be successful in a multi-billion dollar industry. Additionally, sports management-specific courses in the major will give you real-world and practical hands-on learning opportunities and prepare you for the variety of environments you may find in your future career.
Individuals interested in working in the sports industry and focusing on the business features that support the operation of sporting activities should pursue a degree in sports management. These degrees provide students with a solid understanding of sports and business and management and how these aspects work together. Students receive instruction directly related to business topics in sports, and most programs include meaningful practical experiences related to managing sports organizations and/or sporting events. Experiential education internships within a variety of sports settings are encouraged, with a requirement to complete at least one sports administration internship prior to graduation.
Sports Management degrees provide individuals with an array of benefits, such as the ability to work with a wide range of people who share a common passion for sports and exercise, and becoming a vital part of a sports or exercise organization. The field also provides unforgettable experiences, and it is not limited to one specific geographic area since sports and exercise are prevalent in all areas. The increasing growth in the sports industry and exercise in the U.S. has sparked a demand for sports and exercise management professionals. In fact, sports-related businesses are ranked in the top 15 industries in the country. Career opportunities for graduates of sports management programs vary from working for local, private, chain, or nonprofit organizations to pursuing positions with professional sports teams.
With Nineteen professional sports teams around Ohio Wesleyan and Ohio. Cleveland Browns and Guardians, Cincinnati Reds and Bengals and the Columbus Blue Jackets just to name a few. There are plenty of opportunities to find internships that could fit your needs.
With connections with teams and clubs all around us there will be something that fits your interest! Our amazing HHK department offers many opportunities that you will love!
A degree from Ohio Wesleyan will take you places you wouldn't think are possible.
Carter Franklin '20 found his footing in video content creation. He used resources and time at OWU to find his interest and that is where he fell in love with his profession. He was the first person to do video content creation here at OWU with the football team.
Franklin is currently with Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett and his team creating all of his videos and traveling around the world with him. Franklin is also creating Myles' YouTube channel, set to launch later this year. Franklin's presence on social media built up his resume to allow him to land this position.
"Make sure you have those connections and build relationships to always have the ability to talk to them." – Carter Franklin '20
Ohio Wesleyan excels in taking students to their next step, with an amazing 95% rate of graduates reporting them finding employment or grad school after graduation with 81% of students working in a field of choice.
Take Charles Branch '20 for example: He is now in graduate school for Sports Management at George Washington University. When COVID-19 hit he did not know what to do, but having the OWU network and relationships he built through that, he was able to get into a great program.
At OWU he assisted the Athletic Director and the school's administration to enhance the sports management program.
"I chose grad school because it will broaden my network and create better internship opportunities. George Washington also gives me first hand experience that will help me in the future" – Charles Branch '20
OWU faculty are outstanding scholars and researchers—and passionate teachers. They will push you, challenge you, inspire you, and work with you on your own research and creative projects.
In classes like Cardiovascular and Flexibility Training, you'll apply fundamental theories to your own fitness level as you fully learn about techniques that you'll soon be teaching.
OWU's fabulous new Simpson Querrey Fitness Center houses the HHK Department and serves as a classroom and lab space for HHK students.
As a junior or senior you will complete a 120-hour internship in your chosen area of concentration. You will experience the effort and responsibility that comes with your potential career.
In courses like Motor Learning and Exercise Prescription, you'll learn to prescribe exercise regimens and nutritional plans for adults. You will go through the same process you would in your professional career — plan, teach, observe, and make decisions to positively impact the health of each individual.
After graduating, Alexis was accepted at the University of Louisville, where she is pursuing a Master's in Sports Administration. While at OWU, Alexis had an internship at the University of Kentucky and was a member of the NCAC mentorship program.
Many of our graduates pursue careers in physical therapy. Jenna Bialik '09 earned her doctorate from Duke University and is now a licensed physical therapist in San Francisco. Josh Gardner '11 is an LPT in Westerville, OH. Jessie Huschart '13 is a physical therapy doctoral student at the Medical University of South Carolina.
Graduate Patrick Trenor, physical education teacher and coach at Urbana High School, says: "I was lucky to have a great group of professors who really cared about my individual success and were mentors to me throughout my four years at OWU."
Recent Health Promotion graduates have earned graduate degrees in areas such as Public Health, Exercise Physiology, and Nutritional Sciences at schools such as American University, Ohio University, and the University of Connecticut. Exercise Science graduate Grant Geib '09 earned his master's in kinesiology from the University of Tennessee and is now Director of Strength and Conditioning for Western Michigan University Football. He says: "When I got to graduate school and started coaching, I already had years of practice leading up to it. The real-world application of the OWU program gave me a head start."
Recent graduates have begun careers in sport management and coaching with the Cleveland Guardians, George Washington University Athletic Department, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. After graduating in 2014 Cassie Fowler joined the famed Durham Bulls Baseball Club in Durham, N.C., and is now assistant manager of group sales.