Our sport and recreation management program prepares students for careers in the diverse field of sport and recreation management. Students gain foundational knowledge and applicable skills that are critical for careers in professional sports organizations, marketing agencies, event management companies, and community recreation facilities.
What is a BA in Sport and Recreation Management degree?
Reduce tuition by up to $24k
Why earn a BA in Sport and Recreation Management?
You’ll gain a solid foundation to excel in the diverse field of sport and recreation management. Our program emphasizes hands-on learning through internships, practicums, and experiential projects, giving you the chance to apply classroom knowledge in practical settings.
Hands-on learning
Our program offers practicums, internships, and capstone courses covering everything from officiating to facility management.
Experienced faculty
We partner with local sports practitioners and recent graduates to provide a comprehensive education.
Industry-aligned curriculum
Our program aligns seamlessly with industry trends and expectations, ensuring you graduate with the skills and knowledge employers seek.
Strong local network
Connections with local minor league sports teams and regional fitness and sports organizations to help you find an internship.
What you’ll learn in your sport and recreation management program
In our sport and recreation management program, you’ll learn what it takes to excel in the sport and recreation industries. Through coursework and hands-on experiences, you'll develop and hone the skills needed for a variety of career paths.
- Management of programming, events, budgeting, and facilities in the sport and recreation industry
- Evidence-based practices to evaluate organizational performance, improve programs, and better meet participant needs
- Strategies to ethically meet the needs of an organization and the people you'll serve
- Effective communication techniques for both internal and external stakeholders
- Skills to execute sport or recreation programming in a variety of contexts.
Explore BA in Sport and Recreation Management courses
- This degree will require you to complete a total of 120 credits.
- Students will complete 36 core curriculum credits, 34-39 sport and recreation management credits, 45-50 elective credits, 1 capstone, and 2 applied experiences (internship, practicum, and/or independent study).
Sample courses
| Class code | Class title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| KIN 190 | Introduction to Sport and Recreation Management | 3 credits |
| KIN 205 | Promotion and Marketing in Sport and Recreation Management | 2 credits |
| KIN 355 | Financial Principles of Sport and Recreation Organizations | 3 credits |
| KIN 363 | Legal Issues in Sport and Physical Activity Settings | 3 credits |
| KIN 414 | Independent Study in Kinesiology | 1-3 credits |
How much does a BA in Sport and Recreation Management cost?
The cost of your degree will depend on several factors, like scholarships, housing, meal plans, and transfer credits. New students also pay a $100 matriculation fee. You will also need to budget for books, supplies, materials, transportation, personal costs, loan fees, and other expenses. Explore the cost of attendance.
Full-time student living on campus
| Expense | By semester | By year |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time tuition (12-18 credits)* | $19,674 | $39,348 |
| Housing** | $4,313 | $8,625 |
| Food*** | $3,135 | $6,270 |
| Technology fee | $150 | $300 |
| Total direct charges (billable) | $27,272 | $54,543 |
*Based on 2026-2027 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**This cost is estimated, actual housing cost will vary by student selections.
***Cost estimate based on 3 meals per day.
How much does campus housing cost?
When it comes to housing, St. Ambrose University offers diverse options to meet the needs of our students. From traditional dormitories to apartment-style living, there’s something for everyone. The cost of our housing will vary based on where you decide to live and the meal plan you choose.
St. Ambrose University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Accreditation and recognitions provide the assurance we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
How does SAU support sport and recreation management students?
St. Ambrose University’s sport and recreation management faculty have a wide range of experience. They’ve managed facilities, have worked internationally, and have expertise in several sport and recreation settings. Through one-on-one advising, they’ll connect you with experiences to help you determine which concentration fits your career goals. From there, they work to ensure assignments, skills, and objectives set you up for success in your area of focus.
Sport and recreation management faculty
Other support resources
Student Success Center
At St. Ambrose, we want you to thrive. Access free tutoring, study groups, and supplemental instruction through our Student Success Center.
Accessibility Resource Center
Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help.
Career services
Our Academic and Career Planning Center is ready to help you polish your resume and land a job or internship to launch your career.
Are there scholarships available for BA in Sport and Recreation Management?
At St. Ambrose University, we believe that education should be accessible to all. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for our students. We are committed to providing our students with the resources they need to succeed academically and financially.
Iowa Business and Professional Women Foundation Scholarship
The Iowa Business and Professional Women Foundation is awarding five educational scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year. Learn more about the Iowa Business and Professional Women Foundation Scholarship.
Ambrose Advantage Scholarship
Through the Ambrose Advantage Scholarship program, a tuition-free St. Ambrose University education is available to any Pell Grant-eligible Iowans. Learn more about the Ambrose Advantage.
Merit-based and institutional scholarships
St. Ambrose offers excellent scholarships and grants based on your strong academic performance, your talent in fine arts or athletics, or your community involvement. Explore SAU scholarships.
Transfer credits
At SAU, you may be able to transfer previous college credit toward your bachelor’s degree, saving you significant time and money. Learn how to transfer credits.
Start your career stress-free
"I always wanted to go to college but finances were an issue. With the Ambrose Advantage, I don't have to worry. My tuition is paid and I'm getting a good education."
-Alexis Stovall, Davenport, Iowa
What’s on campus for sport and recreation management students?
Take advantage of our beautiful Wellness and Recreation Center. Enjoy the use of our two-story cardio and weight room available to all students. Prefer collaborative workout activities? We also have a multipurpose room for group fitness classes. Additionally, students can get involved in campus-wide intramural sports.
Putting skills into practice
“The one experience I will remember above the rest is also the most recent: the Sport Management Capstone. This was an incredibly enjoyable class and event. Getting to work with my classmates to put on our own event was a great culmination of the past four years.”
-Jackson Graber ‘23, BA in Sport Management
What are the admission requirements for a BA in Sport and Recreation Management?
Start your management career at St. Ambrose. Here are the admissions requirements for our BA in Sport and Recreation Management.
- You must have graduated from an accredited high school or earned a GED
- You must have a minimum cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.5
- You must provide an official high school transcript
International student requirements
If you live outside of the U.S. there are different admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Official transcripts from secondary education
- A minimum 2.5 CGPA out of a 4.0 scale, or equivalent
- Proof of English language proficiency (minimum scores: TOEFL - 79, IELTS - 6.0)
- Copy of your passport and other documentation
What can I do with a sport and recreation management degree?
Your education and degree can help you reach your professional goals. St. Ambrose University can never promise a career or particular outcome upon graduating. We encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here is a list of potential job titles, traits, and settings a graduate in our sport and recreation management program could achieve.
Potential job titles
- Sports event coordinator
- Recreation manager
- Sports marketing assistant
- Facility operations manager
- Sports agent or manager
- Sports public relations specialist
Potential employment settings
- Professional sports teams
- Collegiate athletic departments
- Sports marketing agencies
- Event management companies
- Recreation and fitness centers
- Sports media organizations
Traits of a sport and recreation management professional
- Knowledge of sports
- Adaptability
- Collaborative
- Communication
- Leadership
- Marketing
Industry facts
- The average wage in the sports and fitness management field is growing 6.61%
- The sports and fitness management workforce is growing 7.04%
For more information on management employment and wages, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook.
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