Master the Business of Sport
Our sport management students learn the business of sport in our hands-on classes. From creating sponsorship proposals to risk management plans, our students graduate with the skills they need to support a thriving sport program at the community, collegiate or professional level.
Our unique curriculum empowers students to see how sport can transform communities, promote physical health and champion environmental sustainability.
Top 1% in the U.S.
Ranked #9 out of 743 sport management programs nationwide.
(Niche, 2025)
#1 in North Carolina
Ranked the top college in the state for sport management and leisure studies. (Niche, 2025)
Complete 2+ Internships
Build real-world experience with NC State Athletics, Carolina Hurricanes, Durham Bulls, USA Baseball, and more.
Explore the Curriculum
With 30 free credit hours, you have the flexibility to customize your education. These credits act like a built-in minor, allowing you to focus on areas that match your career goals. Popular minors include business administration, psychology, sports science and statistics.
“My internship gave me real-world experience and connected me with people in the industry — including alumni working for teams like the Red Sox and Yankees. It helped me build the kind of network that can lead to a career in sports.”
Antonio Jimenez ’25
Connect with us in-person or virtually through info sessions and 1:1 meetings.
Hands-on Experience that Leads to Jobs
Our geo-visualization lab trains students on state-of-the-art technology that helps organizations make informed decisions in areas such as facility design, fan-base tracking, and health and fitness trending, making our students competitive for a variety of jobs. Outside the classroom, students in our program also:
- Work with NC State Athletics and regional sports organizations.
- Gain event planning and operations experience through internships and practicums.
- Learn to market, manage and lead in the business of sport and recreation.
“During my time at the College of Natural Resources, I discovered areas I’m excited to pursue professionally. What’s been most beneficial is how hands-on the program is — with out-of-classroom work, networking and professors who really care about helping us succeed.”
Laurel Cavanagh ’23
Build Experience in the Sports Industry
All students complete at least one 400-hour internship before graduation. Raleigh has a range of community-based, non-profit, collegiate and professional sports organizations where students can intern close to campus. Our program also has ties to more than 50 sport organizations nationwide that offer internships specifically to our students. Right here in North Carolina, we work with:
- Carolina Hurricanes
- Durham Bulls
- NC State athletics
- YMCA of the Triangle
- National Baseball Hall of Fame
- Greensboro Grasshoppers
- Carolina Panthers
- NASCAR
- Jimmy V Foundation
What can I do with my degree?
From steering community sports programs to orchestrating major sporting events, the possibilities are endless.
Community Athletic Director
Take the lead of a community athletic program, overseeing everything from budgeting to scheduling and training. Serve with passion, guiding both students and the community to a brighter, more active future. Recent employers include the YMCA.
Sport Program Director
Drive the success of sports programs from inception to execution. Craft high-quality classes and coordinate events that build team spirit and community engagement. Recent employers include Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources.
Assistant Community Relations Director
Be at the heart of community engagement and player outreach, focusing on inspiring programs like youth football. Recent employers include the Atlanta Falcons.
Assistant Operations Manager
Streamline operations and enhance service delivery in fast-paced environments. Recent employers include NASCAR.
Youth and Senior Activity Coordinator
Design and manage activities for both the young and the young-at-heart. Lead large events and mobilize communities. Recent employers include the U.S. Tennis Association.
Community Event Planner
Mastermind professional events with precision, from choosing the venue to managing logistics. Recent employers include the Jimmy V Foundation.
Facilities Manager
Ensure the smooth operation of facilities and manage day-to-day activities to keep buildings and venues in top shape. Recent employers include the New England Patriots.
Sports Information Assistant
Serve as the bridge between sports teams and the public by providing crucial game statistics and player updates. Recent employers include the Harlem Globetrotters.
Media Relations Assistant
Shape the narrative and manage the flow of information between your organization and the media. Recent employers include Reebok.
Related Degree
Interested in a broader focus than just sports? If you’re passionate about creating unforgettable experiences and managing natural and recreational areas, explore our Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management degree.
Common Questions (FAQ)
What is sport management?
Sport management is a major that teaches the business side of sports, from marketing and event planning to venue management and community engagement. Students learn to design sponsorship proposals, create risk management plans and manage sport programs at all levels.
What types of classes will I take?
Coursework covers sport marketing, finance, law, technology and event management. You’ll also explore how sports can address social issues such as obesity and environmental concerns.
Can I customize my degree?
Yes. With 30 credit hours of electives, students can focus on a minor or create a personalized plan of study. This flexibility acts like a built-in minor, allowing you to combine sport management with areas such as business administration, psychology, sports science or statistics.
What technology will I use?
Students train in the geovisualization lab, where state-of-the-art tools are used for facility design, fan-base tracking and health and fitness trend analysis. This hands-on training prepares graduates for the growing demand for technology-driven careers in sports.
How many internships will I complete?
All students complete a 400-hour internship as part of the program, and most gain experience through several more. On average, graduates complete more than three internships, giving them strong résumés and professional networks before graduation.
Where can I intern close to campus?
Local opportunities include the Carolina Hurricanes, Durham Bulls, NC State Athletics and community organizations throughout the Triangle. Students also access more than 50 national partnerships, including the Carolina Panthers, NASCAR and the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
How does sport management connect to the community?
The curriculum emphasizes how sports can be used for social change, from addressing health issues to supporting sustainability. Students learn to design programs that strengthen communities while advancing the industry.
What careers can I pursue with this degree?
Graduates work in roles such as community athletic director, program director, facilities manager, operations manager, event planner, media relations assistant and sports information assistant.
Who hires sport management graduates?
Employers include professional and collegiate teams, nonprofit organizations, community programs and private companies. Recent partners include the Atlanta Falcons, the YMCA, Raleigh Parks and Recreation and the Jimmy V Foundation.
Why choose NC State?
The program combines academic flexibility, advanced technology and strong professional connections. With multiple internships, a community-focused curriculum, and access to more than 50 sport organizations nationwide, students graduate prepared to succeed in a wide range of sport careers.
The Sport Management Experience
