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Sport Management

Available as a major

Sport Management majors are prepared to be leaders in a variety of roles in the business of sports. Every event or facility needs a strong network of people working behind the scenes, whether it’s a World Series game, a local rec sports league, a new playground facility or an outdoor community event.

In our program, you’ll learn the administrative aspects of sports — managing facilities, personnel, budgets, promotions and more — and you'll gain experience both on- and off-campus. 

Curriculum & Courses

Sample Course Offerings

HHP 313: Sport Marketing 
HHP 412: Advanced Principles & Practice of Sport Management
HHP 315: Behavioral Perspectives in Sports

Student using a laptop for a sports management class

Student Experiences

Strong mentoring leads alumnus to career in athletics

Adrian Dowell’s resume reflects his strong passion for the business of intercollegiate athletics, one that evolved during his years at Roanoke. The former men’s basketball team captain has worked at the NCAA National Office, at West Virginia University and currently, at Creighton University, where he serves as assistant athletic director and senior director for development. Along the way, he earned both an M.S. in sport management and an M.B.A.

Dowell '08 said his passion for intercollegiate athletics developed on- and off-court, with the help of athletic and academic role models that include Director of Athletics Scott Allison and Health and Human Performance Professor John Creasy. As a result, “upon graduation, I was prepared to enter this industry,” Dowell said.

Adrian Dowell pictured in suit and tie

What Makes Roanoke Different?

Cutting-Edge Facilities

Roanoke College offers top-notch sports and event venues. Here's a look at the Cregger Center, found right here on campus, and a few of our other athletic spaces. 

Cregger
track
arena
kerr stadium
practice fields

Because of Roanoke's history of hosting more than 50 NCAA championships, sport management majors can participate in the coordination of a fully functioning, national sporting event.

Learn By Doing

We offer many firsthand learning opportunities for our students. 

  • Study Abroad

    Students in Spain

    We offer semester- or year-long international exchanges with more than 50 schools around the world, including Egypt, Israel, Belgium, Chile, Morocco, France, Denmark, Germany, Australia and Japan.

  • Internship Opportunities

    Many students expand their knowledge and skill sets through internship experiences off campus. This type of introduction to working in the field is very beneficial for students interested in getting jobs in the public sector after college. 

  • Clubs & Organizations

    Rotaract Club

    Our clubs and student organizations provide networking opportunities with fellow students and people already working in their field of choice. This interaction provides Roanoke students with opportunities to enhance their academic studies and build a sturdy foundation on which to begin their careers.

  • Student-Managed Fund

    student managed fun

    Unlike traditional portfolio simulators, which may encourage unrealistic and brash investment strategies, the Student-Managed Fund challenges Roanoke students to use their skills, innovation, and teamwork to responsibly grow a real investment portfolio.

  • The Pitch

    the pitch

    Our annunal "Shark Tank"-style contest gives each student competitor a strict, five-minute window to pitch a business idea to a panel of local leaders. 

Study Abroad

Students study ancient Olympic games in Greece

Students in a stadium
Students by the sea
Students in ancient ruins
Student holding fruit in a marketplace
Students hanging out in ancient ruins
Students in an old theater
Students in ancient ruins
Student looking at sculptures
Students eating at a restaurant
Students looking over a cliff
Student doing a handstand on a trail
Students at ancient Greek ruins
Students in a valley in Greece
Students crossing a river
Students on a mountain looking over the town below

Careers & Outcomes

Our grads go on to work with great organizations

Logos of ESPN, MLL, MLB and NASCAR

Alumna scores with Cincinnati Reds job

Megan Hewett's desk overlooks first base of Great American Ball Park, home of Major League Baseball's Cincinnati Reds. It's a prime view for Hewett '12, who majored in sport management at Roanoke,  and now is Fantasy Camp coordinator and alumni coordinator for the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. She organizes the Reds Fantasy Camp, held each year in Arizona, and coordinates activities for alumni Reds players. 

woman pictured with baseball field behind her

Faculty

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News

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