Sport Management Northern Illinois University

Overview

The Sport Management programme at Northern Illinois University provides students with the essential skills required to succeed in the competitive world of professional athletics and recreation. This degree focuses on the behind-the-scenes operations of sports franchises, collegiate departments, and marketing firms.

Students benefit from the university's strategic location near Chicago, offering unparalleled access to major league organisations and diverse industry partners. The curriculum is designed to blend theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring graduates are ready for the workforce.

Why Sport Management at Northern Illinois University?

Northern Illinois University maintains strong relationships with numerous Chicagoland sport organisations and its own NCAA Division I athletics programme. These partnerships provide students with outstanding opportunities for hands-on learning, networking, and professional mentorship throughout their studies.

The institution offers unique specialisations, including the only sport sales minor of its kind in the country, delivered in collaboration with the renowned College of Business. Students can also access accelerated pathways to transition directly into postgraduate study, saving both time and resources.

Facilities and community initiatives, such as the Wellness Community in Stevenson Towers, allow students to engage in intramural leagues and workshops. These experiences enhance personal development while connecting peers who share a passion for the sport and recreation sectors.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 10742 per semester
• National fee: USD 5371 per semester
• Local fee: USD 5371 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum includes a variety of core subjects designed to provide a broad understanding of the industry. Modules may include:

• Psychological Aspects of Sport and Exercise
• Sport Management
• Sport Sales and Sponsorship
• Sport Event and Facility Management
• Communication Strategies in Sport
• Professional Development and Careers in Sport Management
• Sport Management Strategies
• Legal and Ethical Aspects of Sport
• Promotion and Marketing of Sport Programmes
• Finance in the Sport Industry
• Internship in Sport Management

The culminating requirement for the degree is a six-credit hour internship. This field experience allows students to develop practical skills in professional settings, such as collegiate athletic departments or private management firms, under expert faculty guidance.

Careers with Sport Management

Graduates are prepared for extensive career opportunities within professional franchises, marketing and management firms, and parks and recreation operations. The programme has a proven track record of placing alumni in prestigious roles across various major sporting leagues.

Former students have secured positions with high-profile organisations including the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bulls, and Chicago Bears. Opportunities also exist within the National Basketball Association, National Football League, National Hockey League, and various Intercollegiate Athletics programmes.