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Sport Management

If you aspire to combine a passion for sport with a well-developed understanding of the complexities of the business enterprise, then the Sport Management Department at SUNY Cortland is the place for you. We will provide you with the formal educational foundation and the practical experiences necessary to gain access to a career in this exciting and competitive industry.

The Sport Management Department, which is housed in the College's School of Professional Studies, is based on a theory-to-practice model of learning. Students engage in required fieldwork with SUNY Cortland's Athletic Department, required and optional sport industry internships, study abroad opportunities, applied classes, and other endeavors that give students the chance to apply what they learn in the classroom to the fast-paced sport business industry. 

A department that actively promotes diversity and social justice, the Sport Management Department features special focus on sport business, experiential education, and gaining a global perspective of sport. Internationally, the Sport Management Department has affiliations with colleges in England, Germany, Finland, and Australia. SUNY Cortland's Sport Management Department is the oldest Sport Management Department in the SUNY system and has enrolled students since the fall of 1985. The program is consistently ranked the best program in New York State among public universities and among the best Sport Management Programs in the country. 

Department faculty have significant experience working in the sport industry, and they infuse their real-world knowledge into the classroom to proactively prepare students for careers in sport business.

There are currently more than 400 students in the undergraduate bachelor of science program. The department has a strong graduate program offering a Master of Science that is available on campus or online. Total graduate enrollment is approximately 70 students. 

Mission Statement

By combining the principles of a business curriculum with an experiential-driven curriculum specific to the sports industry, we prepare students for employment and leadership in the various fields of sport management.

The Industry

The sports industry is an economic powerhouse. In the United States, its annual valuation exceeds $400 billion, and on a global scale, that figure surpasses $600 billion. Major sport events such as the Olympics, World Cup, and Super Bowl consistently rank among the most-watched television broadcasts, both domestically and internationally.

The industry's scope is far from static; it is a diversified and continually expanding field. Emerging sectors such as data analytics, social media marketing, sports gambling, streaming platforms, e-commerce, and jersey sponsorship are rapidly changing the industry. 

Given this landscape, a degree in sport management from SUNY Cortland will equip students with the requisite knowledge, training, and practical experience to excel in the dynamic world of sport business. Career opportunities are abundant and varied, ranging from sports agency and ticket sales to public relations, event and facility management, information technology, game operations, marketing, and sponsorship sales. Furthermore, roles in intercollegiate and scholastic athletics offer rich avenues for professional growth.

Armed with a Sport Management degree from SUNY Cortland, you'll be well-positioned to navigate the complexities and seize the opportunities in this ever-evolving field.

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Majors

Graduate Programs


News

Sport Management program among best in U.S.

Aug. 27, 2024
The department was ranked near the top 5% in the country by Niche.com.

SUNY Cortland’s ESPN highlight gets assist from alum

Feb. 23, 2024
Rob Galm ’17 shines a national spotlight on his alma mater in his work as a content producer at ESPN.

Black History Month events continue

Feb. 20, 2024
The 2024 series of historical and cultural events runs through the end of February.  

Sad news about James Forshee

Feb. 17, 2024
D. James Forshee, lecturer in the Sport Management Department, passed away Feb. 15.

Ski jump trip lets students reach new heights

Feb. 6, 2024
Sport management majors get a feel for running a major international competition.

Clubs/Societies

The Sport Management Club at the State University of New York College at Cortland is comprised of sport management majors and minors and is the largest student-run club on campus. Supported by the Cortland Student Government Association, the Cortland Sport Management Club provides students with unique opportunities to work at and run sports-related events, travel on educational field trips to sports venues, hear from guest speakers who work in the sport business world, and gain additional valuable industry experience with their peers.

Trip to MetLife Stadium