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Be a Game-Changer. Gear Up for Success. Turn Your Passion for Sports into a Powerhouse Career.

Manage sport operations and commercial strategy by leading events, teams, and partnerships that deliver both performance and memorable experiences.

Turn your passion for sports into a career. A sports management degree prepares students for leadership across the sports industry, from team operations and event management to facility leadership, sponsorship activation, and sports marketing. With coursework in finance, law, facilities management, and sport analytics, graduates are prepared to manage all aspects of sports.

Northwood blends sport business instruction with practical experience. Students gain practical experience producing events, managing teams, and working with sponsors, media, and community partners. The program’s ties to athletic departments, event operators, and sports marketing firms provide internships and applied projects. You benefit from small classes, industry speakers, and opportunities to run real events, giving you skills employers respect.

Complete your sport management major in 4 years with an accelerated Bachelor/MBA track. Earn the amount of credits necessary to obtain a master’s degree before you leave NU.

Northwood by the numbers

Fast Facts

Northwood University is an international leader in free-enterprise education.

A painted rock with "Leave Your Print" and a paw print is in the foreground, while a group of people walk along a wooded path in the background.

Your Career After NU

What jobs can you get with a Sports Management Communications degree?

Sports Management graduates take roles across professional, collegiate, and amateur sports organizations, as well as in sports marketing, event promotion, facility operations, and sport-related nonprofits.

  • Event Manager
  • Operations Manager
  • Facility Manager
  • Venue Operations Coordinator
  • Sports Marketing Coordinator
  • Sponsorship Manager
  • Team Operations Assistant 
  • Athletic Administrator
  • Ticketing & Membership Manager
  • Athlete & Team Services Coordinator
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Citadel Broadcasting
  • Dallas Cowboys
  • Detroit Sports Commission
  • Detroit Pistons
  • Detroit Lions
  • Georgia World Congress Center
  • GLIAC Conference
  • Miller Coors
  • Movement Electronic Music Festival
  • Saginaw Spirit
  • Super Bowl
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  • World Cup Skiing Championship
  • X-Games

Heading here

Women soccer players giving each other a high-five after a score

Athletics & Campus Engagement

With more than 20 NCAA athletic teams and a wide range of student-run intramural leagues, Northwood offers an immersive sports environment. Students gain valuable hands-on insight into how sports programs function, experience that strengthens résumés and informs future career paths in the sports industry.

Additionally, students can participate in our new emerging sports, such as ice hockey, bowling, powerlifting, and esports.

Weight racks in the Hach Student Life gym

Hach Student Life

The Hach Student Life Center provides access to state-of-the-art fitness facilities, training spaces, equipment, and wellness resources, all included with your Northwood membership.

You can study sports management while observing real facility operations, member engagement, and program design.

Northwood alumni who participated in Athletics pictured together at the Athletic Hall of Fame

Networking Opportunities

Get access to our large network of Northwood University alumni and community members who are always looking to hire graduates from our programs.

Northwood Sports Management graduates are shaping the industry at top organizations such as the Detroit Pistons, Live Nation, the NCAA, and Under Armour.

Application Checklist

As America’s business university, Northwood attracts ambitious thinkers, emerging leaders, and students who are ready to excel in a competitive, global economy.

Our programs are built for high-achieving learners who want more than a degree; they want an education shaped by real-world business insight, industry partnerships, and a culture of high performance.

General Requirements
  • Current high school transcripts
  • High school diploma or GED required upon entry
Dual Enrollment Option 

Northwood also offers the opportunity for motivated 9th-12th grade students to earn college credits early through our discounted, flexible online dual enrollment program.

  • 3.0 minimum GPA
  • Current high school transcripts
General Requirements
  • High school transcripts
  • High school diploma or GED required upon entry
  • College or university transcripts
English-language Requirements
  • IELTS, TOEFL, Pearson PTE, ACT/SAT scores (English Proficiency requirement may be waived if the language of instruction is English)
General Requirements
  • Passport ID page (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the entry date to Northwood University)
  • Current secondary school transcripts
  • Secondary school completion certificate or diploma
  • College or university transcripts (if you have completed any university credits)

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FAQs

The primary difference between an online bachelor’s degree and an on campus bachelor’s degree is how courses are delivered, not what you learn. Online students complete coursework through Northwood’s digital learning platform, while on campus students attend classes in person. Both formats follow the same academic standards and are taught by qualified Northwood faculty.

Yes. The curriculum is the same for both online and on campus versions of the program. Courses share the same learning outcomes, academic rigor, and degree requirements, ensuring all students receive a consistent education regardless of format.

Completion time depends on factors such as transfer credits, course load, and whether a student studies full-time or part-time. In many cases, online students have greater scheduling flexibility, which can allow them to complete the program at a similar pace or faster than on-campus students.

In some cases, students may be able to transition between online and on campus courses, depending on program structure and availability. Students should consult with an academic advisor to discuss flexibility options and ensure degree requirements are met.

Students applying from U.S. high schools must submit current high school transcripts and must earn a high school diploma or GED prior to enrollment. Northwood also offers a dual enrollment option for motivated students in grades 9-12 who meet eligibility criteria, including a minimum 3.0 GPA. Transfer and international applicants must submit the appropriate academic records for evaluation.

No. The application process is largely the same for online and on campus students, and the same admissions standards apply to both learning formats. Admissions counselors are available to help applicants choose the option that best aligns with their academic and professional goals.

Northwood University programs do not require standardized test scores such as the GRE or GMAT. However, applicants may choose to submit standardized test scores to be considered for merit-based scholarships. Requirements and scholarship eligibility vary by program, so applicants should review program-specific guidelines or speak with an admissions counselor.

International students may apply to on campus programs, subject to visa and immigration requirements. Eligibility for online programs may vary based on location and regulatory considerations. International applicants are encouraged to contact admissions for guidance specific to their circumstances.

Tuition rates may differ between online and on campus programs. Online programs may offer predictable per-credit tuition, while on campus programs may include additional campus-based costs. Current tuition information is available through our net price calculator.

Northwood offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and employer tuition assistance. Eligibility depends on program type, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

Some programs may have additional fees related to technology, course materials, or campus services. Any applicable fees are disclosed during the admissions process so students can plan accordingly.

Both online and on campus students have access to academic advising, tutoring, library services, technical support, and career services. Northwood is committed to supporting students throughout their academic journey, regardless of learning format.

Online students connect with faculty and peers through virtual classrooms, discussion boards, email, video conferencing, and collaborative assignments. These tools are designed to foster engagement and interaction similar to an in-person experience.

Yes. Many campus events, career fairs, and networking opportunities are available to online students either virtually or in person, depending on the event. Alumni and employer networking opportunities are available to all students.

Online students typically need a reliable internet connection and a computer. Some programs may require specific software, which will be communicated prior to the course start.

Online courses may be fully asynchronous, synchronous (live), or a combination, depending on the program. This structure allows flexibility while maintaining meaningful interaction and academic accountability.

Online students have full access to digital library resources, research databases, academic support services, and virtual labs when applicable. These resources are designed to mirror on-campus academic access.

Yes. All Northwood students receive access to career coaching, job placement support, employer connections, and the alumni network, regardless of whether they study online or on campus.

No, employers value accredited degrees and relevant skills. Northwood’s online degrees meet the same academic standards as on campus programs, and employers typically focus on the institution, curriculum, and graduate competencies rather than delivery format.

Career opportunities vary by program but may include roles in business, management, marketing, finance, operations, and leadership.

Start dates vary depending on modality. Online programs often offer multiple start dates throughout the year, while on-campus programs may follow traditional academic calendars.

Many programs offer both full-time and part-time enrollment options, allowing students to balance academics with work or personal commitments.

Online and select on campus programs are designed with working professionals in mind, offering flexible scheduling, practical coursework, and career-focused learning.

Some programs offer accelerated options that allow students to complete their degree in a shorter timeframe. Availability depends on the program and student eligibility.

Yes. Northwood University is an accredited institution, and its programs meet established academic and quality standards.

Yes. The degree earned is the same credential, regardless of whether courses are completed online or on campus.

No. Diplomas and transcripts do not indicate the delivery format of the program.

Forge Your Path Forward