Prepare for the ‘Big Leagues’ as a Sports Industry Leader
Get ready for work to become play as you embark on an exciting and fulfilling career in the dynamic world of sports. At UNE, our Sport Leadership and Management (SLAM) major is designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience needed to thrive in the $500 billion global sports industry. Whether your passion lies in professional sports, intercollegiate athletics, interscholastic competitions, or specialized areas such as events, sales, or venue management, this comprehensive program will provide you with a solid foundation and a competitive edge.
Worldwide Sports Opportunities Await
Launch your sports career with national and global opportunities while studying from a beautiful coastal Maine location. Our program connects you with industry-leading faculty and staff, offering unparalleled access to major and minor league sports franchises, sports management firms, and exciting sports events. This opens the door to numerous fun and rewarding internships and industry contacts. Situated on the scenic Maine coast, our campus also provides easy access to surfing, biking, hiking, skiing, and more.
Note: This program was formerly know as Sport and Recreation Management.
Why UNE for Sport Leadership and Management Degree
With UNE, you’ll form a strong foundation in sports management from our team of seasoned professionals. Combined with our strong relationships with professional sports programs across the country and our close proximity to a variety of incredible recreational areas, you’ll have a leg up when you're looking for your dream job in sports.
- UNE is ranked #1 in Maine for graduates getting a job — Zippia
- Work alongside accomplished faculty with industry experience
- Hands-on learning opportunities with professional sports franchises
- Local internship opportunities with sports teams like the Portland Sea Dogs and Maine Mariners
- Engage in industry-related projects with tangible outcomes
- Connect with sports industry professionals and expand your network
- Fully integrated Business minor for a competitive edge in the job market
- Guest speakers from industry insiders
- In-class engagement and visits to premier sports sites
UNE helps two students land dream internships
Natalie Ippolito ’20
Why UNE
When I was a kid, my family used to vacation on Hills Beach. I was so young then that I later didn't even remember that there was a college campus right there. When I was looking around at different colleges, my mom said to me, “What about the one we used to pass by?” I remember looking into UNE then, but I wanted to go to UMass Lowell because that’s where a lot of my friends were going. Then one day I was hiking with my brother, and he told me that I should challenge myself to go somewhere that none of my friends were going. I took that challenge, and it led me here to UNE.
We have a very different setup than other schools because the Business Department is small compared to the health science majors here. It’s close-knit because of that. All of the professors tailor their classes to the students and what the students want to learn. I think that is the coolest part. Rather than just following a set curriculum, they'll see what the students are interested in and try to engage us more.
Welcoming Community
Everyone is very friendly here at UNE. When you pass by people, you don't even have to know them, they’ll smile and wave. I think that's really cool. It’s a very welcoming environment, and I really appreciate that. It's very much geared toward getting students involved in different things, and I think that allows for a lot of freedom and opportunity.
I learned a lot about myself from being here at UNE. I remember coming into college…I thought, “Oh, I'm just going to do my classes, study hard, and not do anything aside from that.” I got sucked into the culture, though. There is so much community here. It started with my involvement in [the undergraduate theater club] UNE Players and went from there.
I remember when I first came to UNE, I thought it was pretty, and I liked it here. It was a shallow interpretation of the place. After a few years at UNE, though, I have a much deeper connection. I think that UNE Players helped me feel that way and find my place. I developed friends through participating in the plays.
All of the professors tailor their classes to the students and what the students want to learn. I think that is the coolest part.
What Will You Study? Sport Leadership and Management Degree Curriculum Overview
B.S. in Sport Leadership and Management Courses
If you’re passionate about sports and management, our curriculum is built on a strong foundation and real-world relationships to set you up for a terrific career.
The following are some examples of the exciting courses that we offer:
- Sport Marketing
- Sport and Recreation Finance
- Sport Venue Planning and Management
- Leadership
- Athletic and Sport Administration
- Sport and Society
For more information see the Academic Catalog.
Alumni Story: Working in professional golf
Career Paths for Sport Leadership and Management Majors
At UNE, you’ll combine a solid business foundation with knowledge of the underlying theory, latest technology, and best practices of the sports industry across its many segments. Not only will you develop the skills to be an effective leader, but you’ll also be prepared to make a difference in the lives of those you serve through sports programming.
Our graduates have pursued many exciting professions, including:
- Athletic Director
- Professional Sports Sales
- Coach
- Game Day Manager
- Director of Sports Partnerships
- Sport Event Manager
- Business Owner
- Sport Information Director
- Operations Manager
Career Advising for B.S. in Sport Leadership and Management Students
Whether you have a specific career goal in mind or a vague idea of the field that interests you, Career Advising is here to help you plan your next step.
UNE Center for Sport and Business Innovation
The Center for Sport and Business Innovation equips our graduates with a competitive edge in professional sports, preparing you to lead effectively in the workforce. The center promotes research, hosts events, and creates revenue-generating programs in the sports marketplace. By bridging theory and practice, it prepares you to be a future leader for the business of sports, offering hands-on experience and connections with industry experts.
Experiential Learning in the B.S. in Sport Leadership and Management Program
As a UNE student in Sport Leadership and Management, experiential learning is critical to your professional development. In addition to your internships, you’ll also interact with sports industry professionals through in-class experiences.
For more information about the Sport Leadership and Management major program, contact the Program Director, Dr. Kiernan Gordon, at kgordon6@999lsm.net or (207) 602-2605.
UNE Sport Leadership and Management Program Interns in Action
Internship Experiences (Minimum 6 Credits Required)
Each UNE Sport Leadership and Management major is required to complete at least 240 contact hours at approved internship sites, beginning as early as the summer after their freshman year.
Internships allow our students to gain pre-professional experience and enhance their knowledge and skills in one of the many sports industry segments.
Common internship experiences include one or more of the following “hands-on” activities:
- Customer interaction and personnel supervision
- Observation and participation in program planning and leadership
- Research current activities and future trends in the industry
- Participation in management meetings and communications
- A capstone experience, such as marketing plan development, special event promotion, or a professional presentation in a sports leadership discipline
Affiliated Internship Sites in Sport Leadership and Management
UNE Sport Leadership and Management students have completed internships with the following partners, working on sports marketing, sports event planning, athletic administration, coaching, sports information, and sport venue management.
Global Education for Sport Leadership and Management Majors
See the World
Sport and recreation often bring people together — and coming together means learning about our differences. Our Global Education Programs offer many brief travel courses in a wide range of locations, such as Mexico, Kenya, Italy, and Ireland, that expose you to new ways of thinking and introduce you to other cultures and customs. If you’re looking for a longer cultural immersion experience, we offer semester-long programs in Spain, France, Iceland, and at our own international campus in Morocco.
Interested in studying abroad? Make a plan with your advisor.
Apply Today
Ready to begin your future in UNE’s B.S. in Sport Leadership and Management degree program? Get started today.
Bachelor of Science in Sport Leadership and Management FAQ
For more information contact Program Director Kiernan Gordon at kgordon6@999lsm.net.