NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Monroe College, a national leader in educating urban and international students, today announced that it is launching associate (A.A.S.) and bachelor (B.B.A.) degree programs in Sports Management to meet the growing demand for qualified professionals working in all aspects of the business side of professional and amateur sports, such as sports marketing, sports information, and the management of sports organizations and governing authorities.
The college anticipates strong local demand for the new Sports Management degree programs, including from its 600 student-athletes already on campus. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported an increase in sports-related jobs, with positions relating to the promotion of performing arts, sports, and similar events growing by 30 percent between 2010 and 2014, and those relating to the representation of artists, athletes, entertainers, and other public figures as agents and managers growing by 17 percent.
As well, the greater New York City area is home to five major U.S. sports leagues (Major League Baseball, National Football League, National Basketball Association, National Hockey League, and Major League Soccer), and 14 professional sports franchises. It also boasts countless collegiate programs and major annual sporting events like the US Open tennis tournament. Broadcasting, marketing and other related management services associated with the sports industry also maintain a large presence here.
Monroe College introduced a concentration in Sports Management and three sports management courses in the fall of 2012. Within one year, it was the fastest-growing minor offered. The new undergraduate programs will be first offered in the fall 2016 semester, providing students with the necessary knowledge, perspective, and analytical skills for careers within professional sports-related organizations and their commercial partners.
“Sports Management is a vibrant and growing industry, with myriad business career opportunities in areas such as professional sports, amateur sports, youth sports, recreation facilities and athletic administration,” said Ahmed Eshra, Dean of Monroe’s School of Business and Accounting. “The launch of these associate and bachelor degree programs is a strong and welcome addition to our existing Associate’s in Business Administration and Bachelors in Business Management programs.”
Those pursuing a Sports Management degree at Monroe will learn the fundamentals of how professional clubs oversee their business, the components of event management, finance and budget strategies, marketing and how to initiate promotional campaigns. Students will also explore issues in media sports coverage and principles of ethics and law in business. The associate degree program aims to prepare students for entry-level positions, while graduates of the bachelor degree program will be eligible to seek employment in management and leadership roles.
Additional information about Monroe College’s Sports Management degree programs and its School of Business & Accounting are available on the college’s website. Admissions and financial aid information is also available.