Business degrees and sports management degrees are both common offerings at many major universities. There are some similarities between these degrees, but they differ in their course offerings, job opportunities, and a few other key ways. Learning about the differences between these degrees may help you decide which is the right choice for you. In this article, we discuss what a business degree and a sports management degree are and describe the main differences between them.
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What is a business degree?
A business degree is a degree that teaches you about the economics and management of a business. It typically takes four years to complete and is available at most major universities. Some common concentrations in the field include accounting, economics, entrepreneurship, finance, management, marketing, and international business.
What is a sports management degree?
A sports management degree is a degree that teaches you how to manage or operate sporting events, such as baseball games or golf tournaments. It typically takes four years to complete and is available at many universities, with some colleges offering it as an online course. Some common concentrations in the field include athletic training, sports communications, sports coaching, sports studies, sports marketing, sports sociology, and physical therapy.
Business degree vs. sports management degree
Here are some of the main differences between these two types of degrees:
Courses
Business degree curriculums often include courses such as economics, accounting, entrepreneurship, marketing, and management. Many universities have colleges specifically for business students, which provide several courses for business majors.
Sports management degree curriculums have courses such as athletic training, coaching, sports public relations, and sports law. Depending on the school you attend they may also have different kinds of courses for the management of specific types of sports.
Job opportunities
Obtaining a business degree can lead to many different kinds of jobs. Depending on your degree, you can gain employment in areas such as accounting, marketing, management, and other fields. Some students become educators or professors, while others work in various industries such as banking, law, or consulting.
Sports management degrees are the same way. Employment opportunities are extremely varied depending on what type of department or school your sports management degree is being offered at. You can find many positions at athletic training schools where you can work with athletes to rehabilitate an injury or teach them how to play their sport correctly through coaching methods. You may also get a job working for a team that runs a sporting event.
Job flexibility
Business degrees are very flexible. Many business majors can get an entry-level position at a company. Those who obtain further education in the field, like an MBA, can move up to management or other positions that entail more responsibility and pay.
Sports management degrees are also very flexible, meaning you may work for an athletic training facility, ticket sales office, or marketing department of a team after graduation.
Industry certifications
Many students who pursue a business degree may complete their coursework, get their diploma, and then go on to earn industry certifications such as the CPA. You can also do this with sports management degrees. Students can take additional classes and earn a certification in a specific sport.
Classroom setting
Schools usually teach business degrees in a classroom setting, with students sitting at desks and looking at professors or teaching assistants. They often give lectures in large groups, with the professor talking at the front of the class. Some schools may also offer seminars, where students can sit around a table and discuss topics with their peers.
Sports management degrees are similar to business degrees in that schools often teach them in a classroom setting. Some courses may be taught online or through videos though, depending on what kind of school you attend.
Hands-on experience
Business degrees often require students to complete an internship or other hands-on experience at a company or industry. In some cases, students may already have employment in the business field, but take additional classes to fill gaps in their education.
Sports management degrees usually have a final internship or project that they complete before graduation and students often work with athletes, coaches, and other people in the field during that time.
Related: BEST ONLINE SPORTS MANAGEMENT DEGREES
Skills
Business degrees are to develop skills for working with numbers, money, and marketing. Business degrees also teach students how to handle money, operate a business, and deal with different types of people. Additionally, people who pursue this type of degree may learn how to work in a team and plan and organize projects. Some students may also develop skills such as critical thinking, budgeting, and time management.
Sports management degrees can teach you how to organize, lead, and motivate people in order to achieve a set goal. People who pursue this type of degree often become great leaders, even if they do not work in sports management after graduation. They also develop skills such as analytical thinking, accounting, and decision-making. Sports management degrees also develop skills in working with numbers, marketing, and finance. At the end of a sports management degree, students may have many of the same skills that they use in their careers.
Salary
Business analysts earn an average salary of $73,904 per year. Business managers earn an average salary of $62,175 per year. Both of these careers are common choices after graduating with a business degree.
Sports center managers earn an average salary of $34,104 per year. Athletics managers earn an average salary of $45,499 per year. Both of these careers are common choices after graduating with a sports management degree.
Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there may be a 14% increase in jobs for management analysts from 2020 to 2030. They also predict a 7% increase in accountant and auditor positions. You can pursue both of these positions after graduating with a business degree.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there may be a 29% increase in jobs for umpires, referees, and other sports officials from 2020 to 2030. They also predict a 26% increase in coach and scout positions. You can pursue both of these positions after graduating with a sports management degree.
I hope you find this article helpful.
