Intro
- Are you a student interested in working in the fields of sports, non-profit organizations, fitness or leisure organizations?
- Do you have a desire to work in sport management, school or college athletics, sports marketing and consulting, or professional sporting bodies and institutions?
- Are you interested in park or event management?
- Do you love the outdoors and have an interest in leadership roles at camps, nature-based organizations or local, state or national park services?
- Do you have an interest in mentoring youth in after-school programs, art or music centers, or development-based organizations such as the YMCA or Boys and Girls Club?
Join Salem State's sport and movement science department to study management courses and find a future career in sport management or recreation management. Learn more about which of our two management concentrations is right for you:
Sport vs. Recreation Management
Sport Management
- Teaches current sports business in all aspects, from the content of the material to the form of assignments
- Focuses on the development of managerial, analytical, and creative skills and abilities
- Simulates a real business environment in the classroom
- Stimulates passion and curiosity for sport management, creativity and analysis, personal growth, participation, and enthusiasm in class
- Balances student and instructor-centered learning
- Reflects competencies required by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA)
- Reflects competencies required by the National Association of Sport and Physical Education (NASPE)
Recreation Management
- Teaches management for governmental, private and non-profit organizations
- Teaches park, recreation, and sports facility planning/development, as well as recreation program planning and management
- Explores camp administration and therapeutic recreation
- Focus on environmental and social justice issues
- Teaches legal issues and risk management
- Focus on leadership, recreation and community wellness
- Provides students with necessary theoretical framework and applied experiences
- Prepares students for work in the recreation management field or graduate degree program
About Sport Management and Recreation Management
Which manager are you?
The prepares students to become managers and leaders for the dynamic sports industry of tomorrow. Salem State Sport and Movement Science faculty strive to provide well-rounded education balancing and integrating such content areas as business and sport science, local and international practices, mass and high-performance sport, finance, economics and law, marketing and ethics, and event and facility management. By sharing research and professional experiences at the international level, faculty equip graduates with a competitive advantage of knowing progressive methods from around the world, particularly in providing opportunities for healthy lifelong sports participation to all and to improving the health and wellbeing of home communities.
The prepares students for careers that make a difference in people’s lives through nature, art, music, sports, fitness, and the management of recreational activities and areas that are vital to not only our community and wellness but also our economy. In 2019, local parks and rec had an economic impact of $166 billion and added 1.1 million jobs while outdoor recreation contributed $887 billion and 7.6 million jobs to the economy. The pandemic has only served to increase the importance and impact of recreation in our world. Not only did people depend on their preferred forms of recreation for their wellness, but they were driven to change their lifestyles.
Careers
Sport Management Careers
- Sporting clubs and league manager
- School and college athletics manager
- Manager of professional and amateur state and national sporting bodies
- Venues and facilities manager
- Event organization manager
- Sports marketing consultant
- Player agent organization career
- Fitness center manager
- Management in sports commissions, institutes and academies
- Park, recreation and leisure organizational leader
Recreation Management Careers
- Event planner/manager
- National, state or city park and recreation director; park planner; park program director
- YMCA director
- Boys and Girls Club program director
- Therapeutic recreation specialist
- Youth sports directors/managers; youth mentors; youth development specialists
- Coaches
- Camp owner/director
- Scouting directors; adventure programming directors; outward bound program directors
- Outdoor outfitters
- Park or historical interpreters
- Business owners/managers
- Museum assistant
- Marketing specialists
- Environmental specialists
Facts and Figures
100
%Students who find internships within their area of interest77
%Grads employed in recreation management or in grad school16-20
%Estimated job growth in recreation management from 2020-2030
Apply
Apply to our sport and movement science program!
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Stephen Guttadauro
Class of 2021
Now working for the Houston Texans“During my time at Salem State, I was able to discover the path I wanted to take for my career. Without the multiple opportunities to go on-site with different organizations that I got with the Sport and Movement Science department, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I want to thank Dr. Bloom as well as all of the professors I had during my journey for helping set me up for success.”
Alexis Raash
Class of 2018
Head Women’s Swimming and Diving Coach at the University of Jamestown“The recreation management program at Salem State provided me with vital knowledge that helped propel me to coach at the college level. I am thankful for the real-world knowledge and hands-on experiences that prepared me for a successful career in the recreation and sports industry.”
Mark Carney
Class of 2010
Team Manager“During my time at Salem State, I was able to get hands-on experiences through internships and directed study. The faculty supported and helped guide me through the curriculum and regularly discussed career paths, which allowed me to narrow my focus to what I was really passionate about. Because of this, I have enjoyed a number of jobs within the sports industry that have been hugely rewarding, including my most recent appointment as Team Manager for Rugby ATL.”
Justin Barry
Class of 2016
“The recreation management program gave me the opportunity to serve a tight-knit community at the North Andover Youth and Recreation Department. This degree was a doorway to a work environment where I came out of my shell and shared myself with others. It has given me the self-satisfaction to feel I am doing something important and proud to be leaving a positive impact on our community. I wake up every day with the ability to bring creative ideas and programs to life. We've done everything from sports leagues, whitewater rafting, camping, cooking, ropes course, fishing, archery, and more. These offerings allow children to try new experiences, make friends, learn about each other and about themselves.”
Contact Us
Sport and Movement Science
352 Lafayette St.
Salem, MA 01970