Turn Your Passion for Sports Into Business Experience
Led by the College of Business and enhanced through hands-on experience, the Sports Management and Business minor blends management, marketing, economics and leadership with the realities of sports-focused organizations.
Designed for both business and non-business majors, this selective minor helps you build practical skills and industry insight while completing a required internship in the sports field.
Program Features
First Sports Management Minor in the Region Led by a College of Business
Built on core business disciplines, this minor also draws on courses from multiple colleges, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the sports industry.
Competitive Admission
Up to 50 students are accepted each year. Students apply and share their interest and experience in the sports industry, creating a focused learning community of students committed to careers at the intersection of sports and business.
Real-World Experience is Required
Every student completes an approved internship or practicum in the sports industry, gaining hands-on experience, professional connections and career-ready skills before graduation.
Who is This Minor for
- Students interested in sports careers
- Student-athletes preparing for post-sport careers
- Students seeking a business lens on the sports industry
What You'll Learn
- Understand the unique structure and challenges of the sports industry
- Apply business, marketing and economic principles in sports contexts
- Develop leadership, communication and professional skills
- Gain hands-on experience through an approved sports internship
Coursework
Choose the track that matches your major. Requirements differ for business and non-business students.
Students may take courses associated with the minor without being admitted, but only admitted students will earn the minor.
Business Major Track (12–15 credit hours)
Required courses (6–9 credit hours)
- Introduction to Sports Management (MNGT 342)
- Sports and Event Marketing (MRKT 428)
- Internship/Practicum (MNGT 395: 0-3 credit hours)
Electives (6 credit hours)
Choose two of the following:
- Sports Economics and Finance (ECON 448)
- Negotiating and Conflict Management (MNGT 412)
- Leadership, Communication and Teams (MNGT 311)
- Managing Behavior in Organizations (MNGT 360)
- Intro to Event Industry (HRTM 289)
- Coaching Effectiveness (ATHC 279)
Non-Business Major Track (18-21 credit hours)
Required courses (12-15 credit hours)
- Introduction to Management (MNGT 300)
- Introduction to Marketing (MRKT 300)
- Introduction to Sports Management (MNGT 342)
- Sports and Event Marketing (MRKT 428)
- Internship/Practicum (MNGT 395: 0-3 credit hours)
Electives (6 credit hours)
Choose two of the following:
- Sports Economics and Finance (ECON 448)
- Negotiating and Conflict Management (MNGT 412)
- Leadership, Communication and Teams (MNGT 311)
- Managing Behavior in Organizations (MNGT 360)
- Intro to Event Industry (HRTM 289)
- Coaching Effectiveness (ATHC 279)
Career Outcomes
Because this is a new minor, career and internship examples are drawn from placements completed by students in the Introduction to Sports Management (MNGT 342) course over the past two semesters.
Industry Opportunities:
- Collegiate and professional athletics
- Sports marketing and communications
- Event and facility management
- Sports operations and administration
- Nonprofit and community sports organizations
Students Have Also Pursued These Graduate Degrees:
- Master's in Sports Management
- Sports Law
Internship Placements:
- Hudl
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Lincoln Stars
- Nebraska Department of Athletics
- Omaha Supernovas
- Opendorse
- Scheels
Career Placements:
- Learning and Talent Management Specialist, Hudl
- Coach, Lincoln Public Schools
- Ticket Operations Coordinator, Los Angeles Rams
- Operations Coordinator, Playfly Sports at Louisiana State University
- Director of Content Strategy, Texas A&M Football
- Grounds Technician, U.S. Soccer Federation
Application Process
To declare the sports management and business minor, you must first apply and be admitted into the program.
Key Dates
Application Opens: June
Notify Me When Applications Open
Application Closes: September 15 at 11:59 p.m.
Admission Decisions: Mid-October so you can enroll in spring classes
Eligibility
Admission to the Sports Management and Business minor is competitive.
To apply, students must:
- Have sophomore standing at the time of application review in the fall
- Have a 2.5+ GPA
- Submit a resume, current transcript and answers to application questions
Required Materials to Prepare
You'll need to make a single file in PDF format with the following included. Use the following name convention: your full name, underscore, your NUID number (e.g., JaneDoe_12345678).
- Resume
- Unofficial transcript that includes spring semester grades
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to apply to earn the Sports Management and Business minor?
Yes. Students must apply and be admitted to the program to earn the Sports Management and Business minor. While students may take courses associated with the minor without being admitted, only admitted students will receive the minor.
Who can apply to the minor?
The minor is open to both business and non-business majors. Students must have sophomore standing at the time of application review each fall.
Is this minor only for student-athletes?
No. While student-athletes may find this minor valuable, it is open to all students interested in pursuing careers at the intersection of sports and business.
How competitive is admission?
Admission is competitive, with up to 50 students accepted each year. Applications are reviewed holistically based on academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and prior experience or interest in the sports industry.
When should I apply?
Applications open in the summer and are due by September 15 at 11:59 p.m. Admission decisions are made in mid-October so students can enroll in spring courses.
Can I take courses for the minor before I am admitted?
Yes. Students may enroll in courses associated with the minor before being admitted. However, admission is required to officially earn the minor.
Do non-business majors need additional prerequisites?
Yes. Non-business majors are required to meet the prerequisites for the introductory management and marketing courses as part of the minor. Some courses may require permission codes.
Is an internship required?
Yes. All students admitted to the minor must complete an approved internship or practicum in the sports industry as part of the program requirements. Students source their own internships, but they can get internship search support from the Business Career Center. Internship credit hours vary based on the placement.
What kinds of internships qualify?
Internships must be approved and related to the sports industry. Examples include placements in collegiate or professional athletics, sports marketing, event and facility management, and sports operations.
Interest Form
Fill out the form below to be notified when the Sports Management and Business Minor application is available.
