About Sport Management

Mission Statement

The Sport Management Program at Minnesota State University, Mankato is committed to excellence in teaching, research and service in and for the sport industry.

Program History

The Minnesota State Mankato Sport Management Program is one of the oldest programs in the nation with over 40 years old. It has a strong tradition of academic excellence and is recognized as one of the nation's leading Sport Management Programs. Currently, the Minnesota State University, Mankato Sport Management Program comprises the greatest number of Human Performance undergraduate and graduate students of any single program within the department. Minnesota State University, Mankato is located near the Minneapolis, St. Paul area, which offers a wide variety of internship opportunities. These internships may range from working with a professional sport organization, assisting a college or high school athletic department, health & fitness centers, youth sports and many more opportunities.

Through coursework and field experience students receive professional preparation that develops them into competitive sport business leaders. The Minnesota State University, Mankato Sport Management major prepares students with sport business concepts that enhance skills and knowledge in the following areas: management, marketing, promotions, communications, legal preparation, public relations, consumer behavior, facilities, finance, and more.

In 1993, the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) joined with the North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM) to develop competency standards for sport management curriculum at the Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral levels. The Minnesota State Mankato Sport Management faculty are members of NASSM/NASPE and base the Minnesota State Mankato Sport Management curriculum on NASSM/NASPE standards.

Sport Management graduates of Minnesota State University, Mankato work in fields such as:

Professional Sports (major and minor leagues)
College Athletics
Campus Recreation
High School Athletics/Activities
Health & Fitness Industry
City Recreation Departments
Youth Sport Organizations
Sporting Goods Manufacturing
Sport Marketing Firms
Facility Management Organizations
Event Management Organizations
Athletic Coaching Positions