SUNY Canton Adds Sports Management Degree
Friday, August 13th, 2010
SUNY Canton has received state approval to offer a new Sports Management bachelor’s degree beginning this fall. Internships with professional sports organizations and college athletic departments are among the exciting possibilities for students in the program.
Several students who were anticipating the program’s approval have already enrolled to begin courses in the upcoming fall semester. The New York State Education Department and the State University of New York recently approved the Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Sports Management program, an addition to the College’s School of Business and Liberal Arts.
“As the only college within a three-hour radius to offer this type of degree, we anticipate a lot of eager students looking to enroll in the program,” SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy said. “We’re excited to be the place where employers will turn to find people who have the skills and talents needed to become successful members of any organizational management infrastructure.”
Among the professional sports organizations the college has established potential internship opportunities with are the Chicago Blackhawks (NHL), Syracuse Crunch (AHL), Binghamton Mets (AA Baseball), New Orleans Zurich Classic (PGA golf), Manchester Monarchs (AHL) and others. There are also numerous possibilities with collegiate and secondary education athletic programs.
The Bureau for Labor Statistics expects a 12 percent increase in employment for all educational administrators, including athletic directors. The Bureau also anticipates a 10-20 percent growth in sport-related and administrative managers’ positions over the next 10 years.
Students enrolled in the program will gain a sound background in administration and management. Topics that will be explored within the major include leadership for sports professionals, sports finance, legal issues of sport, event management, operations and facilities management, public relations, customer service, communications and marketing.
“We’ll provide students with an education using direct experience to enhance learning and skill development throughout the program,” according to Program Director and author of the program Diane Para, Ph.D. “Students will be able to bring the knowledge gained in the classroom to real work settings both on and off campus which will provide a more meaningful learning experience. This is one of the more exciting aspects of the program and we hope to take full advantage of all the applied learning opportunities out there.”
Para adds the bachelor’s degree will also be an excellent feeder program for high achieving students who wish to continue pursuing advanced degree programs, such as a master’s in sport management, an MBA, or a sports law degree.
For more information view our Sports Management Program Description.
Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Coordinator, or call 315/386-7528.
Chicago’s Jonathan Reinsdorf will conduct a seminar at SUNY Canton entitled, “Starting Your Pro Sports Career,” at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov.10, in the Richard Miller Campus Center’s Kingston Theater. The seminar is designed for those interested in pursuing a career in professional sports.
