Careers in sport are numerous, varied and dynamic. Full of possibilities and areas of interest, careers in sport can range from sport entertainment to sport product to sport support organizations. EKU’s sport management degree prepares students to pursue careers in sport, one of the most popular being a career as an athletic administrator.
WHAT DOES AN ATHLETIC ADMINISTRATOR DO?
Athletic administrators can work in grade schools, high schools, colleges and universities, or at the local and state levels running the business side of sports. Athletic administrators are responsible for organizing and overseeing the athletic department’s budget and how funds are allocated. They are also responsible for maintaining rule compliance in budget allocation, hiring practices, student athletes’ academic eligibility, and in many other areas.
Athletic administrators work in collaboration with coaches to coordinate efforts and decision making — from organizing training schedules to determining game schedules and practice times. Business acumen is essential in this job because athletic administrators can also oversee promotions, facility management, scheduling and hiring in sports.
WHAT EDUCATIONAL CREDENTIALS ARE REQUIRED?
Athletic administrators must hold a bachelor’s degree, with some positions even requiring a master’s degree. EKU’s 100% online sport management degree prepares students for a career as an athletic administrator with courses exploring topics such as: sport finance, legal issues in sports, marketing, management, event and facility planning, and sports information. These courses work to build the knowledge and skillset required as an athletic administrator.
Internships are also highly encouraged in order to gain real-world experience. That is why an internship is required in the EKU online sport management degree program. This internship differentiates EKU’s graduates, uniquely preparing them for the world of competitive sports and sport management.
WHAT ARE THE JOB PROSPECTS?
There is a growing demand for athletic administrators in the sport industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of postsecondary education administrators (which includes athletic administrators) is expected to have a 7 percent job growth rate from 2018-2028, faster than average.
Median annual pay for postsecondary education administrators was $95,410 in May 2019 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10 percent earned more than $194,090 a year.
Interested in turning your passion for sport into a career?
Earn your online bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university that has been an online education leader for more than 15 years. EKU’s online sport management degree prepares graduates to pursue careers such as an athletic administrator and so many others. Our graduates have gone on to work at the University of South Carolina, Bowling Green State University (Ohio), and Vanderbilt University — just to name a few.
To learn more about our sport management degree or other career options you can pursue in sport, complete the learn more form or check out our Sport Management Program.