Sports have become a major part of our culture today. Millions of us tune into sports events, and millions more watch our favorite teams on television or online. As a result, many students are now looking to break into the sports industry, and the best way to do that is by pursuing a sports major degree.
Interested in sports management, coaching, or sports media? Academic routes are available. Let’s explore the best majors for a sports career and transition options.
1. Exercise Science and Sports Management
Exercise Science and Sports Management programs are designed to prepare you for a career as a coach or manager in various sports. These programs typically include courses in physiology, anatomy, nutrition, biomechanics, and psychology.
You’ll learn how to effectively coach athletes, how to create sound strategies, and how to effectively manage a team. This major also covers risk management, business strategies, and legal issues associated with sports.
2. Business and Marketing
If you’re interested in managing a team’s finances, then a major in business or marketing may be the right choice for you. These degrees prepare you for roles in sales, marketing, finance, and management. You’ll learn how to create an effective budget, develop effective marketing strategies, and build an adequate organization.
These degrees offer a solid managerial foundation and teach versatile skills applicable to various organizations and industries.
3. Journalism
Interested in media and communications? A journalism degree is an excellent way to enter the industry. Journalism degrees typically include courses in media, news writing, and editing. You’ll learn how to craft compelling stories and effectively report on events.
With a journalism degree, you can find work writing for publications, covering a team’s games, or even making a living as a broadcaster. There is no shortage of roles within the field that require an understanding of effective media and communications.
4. Sports Psychology
Sports psychology, a subset of psychology, studies athlete and coach performance and how behavior influences team success. This major combines psychology and sports, and it requires an understanding of the psychology behind performance, motivation, determination, and teamwork.
Earning a degree in sports psychology puts you in a position to help athletes and coaches develop their psychological strengths and overcome their psychological weaknesses. In addition, you can use this degree to become a counselor, coach, or even an agent.
5. Kinesiology
Kinesiology is the study of movement and the effects that movement has on the body. This major requires an understanding of the physical and psychological effects of movement, including how exercise can increase an athlete’s physical capabilities and how attitude and motivation impact an athlete’s performance.
In this field, you’ll learn how to develop exercise programs and how to use nutrition and physical therapy to improve athlete’s overall performance. With a degree in kinesiology, you can become a physical therapist, a coach, a nutritionist, or a performance consultant.
Final Thoughts
Sports have become an integral part of our culture, and many students are now looking to break into the industry. The best way to do that is by pursuing a degree in a field related to sports, such as Exercise Science and Sports Management, Business or Marketing, Journalism, Sports Psychology, or Kinesiology. No matter which major you choose, you’ll be well-prepared to enter the entertaining and competitive world of sports.
