Kinesiology - Specialization in Sport Management (BA)

The Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology Sports Management requires completion of 120 credit hours of coursework that balances foundational liberal arts education with specialized knowledge in sports science and business administration. Students experience a curriculum designed to nurture both mind and spirit, preparing graduates to enter the sports management field with confidence and compassion.

Program Highlights

The Kinesiology Sports Management program at Houston Christian University stands apart with its holistic approach to preparing sports business professionals. Students benefit from caring faculty mentors who bring extensive professional experience and a commitment to nurturing each student’s unique gifts. Small class sizes foster meaningful relationships that support both academic growth and personal development.

This distinctive program bridges the gap between sports science and business administration, creating well-rounded professionals who understand both the physical and operational aspects of sports organizations. And at HCU, students not only develop professional competencies—they also grow the character and spiritual foundation needed to lead with integrity in the competitive sports industry.

Courses and Tracks

The heart of HCU’s Kinesiology Sports Management program is in courses that nurture both professional expertise and personal development. Core Kinesiology courses develop understanding of human movement, wellness principles and sports psychology, creating a foundation for compassionate sports leadership. Students also explore courses such as Foundations of Kinesiology, Health Psychology and Sports Sociology.

Sports Management specialization courses prepare students to lead organizations with both expertise and integrity through studies in Sports Facility & Event Management, Sports Media & Ethics and Sports Law. Business foundation courses develop essential management skills through accounting, economics, marketing and management principles, nurturing the business acumen needed for successful sports administration.

The program culminates in meaningful internship experiences where students apply their learning in real-world settings, supported by mentors who care deeply about their growth.

Degree Plan

The program integrates 41 hours of kinesiology coursework with 24 hours of business studies, creating a holistic educational experience that prepares students to lead effectively in sports organizations. The curriculum nurtures understanding of both the human dynamics of sports and the business principles essential for organizational success.

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Kinesiology Minor

Students from other disciplines can complement their studies with a Minor in Kinesiology focusing on foundational concepts and practical applications across 20 credit hours of specialized coursework.

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The Sports Management degree prepares graduates for diverse careers across the exciting world of sports business and administration. In athletic organizations, graduates serve as team operations coordinators, athletic directors, and sports program administrators where they nurture athlete development while managing resources with faithful stewardship. The sports marketing and media sector welcomes alumni as marketing specialists, public relations professionals, and community engagement coordinators who create meaningful connections between teams and their devoted fans. Event management roles include tournament directors, facility managers, and guest experience specialists who create welcoming environments where communities gather in celebration of sport. Sports ministry opportunities allow graduates to integrate faith and athletics through roles in church recreation programs, faith-based sports camps, and character development initiatives.

Careers and Salary Outcomes

Graduates can find not only deep purpose but also competitive compensation in their chosen fields. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, sports management professionals receive fair compensation for their dedicated service, with median salaries ranging from approximately $52,000 to $101,000 per year depending on their role, location and responsibilities. Even more encouraging for students’ futures, BLS data shows promising growth projections for sports management careers between 2022-2032, with growth rates from 6% for marketing specialists to 15% for facilities managers, both outpacing the average for all occupations.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics offers these insights:

• Facilities Managers (Sports Venues):
  • Median annual wage of $101,480
  • 11% projected growth rate from 2022-2032.
• Sports Marketing Specialists:
  • Median annual wage of $67,380
  • 10% projected growth rate from 2022-2032.
• Athletic Administrators (Postsecondary Education):
  • Median annual wage of $61,940
  • 7% projected growth rate from 2022-2032.
• Event Planners (Sports & Recreation):
  • Median annual wage of $52,560
  • 10% projected growth rate from 2022-2032.

These trends reflect the growing appreciation for caring sports management professionals who bring both expertise and heart to their work, whether in professional sports organizations or community recreational settings.

Prepare for Graduate Studies and Research

The educational foundation provided through the BA in Kinesiology Sports Management creates pathways for continued growth and learning.

Interested in continuing the journey? Houston Christian University welcomes students to grow through our flexible online master’s degree in kinesiology and sport management or our Master of Business Administration (MBA), where faculty continue to walk alongside students in their calling to touch lives with Christ-centered care.

Internship Opportunities and Professional Experiences

Through heartfelt connections with the Houston sports community, students experience transformative internships that nurture both professional skills and spiritual growth. Faculty have cultivated meaningful relationships with Houston professional sports teams and collegiate athletic departments, opening doors for students to experience the joy of contributing to these community institutions. In the supportive environments of sports marketing and management firms, students discover how their unique gifts can create meaningful connections between teams and fans.

Sports ministry organizations provide sacred spaces where students can integrate their faith with their professional calling, while event management companies help them discover the fulfillment that comes from creating experiences that bring communities together in celebration. These experiences create natural pathways from classroom learning to professional practice.

Certificates, Graduate Programs and Advanced Education

Students in this program will find abundant opportunities to enrich their professional journeys through additional certifications that complement their formal education. With guidance from faculty mentors, students may pursue becoming Certified Sports Event Executives, earning Sports Marketing Certificates, developing expertise as Sports Media Specialists, or obtaining Strength and Conditioning Certification. Each certification pathway represents another expression of care and commitment to excellence in serving others through sports.

Conferences and Networking Opportunities

Students are supported in their professional growth through transformative development experiences that connect hearts as well as minds. Faculty mentors walk alongside students as they attend the Annual College Sports Information Directors of America Convention, the Texas Sports Management Association Conferences, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes Leadership Camps. The HCU Sports Management Speaker Series welcomes industry professionals who share not just career advice but personal testimonies of how faith guides their professional journeys.

Career and Academic Support Services

Throughout their educational journey, students are embraced by a circle of care designed to nurture both personal and professional flourishing. Dedicated academic advisors hold each student’s dreams in their hearts, offering guidance that recognizes both academic requirements and the unique calling that brought each person to this path. Career services specialists serve as bridges between students’ God-given gifts and the opportunities where those gifts might bear the most fruit. Peer mentors, faculty members, and alumni surround students with support that addresses not just academic needs but the whole person.