Bachelor of Science in Sport and Wellness

As a UD sport management major, you'll learn the skills it takes to pursue positions in collegiate and professional organizations, event management and marketing firms, sport media and sales, as well as many areas of entertainment and recreation management.


Program Overview

Why Study Sport Management at UD?

  • Career Preparation: This program serves a significant disciplinary purpose by preparing students for entry-level career options in sport management. These fields are in high demand and there is expected growth. In addition, courses in the major and electives provide relevant prerequisite courses for students interested in pursuing graduate education. Our alumni hold positions with collegiate and professional organizations, sport clubs, and athletic federations, as well as public and private recreation. Alumni also work with arenas and convention centers, event management, and all forms of media.
  • Internships: To gain hands-on experiences and prepare for a successful career, you'll participate in two internships — one on-campus and one off-campus. These experiences are geared toward your future goals in the sport management field. Our students have had internships with a wide variety of professional teams and companies, including: Cincinnati Reds, Under Armour, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Amazon, Wasserman Media, Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp, KemperLesnik, UD Athletics, Dayton Dragons.
  • Experiential Learning: The NCAA tournament's First Four has been played at University of Dayton Arena since 2001. Sport Management students have ample opportunities to get involved with the tournament and gain real-world experience right in their backyard!
  • Fundraising and Philanthropy: The Gary Mioli Leadership in Community Fund creates a platform for sport management students to advocate for 501(c)3 organizations. Students in the Sales and Fundraising in Sport class (HSS 358) participate in an annual philanthropy tournament, and the top four students have gifts donated to their respective charities in their names and in honor of Mioli.
  • Support for Professional Development: Two funds are available for students studying sport management to help offset the cost of professional development and continuing education, or to attend professional conferences and explore career possibilities.
  • Study Abroad and Away: The sport management program plans periodic trips abroad during the summer to study sport management in different settings.

Ready to take the next step? Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about sport management at UD.

Degree Information and Sample Plan

Coursework includes sport management and business classes. By studying sport management, you'll gain an understanding of facilities, finance, human resource management, law, marketing, media and sales — and how they relate to sports. The program includes a minor in Business Administration.

Sample Plan of Study

This is a sample plan of study for students starting at UD in the 2025-26 academic year. This is a recommended course sequence, but your schedule may vary depending on previously earned college credits, course availability, advisor recommendations, and your personal goals and interests. Please contact your holistic advisor if you have any questions.

Semester 1
  • HSS 101 – Introduction to Learning & Living in the UD Community
    1
  • HSS 102 – Introduction to Health & Sport Science
    2
  • HUM 101 – Chaminade Seminar: Reading and Responding to the Signs of the Times
    3
  • MTH 207 – Introduction to Statistics
    3
  • PSY 101 OR SOC 101 – PSY 101: Introductory Psychology; SOC 101: Principles of Sociology
    3
  • CAP Arts
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 2
  • HSS Elective
    3
  • HUM 102 – Marie Thérèse Seminar: Human Dignity and the Common Good
    3
  • PSY 101 OR SOC 101 – PSY 101: Introductory Psychology; SOC 101: Principles of Sociology
    3
  • Advisor-Approved Elective
    3
  • CAP Natural Science
    3
  • CAP Natural Science Lab
    1
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 3
  • HSS 250 – Principles of Management in Health & Sport
    3
  • HSS Elective
    3
  • ECO 203 OR 204 – 203: Principles of Microeconomics; 204: Principles of Macroeconomics
    3
  • ENG 200 – Writing Seminar II
    3
  • Advisor-Approved Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 4
  • HSS 251 – Introduction to Sport Analytics
    3
  • HSS 255 – Practicum in Health & Sport Science
    3
  • ACC 200 – Introduction to Accounting
    3
  • CAP Faith Traditions
    3
  • Advisor-Approved Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 5
  • HSS 354 – Global Sport, Culture, & Business
    3
  • HSS 356 – Organizational Behavior in Health & Sport
    3
  • BUS Minor Elective
    3
  • CAP Practical Ethical Action
    3
  • Advisor-Approved Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 6
  • HSS 349 – Sport Finance
    3
  • HSS 353 – Sport Media
    3
  • HSS Elective
    3
  • BUS Minor Elective
    3
  • Advisor-Approved Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 7
  • HSS 485 – Health & Sport Science Internship
    1
  • Total Credit Hours 1
Semester 8
  • HSS 428 – Research in Sport and Health Sciences
    3
  • HSS 448 – Safety & the Law in Health & Sport
    3
  • CAP Advanced History
    3
  • CAP Advanced Religion
    3
  • BUS Minor Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 9
  • HSS 357 – Sports Marketing
    3
  • HSS 360 – Sport and Bodies
    3
  • HSS 444 OR 450 – 444: Sport and Wellness Seminar; 450: HSS Capstone
    1
  • CAP Advanced Philosophy
    3
  • BUS Minor Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 13

Admission Information

At the University of Dayton, applying is free and test scores are optional. When you apply, you'll automatically be considered for a merit scholarship.

Learn about our admission process, then apply using UD's application or the Common App.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success. And with high graduation and success rates, UD is an excellent value.

To help you cover your costs, a variety of scholarships, grants, loans and part-time student work are available. The University also accepts transfer credits and credit by exam for undergraduates, giving you more flexibility to add a double major or participate in a transformational experience like study abroad or co-op.


Success After Graduation

Get more than your foot in the door — get ready for success. At our School of Education and Health Sciences, you’ll have the opportunity to combine classroom and practical learning opportunities in a way that allows you to further sharpen your skills. It's a key reason why employers love hiring our students — they can hit the ground running.


Design Your Academic Path

Fundraising and Philanthropy Opportunities

The Gary Mioli Leadership in Community Fund creates a platform for Sport Management students to advocate for 501(c)3 organizations who service holds a personal meaning. Students in the Sales and Fundraising in Sport class participate in an annual philanthropy tournament, and the top students have gifts donated to their charities.

Education Abroad

The sport management program plans periodic trips abroad in the summer semester to study sport management in different settings. A recent opportunity brought students to Ireland to learn about global sport and international business.


Vocation

We integrate vocational exploration into the curriculum through the first-year experience seminar, experiential learning and co-curricular opportunities within our centers and programs.

Sport Communication Certificate

The sport communication certificate is designed to respond to both the needs of students and the trends within sport industries. Acquiring both sets of skills — media production and sport management — within a certificate is intended to enhance your current major and promote your marketability in the workplace.