At Southern Nazarene University (SNU), the Master of Arts in Sport Management Administration (MASMA) and the Master of Science in Exercise Science (MSES) programs prepare students for a range of exciting career opportunities. This is especially true as the sports and wellness industries continue to grow and evolve. When looking for a quality master’s degree, look for educational opportunities in the following areas:
Sport Management
Sports Analytics: With the increasing importance of data in sports, careers in sports analytics are on the rise. Professionals analyze performance data to help teams make strategic decisions and enhance player performance. As of September 2024, the national average salary for Sports Analysts is $73,261.
Event Management: The need for experts in organizing and managing sports events, from local tournaments to major leagues, continues to grow. This includes logistics, promotions, and coordination. E-Sport management is also a booming sector of the industry. Professionals in Sport Event Management can expect to make an average of $62,734 a year.
Sports Marketing and Sponsorship: As sports organizations look to maximize revenue, roles in sports marketing and sponsorship are expanding. This involves managing partnerships, creating promotional campaigns, and leveraging media. Sports marketing jobs earn an average of $83,488 a year. The average salary ranges largely between entry-level positions and sports marketing managers.
Athlete Representation: Sports agents and managers who handle contracts, endorsements, and career planning for athletes are essential, especially as athletes' career opportunities and earnings potential increase. I would encourage students to look for internship opportunities in Athlete Representation. Agent salaries vary greatly based on different sports types and organizations, athletes represented, and more.
Facility Management: Managing sports facilities, including stadiums, arenas, and gyms, requires expertise in operations, maintenance, and customer service. The average salary for Sports Facility Managers can change based on several factors. These include location, facility size, and experience.
Sports Governance and Policy: Careers in this area focus on regulating and setting policies for sports organizations. They work to ensure fair play, and promote ethical practices. These sport organizations could include NCAA, NAIA and others.
Exercise Science
Fitness and Wellness Coaching: As more people prioritize health, there is a growing demand for personal trainers, wellness coaches, and fitness instructors. People hire these professionals because they can design and implement effective fitness programs. Fitness Coaches make an average of $29/hour, and can make more or less depending on the number of clients and hours they take on.
Sports Performance Enhancement: Specialists in this field work with athletes to optimize their performance through tailored exercise programs, strength, and conditioning. Injury prevention strategies are also an important element to this profession. The average salary for a Sports Performance coach is $28/hour. Much like a Fitness Coach their salary can vary based on client numbers and hours worked.
Exercise Physiology: Professionals in this area study how the body responds to physical activity and can work in research, clinical settings, or corporate wellness programs to improve health outcomes. Working in clinical settings in cardiac rehabilitation provides extreme job satisfaction and is impactful for the patient’s wellbeing. In 2023 the average salary for an Exercise Physiologist, a profession expected to grow by 10% over the next 10 years, was $54,860.
Corporate Wellness Programs: Many companies are investing in employee wellness programs. Professionals in exercise science can develop and manage these programs to promote health and productivity in the workplace. More employers are offering wellness benefits and incentives every year. This trend will create more opportunities for health and wellness professionals.
Public Health and Community Programs: Exercise scientists can work in public health initiatives, creating community-based programs to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles. Community -based wellness programs will continue to be in high demand for years to come. Salaries can vary, but Public Health professionals tend to earn more. The national average wage is $79,657.
Research and Academia: There are opportunities for those interested in advancing knowledge through research or teaching at colleges and universities. These opportunities will also remain stable for the foreseeable future. Academic Research can also be an especially lucrative profession, with the national average for Academic Researcher being $113,102.
Trends Impacting Both Fields
- Technological Advancements: Both fields are experiencing a rise in technology use. This includes wearable fitness trackers and advanced analytics tools. These changes create new opportunities for professionals who are skilled in technology.
- Increased Focus on Mental Health: The integration of mental health and physical wellness is gaining attention. This leads to new roles and interdisciplinary approaches in both sport management and exercise science.
- Sustainability and Ethics: There’s a growing emphasis on sustainability and ethical practices within sports and wellness industries, affecting everything from facility management to marketing strategies.
- Globalization: The global nature of sports and fitness industries opens up opportunities for international careers and collaborations. Look for programs that offer travel opportunities to develop professional connections.
The Master’s degree programs in Sport Management and Exercise Science offer opportunities step into a career paths that are dynamic and expanding. SNU is committed to developing Christ-like professionals throughout our educational experiences. For more information about our Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation and Sport Sciences, please get in touch with MASMA and MSES Program Director Dr. Sylvia Goodman.
