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Sports and Fitness Management (BS)

Lead in Sports. Manage Performance. Build Experiences.

D’Youville University’s Bachelor of Science in Sports and Fitness Management prepares you to turn your passion for sports, fitness, and performance into a career in a fast-growing, high-energy industry. In our program, you’ll develop the business, leadership, and operational skills needed to manage teams, facilities, events, and organizations across the sports and fitness landscape.

Through a combination of business fundamentals and hands-on learning, you’ll gain real-world experience in event management, marketing, coaching, and facility operations—preparing you to lead in collegiate athletics, professional sports, fitness centers, and beyond.

Job Titles to Explore

  • Athletic Director or Administrator
  • Sports Operations Coordinator
  • Fitness Center Manager
  • Event & Facility Manager
  • Coach or Team Manager

Employment Settings to Explore

  • College and university athletics
  • Professional sports organizations
  • Fitness centers and health clubs
  • Community recreation programs
  • Sports marketing and event companies

What you'll learn:

  • Program Length: 4 Years
  • Credits: 120
  • Format: In-Person
  • Internships: Built-in practicum and real-world experience
  • Career Focus: Sports management, fitness leadership, event operations, and athletic administration

Program Spotlight

The Sports and Fitness Management (BS) program prepares you to lead and manage in a wide range of sports and fitness environments—from athletic teams to wellness facilities.

  • Industry-Focused Curriculum
    Learn the business, marketing, and operational side of sports and fitness organizations.
  • Hands-On Learning
    Gain experience organizing events, managing teams, and developing programs through real-world applications.
  • Leadership & Coaching Skills
    Build the ability to lead teams, support athletes, and manage performance environments.
  • Business + Performance Integration
    Combine core business knowledge with fitness, coaching, and sport-specific expertise.
  • Technology & Modern Media
    Learn how to market and manage sports organizations across evolving digital platforms.

Professional Preparation Areas

  • Sports Operations
    Manage teams, programs, and facilities.
  • Event & Facility Management
    Plan and execute sporting events and operations.
  • Fitness & Wellness Leadership
    Lead programs that support performance and health.
  • Marketing & Engagement
    Promote organizations and connect with audiences.
  • Coaching & Team Development
    Support athletes and build strong team environments.

Program Requirements

Admissions Requirements

First Time in College Students

  • Completed Application for Admission: Applications are free of charge and can be submitted through our Apply: First Time in College Webpage.
  • Official High School Transcripts: An overall weighted GPA of 80 or higher, with successful completion of high school graduation requirements, including three years each of Mathematics, History, English, and Science.

Transfer Students

  • Completed Application for Admission: Applications are free of charge and can be submitted through our Apply Webpage.
  • Official Transcripts: Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities are required.
  • Minimum GPA Requirement: A cumulative GPA of 2.5.
Curriculum Overview

The curriculum blends business, sport, and fitness principles to prepare students for leadership roles in the industry. Areas of focus include:

  • Sports and fitness program planning
  • Business and financial management
  • Marketing, sales, and promotions
  • Event and facility management
  • Public relations and communications
  • Health, safety, and performance environments

(Full degree requirements and course lists are available in the D’Youville Academic Catalog.)

Additional Program Information

Tuition & Fees

D’Youville University summarizes all tuition and fee information in one location to ensure accuracy and keep things simple for you. The Sport and Fitness Management degree costs are aligned with our standard Undergraduate Degree costs for on campus/hybrid programs. Click here to be re-routed to our Tuition and Fees Page.

Info for Canadian Border Commuters

Canadian applicants interested in commuting to D’Youville University should review the information listed regarding Canadian border commuters on the F-1 Status Page. 

Efficiency Statement

We respect your time, and that of others. In alignment with this, we don’t ask for unnecessary paperwork (that you or someone else needs to generate). As standard practice across all degree programs, D’Youville University is a test-optional institution, which doesn’t require SAT/ACT, or graduate entrance exams. We won’t ask you for letters of recommendation, and official transcripts aren’t necessary to be admitted. Just focus on your life transition and provide verification of your official transcripts sometime after you choose DYU is right for you, but before your first day of classes. 

Careers

The program prepares students for professional practice and leadership in sports and fitness management by combining a strong foundation in business principles with sport-specific, operational, and professional preparation.

A Leader’s Role in Sports & Fitness Management

Professionals in sports and fitness management play a critical role in supporting organizational success, athlete development, and community engagement. They oversee operations, manage events and facilities, support teams and participants, and create experiences that drive participation and growth. These professionals work collaboratively with coaches, staff, and stakeholders to ensure programs run efficiently while maintaining high standards of performance, safety, and service across a variety of settings.

The Sports and Fitness Management (BS) program at D’Youville University provides the academic foundation necessary for entry-level professional practice in the sports, recreation, and fitness industries, while also preparing graduates for advancement into leadership roles or continued study in related fields.

Industries & Settings

Graduates of the Sports and Fitness Management (BS) program are prepared to work across a wide range of professional environments, including:

  • College and university athletics
  • Professional sports organizations
  • Fitness centers and health clubs
  • Community recreation programs
  • Sports marketing and event organizations
  • Nonprofit and youth sports organizations
Job Outlook

Demand for professionals in sports and fitness management continues to grow as organizations expand programming, enhance facilities, and invest in health, wellness, and athletic performance. Graduates with a strong foundation in business, operations, and leadership are well positioned for employment across the sports and fitness industry.

The integration of business, sport, and experiential learning within the degree also supports long-term career flexibility, professional growth, and advancement opportunities. Graduates may pursue specialized certifications, leadership roles, or continue their education through graduate study to expand career pathways.