Become a Sports Leader

Athletic students at the universityIf you want to be part of the next generation of sports industry professionals, enroll in our program at the University of Michigan-Dearborn to learn the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and ethical frameworks you’ll need to create inclusive and equitable sports environments at any level.

Our curriculum focuses on everything from diversity to the intended and unintended impact of sports on marginalized groups and the larger society. It also covers subjects like equity and inclusion, the physical and mental well-being of athletes, and the business of sports.

Where a Sports Management Degree Will Take You

You’ll be prepared to work as a coach, manager, scout, or athletic administrator at the interscholastic, intercollegiate, and professional levels. And if you want to pursue graduate studies, you’ll have a solid foundation for pursuing an advanced degree in social work, sports medicine, kinesiology, physical therapy, business, and other fields.

Career and Salary Outlook

The information in this table is meant to give you an idea of career opportunities with this degree. All information is pulled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and is meant to be averages across the United States. Please note that these figures reflect overall averages and may not represent entry-level salaries.

$73,460 Median Salary

Entertainment and Recreation Managers

Employment of entertainment and recreation managers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 3,100 openings for entertainment and recreation managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$45,910 Median Salary

Coaches and Scouts

Employment of coaches and scouts is projected to grow 9 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 38,400 openings for coaches and scouts are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$57,930 Median Salary

Athletic Trainers

Employment of athletic trainers is projected to grow 14 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 2,700 openings for athletic trainers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$65,220 Median Salary

High school teachers

Employment of high school teachers is projected to show little or no change from 2022 to 2032.

Despite limited employment growth, about 67,100 openings for high school teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Program Details

Ready to Apply?

Application Deadlines

UM-Dearborn has rolling admissions throughout the year, and deadlines depend on your student type. Apply early, priority consideration for financial aid and scholarships may be given to earlier applicants.

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Tuition

Get started early on your financial planning for college. Complete the net price calculator to get an estimate of your cost to attend UM-Dearborn.

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Go Blue Guarantee

Students at UM-Dearborn are eligible for the Go Blue Guarantee - University of Michigan’s landmark promise of free tuition for high-achieving in-state undergraduate students from qualifying backgrounds. Major financial support is available for students who do not fully qualify.

Go Blue Guarantee

How to Get Involved

From joining student organizations and participating in undergraduate research projects to volunteering within the community, you'll find numerous opportunities to enrich your academic journey and prepare for your future career.

You might want to start with UM-Dearborn Athletics. As a member of the National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics, UM-Dearborn has nine varsity teams. We also have seven club sports and a variety of intramurals. Stay active at the Wellness Center, which offers a range of exercise equipment, weights and fitness classes.

Want to meet students with similar interests and to make friends? Check out the more than 130 student clubs and organizations on campus.

Next Steps

Become a part of the UM-Dearborn community and put your dreams to work for you.