Sports Management

Several athletes stand next to each other, listening intently

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While pursuing a Sports Management degree, gain real-world experience

Why study Sports Management at North Central University?

Students pursuing a sports management degree are often successful athletes in addition to their studies. Our program is specifically designed to mentor student-athletes to take their skills and talents from the court and field translated into their education and future careers.

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Hands-on Experience That Matters

Where one studies sports management is deeply critical because of partnership opportunities. In addition to partnering with huge industry names such as Gatorade and Fox Sports, the Sports Management program in COBAT works closely with the MN Vikings, MN Timberwolves, MN Twins, and more for learning, internship, and career opportunities.

Program Highlights

Intentional Career Planning

It’s not uncommon to hear various news outlets suggest that college students graduate with limited job opportunities and a mountain of debt. When this does occur, it’s often due to students and schools waiting until the student’s senior year to connect outside of the classroom in their field of interest. COBAT begins preparing students for post-graduation careers from the start of their time at North Central University. 

 

Marketplace Connections

Quality research continually states that most job opportunities occur through individual networks. Networking with the right people in your industry can open doors for your future. You need to be a part of a school, like North Central University, that understands this and is doing something about it. COBAT sets the stage for students to network with top leaders from the most respected companies. Our network offers students premier opportunities for jobs, internships, seminars, and on-site training. The Twin Cities metropolitan area is home to 16 Fortune 500 companies and is the epicenter of business life and opportunity. Our location in the heart of Minneapolis takes full advantage of being close to the best of the best in the business community.

 

Degree Plus(+)

One of the primary needs conveyed by our professional partners is project management skills—the ability to execute a project effectively and efficiently. All business majors take a project management course and have the option of completing a proficiency exam to earn your Project Management Certification from the world-class Project Management Institute. Our school is the only institution in the Twin Cities that is currently offering this.

 

Return on Your Investment

College of Business and Technology students receive career mentoring 100% of the time (compared to only 65% of US college graduates according to a Gallup 2019 poll). Career Services prepares students for a career after graduation.  North Central University students are highly sought after by a variety of well-known companies.

Class of 2021

Employment

98.8%

Students employed within 6 months of graduation 2020 and 2021 (with the exception of students pursuing continued education, entrepreneurship, or missions)

Internships

100%

Completed an internship in their chosen field (our students have resumes that reflect someone that has been in their career field for 3+ years at graduation)

Salary

$50k- $57k

Average graduate salary within 6 months

Here are a few notable businesses and products students have worked on:

Felicia smiles for the camera

Majoring in Sports Management has given me the opportunity to experience different aspects within the field; as well as connect with professionals within the sports industry. The professors have been very intentional about helping me reach my full potential and get prepared for life after college.

Felicia, ’23

Sports Management,


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Do Something Initiative

The Do Something Initiative, created by COBAT for the purpose of students going above and beyond learning about their major and disciple, is a four-year track.

Within this initiative, students not only partner with a mentor but select different opportunities within their specific track to further their goals. These opportunities come in an array of options from attending conferences, and networking events, to completing informational interviews as well as student athletics.

When students have completed the Do Something Initiative, they are not only more aware of their career opportunities, but of various industries and sectors within their targeted paths around the world.


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Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

North Central University is a university that prioritizes experiential learning for its students. The College of Business and Technology showcases that through the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The IIE is a community in which creativity, hard work, as well as experience collide to form not only a unique college experience but professional opportunities in the workplace.

One leg of the IIE supports budding entrepreneurs, helping to launch their own personal business dreams. Students are coached and mentored on a one-on-one basis as they dream, conceive, fund, and promote their own company. Where most business colleges might support the launch of only one or two businesses in a year, the IIE has been a part of the creation, collaboration, and culmination of dozens of new businesses.

The other leg of the institute is the agency. The agency is a place where companies can turn to resources. These resources, completely student-run, range from bookkeeping to marketing, as well as operations, to name a few. Our students get to work with real clients on real issues and get paid for their incredible work.


Industry Experts in our Classrooms

Colin Miller headshot Colin Miller

Director of School of Technology, Assistant Professor

Faculty member Bill Tibbetts. William Tibbetts

Dean of Digital Education & Dean of College of Business and Technology

Steve Tebbs headshot Steve Tebbs

Sports Management Professor

Shawn Sauve

Director of College of Business and Technology

Mark Skeba headshot Mark Skeba

Professor of Business and Marketing

Faculty member Brian Stewart Brian Stewart

Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship