Best colleges for sports management degrees?

I'm really into sports and thinking about pursuing sports management in college. Which universities have highly-regarded sports management programs and offer good internships or connections in the sports industry?

There are a variety of colleges that offer strong sports management programs. These programs combine business principles with the industry specifics of sports and often provide students with opportunities to network with professionals in the field or to intern with sports organizations.

1. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor: UMich offers a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management through its School of Kinesiology. This program is regularly rated as one of the best sports management programs in the country, and it offers students opportunities to intern with local sports organizations such as the Detroit Lions or the Detroit Pistons.

2. The University of Texas at Austin: UT Austin's Sport Management program is tied to the university's College of Education, so you're sure to get a comprehensive, interdisciplinary look into the field. Students here also have plenty of internship opportunities with local sports organizations, from the school's own Texas Longhorns to professional teams in the nearby city of Dallas.

3. The University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst): The Mark H. McCormack Department of Sport Management at UMass Amherst offers an undergraduate degree in Sport Management, within the Isenberg School of Management, which means you'll cover topics like marketing and data analysis in depth. This department has close ties with the professional sports industry, and students are frequently placed in internships with major sports leagues and organizations.

4. Indiana University, Bloomington: Indiana University's Sports Marketing and Management program offers an undergraduate degree with a strong business focus. The program emphasizes real-world experience and students have opportunities for internships with local teams like the Indiana Pacers.

5. Florida State University: FSU offers an undergraduate major in Sport Management through their College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. This program focuses on the business and ethical principles involved in sports management, and offers students a range of hands-on learning and internships opportunities.

While these are some of the top programs, many other schools offer strong sports management programs. It's also important to consider factors outside of the program itself, such as the location of the university, which can affect internship opportunities and networking connections. For instance, schools in or near major cities or with strong collegiate sports programs can often provide more opportunities for real world experience. Examine each program closely to see if it aligns with your career goals and interests.

Good luck with your search!