Sports Management at the University of Michigan

Explore the business management side of sports and get exposed to the number of different directions you can take with a background in Sports Management.

Program Highlights

Acquire a baseline understanding of the structure and purpose of the sport industry.

Explore the different aspects of sports management, including personnel management, business, program development, marketing, recruiting, and more.

Develop the ability to apply business principles to the management of sport facilities, events and organizations.

Interact with industry professionals to gain first-hand insight into a career in Sports Management.

Discuss current challenges facing athletes and the sports industry today and what effect that has from a management perspective.

Residential Tuition:
$5,698

Commuter Tuition:
$2,998

July 13, 2025 July 25, 2025

University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI

Course Overview

Successful management is required in all segments of the sport industry whether professional, amateur, collegiate, club, public, private, etc. In the management function, the same basic elements are needed, regardless of organizational type: personnel management, program development, marketing, information management, facilities management, and legal responsibilities. Depending on what kind of sport management career interests you, possibilities include working directly with athletes, coaches, and organizations, or working behind the scenes as a promoter, marketing manager, or sports economist. Our course will explore the business management side of sports and expose you to the number of different directions you can take with a background in Sports Management.

Meet your instructor

Dr. Nikolas Webster

Sports Management University of Michigan

Dr. Nikolas Webster is a clinical assistant professor of Sport Management at the University of Michigan School of Kinesiology. His research examines the cognitive, affective, and behavioral consequences of sport fandom as well as issues surrounding the economics and management of sport.

Learn more

Topics you'll explore

Career Exploration

In this program, students will interact with industry leaders and explore local sports venues, gaining unique insights into the world of sports management and operations.

Last summer, students had an exclusive opportunity to visit the Toledo Mud Hens, where they received a behind-the-scenes tour of the team’s operations. This insider experience provided an in-depth look at how a professional sports organization functions on a day-to-day basis.

The excitement continued with a visit to the Big House, the largest stadium in the United States. There, students learned about the stadium’s rich history and the complexities involved in managing such an iconic venue. These immersive experiences give students a real-world perspective on potential careers in the sports industry, sparking inspiration for their future paths!

Course Structure

There are nine 3-hour class sessions over the two-week course. During week one, students have class from 9am-12pm Monday - Friday. During week two, students have class from 9am-12pm Monday through Thursday. Wednesday afternoons of each week are dedicated to students' course-specific academic excursion, guest speaker, or activity.