Where should I study sports management?

I'm a junior in high school and I'd like to pursue a career in sports management. Honestly, I'm a bit lost on how to find the best colleges for this major. Any recommendations or advice on how to search for schools with strong sports management programs?

It's great that you have a clear interest in sports management! To find the best colleges for this major, you should consider a few factors:

1. Program Reputation: Look for schools with well-regarded sports management programs and strong connections to the sports industry. Some popular schools with highly-regarded sports management programs include the University of Michigan, the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and the University of Florida. These schools are recognized for their curriculum, faculty, and industry connections.

2. Location: The location of the school can play a big role in the opportunities you have for internships, networking, and jobs after graduation. If you're interested in working in a particular sports market or for a specific sports organization, it may be worth considering schools in or close to those areas. For example, if you want to work in the professional sports industry, consider schools near cities with major professional sports teams.

3. Course Offerings and Faculty: Review the course offerings and faculty at each school to make sure they align with your interests and desired career path. Look for schools that offer a diverse range of courses, with classes in sports marketing, finance, law, and analytics as well as internships or capstone projects to gain hands-on experience.

4. Alumni Network: A strong alumni network can be invaluable for networking and job opportunities. Check to see if the schools have any notable sports management alumni and any active student or alumni organizations focused on sports careers.

5. Extracurricular Opportunities: Investigate the availability of sports-related clubs, organizations, and events at the schools you're considering. This will not only deepen your understanding of your field of interest but also help you to develop connections and gain experience.

To begin your search, you can use online resources like the CollegeVine college search tool, which can filter schools by major and other factors. You can also check out forums, blogs, and articles discussing top sports management programs. College fairs, high school college counselors, and reaching out to current students or alumni of sports management programs might provide further insight as well.

Once you have a list of schools that interest you, try to visit the campuses, attend open houses, or participate in virtual information sessions to get a better feel for the school and program. This will be helpful when you make your final college decision. Good luck with your search!