Bachelor's Degree (BAE) in Sport Leadership and Management
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
A Bachelor of Arts in Sport Leadership and Management is designed for students who are passionate about sport and want to build successful careers in the field. The degree prepares graduates to become both effective leaders and skilled managers who can make an impact across today’s sport organizations.
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts in Sport Leadership and Management (SLaM) prepares students to lead and manage sport organizations through a blend of leadership development, business knowledge, and applied learning. Students develop expertise in leadership, organizational management, sport business, and strategic decision-making through coursework in fields such as leadership, management, marketing, revenue generation, legal and policy issues, and data insights.
Experiential learning is also a cornerstone of the program. Through industry-focused coursework and a required practicum that includes 300 hours of supervised professional experience, students apply classroom knowledge in professional settings, expand their networks, and graduate career-ready.
Students further personalize their education by selecting one of two specialized tracks that align with their career goals:
- People, Teams, and Culture – Prepare to lead people, develop talent, and build positive organizational cultures.
- Strategy, Operations, and Administration – Prepare to manage the operational, financial, and administrative functions of sport organizations.
Grounded in real-world application and industry relevance, the SLaM curriculum prepares graduates to lead people, manage organizations, and make a lasting impact in the sport industry.
Related Careers
Graduates of the Sport Leadership and Management program pursue careers in a wide range of sport settings, including:
Administration and Leadership
- Athletic Administration
- Community Relations
- Recreation and Parks Management
- Team Services
- Youth Sport Leadership and Program Administration
Athlete and Fan Engagement
- Athlete Representation
- Coaching and Player Development
- Digital Content and Social Media
- Fan Engagement
- Sports Information and Communications
Commercial Growth
- Brand Management
- Corporate Partnerships
- Sales and Business Development
- Sport Marketing
- Ticket Sales and Service
Emerging Areas
- Esports Leadership and Development
- Sport Analytics
- Sport Technology and Innovation
Operations and Events
- Event and Tournament Management
- Game Day Operations
- Sport Operations
- Venue and Facility Operations
Admission Requirements
- Official High School Transcript with Pre-College Curriculum: View transcript requirements on the Undergraduate Admission webpage.
- Test Scores (optional): ACT or SAT scores can be submitted but are not required for university admission.
Any "Program Specific Requirements" that display below are specific to the program and will be required for admission to the program.
Application Requirements
Completed applications include an official high school transcript, application fee ($50 domestic/$60 international) and optional official ACT/SAT score (the University of Kentucky is test-optional for admission and scholarships through the 2028-29 academic year).
Application Deadlines
Freshman
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Early Action
- 12/01/2025 Apply early to be considered for Lewis Honors College, scholarships, or on-campus living.
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Regular Decision
- 02/15/2026
Transfer
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Fall Scholarship
- 06/15/2026 Apply early to be considered for scholarships.
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Fall
- 08/19/2026
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Spring
- 11/15/2026
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Summer
- 04/15/2026
FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn
The Bachelor of Science in Sport Leadership and Management program explores the principles of leadership, management, and ethics within the context of sport organizations and settings. Students study topics such as sport governance, communication, event planning, and community engagement while developing skills in team leadership, strategic thinking, and organizational development. The curriculum combines theory and applied learning to prepare students to lead effectively in a variety of sport and recreation environments.
Below is a template that outlines the typical course progression for this major. Actual progression may vary based on factors such as AP/IB credits, dual enrollment, transfer credits, and individual academic readiness. A College of Education academic advisor will help develop a path to graduation that is best suited for you. Expand the menu below to view a sample curriculum plan.
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Transfer in using our KCTCS Pathway
This program has a degree pathway from KCTCS, allowing students a seamless transfer process to obtain their bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky.
View PathwaysAttend an Upcoming Event for this Program
These events are designed to answer your questions and give you a glimpse into what it’s like to be a part of our program.
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Explore Financial Aid Options
Undergraduate degree-seeking students have access to a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans, designed to make education more affordable.
Tuition Rate
For residents of the states listed below, this program qualifies you to receive the University of Kentucky's in-state tuition rate through the Academic Common Marketplace.
Delaware
South Carolina
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Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
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