B.A. in Sports and Recreation Management

Program Overview

The B.A. in Sport and Recreation Management at New England College is a 120-credit undergraduate degree structured over four years. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the business aspects of the sport and recreation industries. It aims to develop a fundamental understanding of sport economics, formulate effective sport marketing strategies, understand the relationship between athletics and ethics, analyze past and present sport governance practices, and gain familiarity with legal issues and theories associated with sport. The program offers flexibility through on-campus, online, or hybrid learning formats, catering to diverse student needs. It also focuses on career and professional development planning, equipping students for entry into the workforce or graduate studies.

Curriculum: The 120-credit curriculum for the B.A. in Sport and Recreation Management at New England College is divided into core requirements, required electives, and a liberal arts and sciences core curriculum, alongside general electives. Core requirements typically include foundational courses such as "Introduction to Sport and Recreation Management," "Survey of Accounting," "Principles of Marketing," "Sport in the Global Society," and "Sport Governance and Ethics." Required electives may delve into areas like "Humanity in Sports" and "Diversity in Sports," and "Psychology of Sport and Movement." The liberal arts and sciences core ensures a well-rounded education with courses in composition, quantitative reasoning, and studies of the natural and civic environments. This blend of business, sport-specific knowledge, and broader liberal arts education aims to develop critical thinking and communication skills essential for the industry.

Research Focus: The B.A. in Sport and Recreation Management at New England College has an applied and practical research focus, aiming to equip students with the ability to "apply basic qualitative and quantitative research skills" within the industry. While it doesn't typically involve students conducting extensive, independent academic research akin to a thesis, the curriculum integrates data analysis and strategic decision-making based on research findings. Faculty research interests often include areas such as legal issues in sports and recreation, youth sports, soccer, sociological issues in sports, college student-athlete welfare, gender equity in intercollegiate athletics, and sport management pedagogy. This indicates an emphasis on current issues and real-world challenges within the sport and recreation sector, preparing students to analyze industry trends and make informed decisions.

Industry Engagement: New England College's B.A. in Sport and Recreation Management demonstrates strong industry engagement through its practical, career-focused approach. The program is designed with an emphasis on "hands-on learning opportunities through every course," providing students with practical industry experience. Faculty members often share their "real-world expertise" in the classroom. A key aspect of industry engagement is the provision of tailored internship and practicum experiences, allowing students to gain valuable contacts and apply their learning in professional settings. While specific partnerships are not always extensively detailed, the program's alignment with COSMA competencies indicates a commitment to meeting professional industry standards. NEC's location in New Hampshire, with access to various outdoor activities and potential regional sports organizations, further facilitates practical engagement.

Global Perspective: The B.A. in Sport and Recreation Management at New England College incorporates a global perspective, recognizing the increasingly international nature of the sports and recreation industry. A core course, "Sport in the Global Society," explicitly addresses this dimension, indicating that students will explore sport within a broader international context. Modern sports, from professional leagues to major events, operate on a global scale, involving international marketing, governance, and cultural considerations. While the extent of dedicated international study opportunities specifically for this program is not always detailed, the curriculum's emphasis on preparing students for a diverse and evolving industry inherently includes an awareness of global trends and cross-cultural dynamics in sport and recreation.