Don’t let the name fool you—sport & recreation management (SRM) is designed for athletes and non-athletes alike. MSSU’s Sport & Recreation Management program is the perfect fit for anyone passionate about the business and leadership behind successful athletics, fitness, recreation, and community engagement operations.
Whether you’re interested in managing facilities, coordinating events, promoting athletic programs, or shaping community recreation, Missouri Southern’s SRM degrees prepare you for a career that blends strategic leadership and hands-on experience.
What is Sport & Recreation Management?
According to the International Academy of Sport Science and Technology, sports and recreation management “defines all business operations that support sports and recreation. It involves managing, operating, organizing, and budgeting all aspects of sports teams, organizations, events, and facilities.”
At MSSU, this definition comes to life through a curriculum built around immersive, real-world learning experiences that emphasize critical thinking and leadership. Students actively participate in the industry, providing them with practical career preparation.
More specifically, students in our sport and recreation courses learn event operations, marketing and public relations, facility and resource management, leadership and team management, sports law, ethical decision-making, and more. SRM majors also benefit from hands-on internships with MSSU Athletics, professional and semi-professional sports organizations, or community sport and recreation efforts; as well as networking and professional development opportunities through events such as MSSU’s annual SRM Symposium.
MSSU Sport and Recreation Management graduate student Katie Candrl emphasizes the transformative power of the program’s immersive learning opportunities.
“One of the most meaningful experiences in the program has been helping organize and run the 3rd Annual Sport and Recreation Symposium alongside two other graduate students,” Candrl said. “It was extremely valuable to learn the behind-the-scenes aspects of planning and executing an event, rather than just attending it. The Kinesiology faculty are incredibly supportive and genuinely invested in student success. While the program requires hard work and dedication, it is a rewarding experience that you will not regret.”
The skills garnered through these rich experiences translate directly into the workplace. Our graduates leave prepared to step confidently into leadership roles across the sport and recreation industry—making Missouri Southern one of the best universities for sport and recreation management success. With both baccalaureate and graduate program options, we empower growth that will help you land your dream career.
What Can You Do With A Bachelor’s Degree in Sport and Recreation Management?
A bachelor’s degree in sport and recreation management opens doors to a variety of promising career paths. Our graduates go on to earn roles such as:
- Athletic or Recreation Administrator
- Event Operations, Marketing, or Facility Coordinator
- Ticket Sales, Group Sales, or Guest Services Specialist
- Public Relations or Compliance Professional
- Fitness Center Manager or Recreation Supervisor
- Youth Sports or Community Recreation Leader
MSSU’s Bachelor’s Degree in Sport and Recreation Management is ideal for students beginning their careers. With a strong emphasis on internships and applied learning, students graduate with experience that sets them apart from other candidates entering the workforce.
A Master’s Degree in Sport & Recreation Management Advances Your Career
For working sport and recreation professionals already equipped with their bachelor’s degree, MSSU’s Master of Science in Sport & Recreation Management makes higher-level leadership and administrative roles accessible. Many organizations—including collegiate athletic departments, municipal recreation systems, and private sports organizations—increasingly prefer or require a master’s degree for advancement.
Starting salaries for bachelor’s degree graduates in Missouri range from $30,000–$45,000. In comparison, national salary data shows that management-level roles requiring master’s degrees earn a median annual salary of $77,180, with top earners exceeding $134,680. Not only that, but the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that careers in sport and recreation management are growing faster than average at 8% from 2024–34. High earning potential and job security makes investing in your higher sport and recreation management education a foolproof decision.
With Missouri Southern’s Sport & Recreation Master’s degree, graduates are qualified for roles in:
- Academics and Research: Advance the field’s knowledge
- Marketing and Sales: Leverage promotional skills
- Industry-Specific Management: Oversee larger organizational operations
- Private Sectors and Technology: Drive innovation and strategy
- Government and Nonprofit Sectors: Support social goals and community outreach
These positions require advanced knowledge in budgeting, organizational leadership, compliance, strategic planning, and high-level operations—all core components of MSSU’s graduate curriculum.
Explore Boldly: Take the Next Step at MSSU
Invest in your future. Whether you’re launching your career or looking to advance it, MSSU’s Sport & Recreation Management offers a clear path to growth and lasting impact in an industry built on connection and community.
Explore Boldly with MSSU Sport & Recreation Management and turn your passion into your profession. Visit the program webpage for more information.
