B.S. in Sport and Recreation Management

Effective sports and recreation managers plan, organize and direct the operations of sports and fitness programs, activities and services.

Whether working with a professional sports team, at a commercial fitness business or for a parks and recreation department, you’ll need competencies in marketing, leadership and project management to be successful. As a JMU sport and recreation management major, you will develop leadership skills through sound theoretical course work, innovative learning activities and mentoring opportunities. All of your major requirements are met through small classes, team learning experiences and meaningful personal contacts with faculty and industry professionals. With an emphasis on applied practical knowledge, your required internship will augment your classroom learning as you work alongside dynamic industry professionals in premier sport and recreation organizations. Along the way, your required classes will also earn you a useful general business minor. This program will challenge you to think critically, use technology and appreciate the global community.

The mission of the sport and recreation program is to develop a community of learners through quality education that integrates theory, practice, and personal growth in the hospitality, sport and recreation industries.

We are dedicated to the development of future leaders in sport and management professions through a course of study that maximizes the potential of individuals and society.

Sport and recreation management is committed to providing:

• An outstanding undergraduate program based on the criteria of relevant professional associations, which will enable graduates to be successful in their professional endeavors.
• A program that builds upon the strong liberal studies background provided through General Education.
• The opportunities that challenge students to think critically, to use technology and to appreciate the global community.
• The research and development projects that push back the boundaries of knowledge and promote effective practice in sport and recreation management.

We know that success requires equal parts intellect and action. At JMU, that’s what Being the Change is all about.

When students graduating from James Madison University proudly walk across the stage to receive their diplomas, they’re more than just educated. They’re members of a fellowship of doers. They know how to make things happen. They’ve honed their ability to think critically. They’ve learned the importance of a strong work ethic and they’ve become committed to and skilled at collaborating with others. Diplomas in hand, they leave campus determined to live lives of meaning and pursue careers of purpose.

Only two hours from Washington D.C., JMU is fast becoming one of the nation’s leading lights in higher education. That’s because students enjoy unusually engaged relationships with world-class faculty who are at JMU because they want to pursue knowledge and teach talented students.

JMU students, faculty and alumni are using equal parts intellect and action to succeed in every sort of pursuit: they’re boosting innovation and discovery, leading in business, advancing culture, improving health care, reforming education, renewing civil society, competing in athletics — they’re Being the Change in every imaginable way.