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Throughout virtually all of its long history, sport management functioned without formal support from higher education. This situation began to change in the early 1970s when the first degree programs in sport management were established. Today, over 200 North American colleges and universities are engaged in the preparation of management personnel for sport organizations.

The course of study consists of three major segments. The first is composed of a group of courses devoted to the theoretical perspectives of sociology and history of sport. The second is devoted to the foundations of business and management. The third aspect of study is devoted to courses on the application of management theory to the specifics of the sports industry, and to the various aspects of sport management. These areas include but are not limited to sport marketing and public relations, sport law, sport economics and financial and business operations for sport organizations, the management of events, the management of facilities, broadcasting, sales, and collegiate athletics.

Majors also have the option of gaining on-the-job experience with a sport organization through an internship. Internships are arranged with a variety of organizations, including professional sport teams and leagues, collegiate athletic departments, collegiate conferences and associations, public and private facilities, sport event agencies, sport marketing and consulting firms, and various amateur sport organizations. The internship is arranged for course credits.

In structure and content the curriculum is fashioned to provide graduates with lifelong career advantages in the sport industry.