By Anita Ginsburg
Sports can be an important part of the college experience, whether one is a participant or a fan. In the United States today, college athletics are extremely popular on both a regional and national scale, in many cases competing with professional championships for prime broadcast and print coverage. Most college students consider sports to be just extracurricular activities, but there are many academic programs available for students who want to work in this fun and fascinating field. Whether students want to work outside or in the office, they should consider these five sports related degrees.
Communications
This general liberal arts degree is perfect for students who want to work in sports broadcasting. Communications programs will teach students the editing, writing, reporting and interviewing skills needed to excel as a sports broadcaster. Students will also take classes that explore the relationships between sports and legal issues, cultural diversity and media platforms. Students will be exposed to the history of sports and the evolution of sport media. Students may choose to specialize in journalism, broadcasting or public relations.
Athletic Training
Athletic trainers work one-on-one with individuals to help them through the recovery process and reach their full performance potential. Students will learn about nutrition, anatomy, kinesiology, reconditioning, rehabilitation exercises and therapeutic techniques. Athletic training programs are perfect for students who want to enjoy a unique health care job. These programs should be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
PE Teaching and Coaching
PE teachers don’t just teach students games and monitor activities, they instill confidence and team spirit in young people. There are many PE teaching degree program specializations, such as dance, gymnastics and group sports. Almost all programs will cover basic topics, such as physiology and human development, and advanced topics, such as adapted coaching effectiveness and motivational techniques. PE degree programs must be approved by the state’s department of education and should be accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
Athletic Administration
Some students want to apply their business skills and acumen in the world of sports. Online athletic administration programs mix sports with project and employee management principles all into one degree. These programs cover the unique fields of sports finance, marketing and HR management. Depending on the target sport, the student may be expected to become proficient in the game. However, some students focus on the commercial aspects of sports, such as sports law, managerial accounting, and food and beverage management.
Exercise Science
This degree is perfect for students who want to work one-on-one with clients or students. Many go on to become personal trainers, private instructors and gym coaches. Students will learn how to transform their passion for healthy lifestyles into hands-on habits and skills. These programs will cover everything from bio-mechanics to motor development to adaptive physical education.