Sports is a multibillion dollar industry. Students can earn undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees in sport management from several prominent Florida universities. Top sport management schools in Florida introduce students to business, coaching and physical education concepts as they apply to the administration and management of athletics departments, teams and athletes. Graduates are prepared to enter the workforce serving as sports agents, recruiters, athletic directors, coaches and recreational directors.

University of Central Florida

In 2013, "U.S. News & World Report" ranked the University of Central Florida 14th in its Up-and-Coming Schools list based on promising and innovative changes in the areas of academics, faculty and student life. The Master of Sport Business Management degree program has received positive recognition from such publications as "ESPN the Magazine" and "The New York Times." The 42-credit-hour program requires students to perform 42 hours of community service with underserved youth and volunteer rebuilding houses in post-Katrina New Orleans. Sport management majors studying at the Orlando, Florida university have the option of earning the MSBM and a Master of Business Administration degree concurrently.

Florida State University

Florida State University offers scholars the opportunity to earn four degrees in sport management: a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management, Master of Science in Sport Management, Doctor of Philosophy in Sport Management and Juris Doctorate/Master of Science in Sport Management. "Kiplinger's" ranked the Tallahassee, Florida school 19th on its list of Best Value in Public Colleges based on such measures as academic quality and economical tuition costs. Housed in the College of Education, the sport management program provides students with the opportunity to study abroad. The department's curriculum adheres to the standards of the North American Society for Sport Management.

Barry University

Sport management majors can study for a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management or a Master of Science in Sport Management at Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida. In 2013, "Forbes" recognized the institution as one of America's Top Colleges as a result of student satisfaction rates, post-graduate success levels and low student debt. The undergraduate degree program is geared toward students interested in managing professional sports teams, collegiate athletic organizations or resort establishments. Additionally, students desiring to own a sport business or operate recreational programs in municipalities or leisure/tourism settings would benefit tremendously from the program. The Master of Science in Sport Management offers students in-depth exposure to theoretical concepts and practical applications related to the discipline. The School of Human Performance and Leisure Studies at Barry also gives students the option of pursuing a diving industry specialization.

Florida Atlantic University

At Florida Atlantic University, graduate students can pursue a Master of Business Administration in Sport Management. The university is included on "Forbes" most recent list of America' Top Colleges due to success in areas related to student satisfaction and post-graduation achievement. The College of Business requires all sport management majors to maintain a job related to the sports industry during their tenure in the program. The graduate degree program focuses on training future sport management professionals to serve as leaders in the field and to assume such positions as managers and executives. Coursework concentrates on combining sport management theories while integrating such disciplines as management, marketing, economics and finance.

Related Articles