Terese Stratta, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Sport Management
I strive to promote professional development that is healthy, empowering, and fun, and assist students in embracing the benefits of learning as a lifetime endeavor.
Sport Management
Bachelor of Arts
The Art of Sport Management
Victories are earned off the field too. That’s why there is an ever-growing need for qualified leaders in sport management industries. Clarke University’s intense Sport Management degree is meeting that demand head-on, equipping you with the skills to manage, lead, navigate, and win.
In the U.S. alone, the sports industry ranks sixth among all industries, with annual revenue of more than $250 billion. The job growth projection for athletic directors in higher education through 2022 is faster than the national average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pursuing a sport management degree prepares students for exciting careers in the global sports industries, including athletic management, health, and fitness management, event management, as well as marketing, sales, public relations, and other sports-related positions.
In the Clarke Sport Management major, you will learn how sports function in the business and entertainment industries and interact with philanthropic entities. Sport Management students will become familiar with the complexities of the competitive sports industries and develop strategies for personal and organizational success. Sport management professionals must understand the complexities of this competitive industry and develop strategies for personal and organizational success.
Sport Management Internships
Internships are an integral part of what makes Clarke one of the best schools for Sports Management. Internships by Clarke Sport Management majors have included:
- Green Bay Packers
- Dubuque Fighting Saints
- University of Minnesota
- Eagle Ridge Golf Course
- Club Fusion Volleyball
- East Dubuque & Senior High School Athletic Departments
- The Dubuque Community YMCA/YWCA
- Diamond Jo Casino Marketing Department
- Signature Health & Fitness
- Dubuque Golf & Country Club
- Union Dubuque Football Club
Be assured that as a Sports Management major at Clarke University, you will receive VIP treatment. You will score plenty of individual attention and hands-on opportunities – contests and in-game promotions, time-out trivia, post-game interviews, social media coverage, sports talk radio broadcasts, PA announcers, statisticians, and tours of local sports facilities. Begin your global career journey by visiting Dubuque, Iowa, and seeing first-hand how our Sport Management majors learn.
Program Details
Playing with the Best
At Clarke University, you will be immersed in one of the best sport management programs. You will gain valuable knowledge from a team of experienced business professors. Emphasis on fieldwork experiences outside the traditional class setting provides students with knowledge and skills to transition toward full-time employment. Clarke offers Sport Management majors Early Access programs in its Master of Business Administration and Master of Organizational Leadership. The Early Access programs offer eligible students the ability to complete 12 hours of graduate credit while in their undergraduate degree program. These credits can be counted as undergraduate electives toward a bachelor’s degree.
At its base, a Sport Management degree is the business of sports and recreation management. Since the Clarke Sport Management program is housed in the Business Department, students will have an opportunity to earn a double major or a minor in Business Administration. In addition, the program is highly experiential. Sport Management majors will gain valuable hands-on experience in the field as well as extensive knowledge in the classroom. These factors will provide students with a competitive advantage when transitioning toward full-time employment in the sports management industry.
A Sampling of Classes within the Sport Management Degree:
SPORT MARKETING & COMMUNICATION — You’ll have the opportunity to develop original marketing plans and promotional videos of athletes, coaches, and teams.
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES IN SPORT — This class provides future sport managers with a broad understanding of how sports are implemented and managed throughout the world.
FINANCING SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS — Students will assess and implement fundraising and sponsorship plans, as well as develop all aspects of a golf fundraiser.
Admission to Clarke University
Applicants are considered on an individual basis. Apply to Clarke today to begin your journey.
Global Immersion
Each year, Sport Management majors have an opportunity to participate in global trips to study the cultural, social, economic, and sporting aspects of other countries. These 10-15 day trips have included travel to Italy, Switzerland, France, Spain, Portugal, Australia, and New Zealand.
Career Options
Pursuing a Sport Management degree prepares students for exciting careers in global sports industries, and many other areas, including:
- Advertising Agent
- Athletic Conference Director
- Athletic Director
- Broadcaster
- Coach or Manager
- Community Relations Director
- Compliance Coordinator
- Event Manager
- Facility Manager
- Golf Course Manager
- Health Club Manager
- Management and Marketing for Major and Minor League Franchises
- Media Relations Director
- Public Relations Director
- Sports Information Director
- Sports Promoters
- Sports Official
- Team General Manager
Program in Pictures
There’s more to college than going to class.
The Classroom and Beyond
Study Abroad
Each year, the Business Department leads a 10-15-day trip to a foreign country to study the artistic, cultural, social, and economic aspects of a country. Students and faculty traveled to Italy, Ireland, Switzerland, France, England, Spain, and have future programs planned for Asia, Australia, and South America.
Internships
All business and accounting students are required to complete an internship. Real-world experience provided by an internship is invaluable when it comes time to enter the job market.
The Clarke Compass
Through your Clarke experience, you will be involved in many different activities that will guide you on your college journey. By your senior year, you will have a résumé of all your awesome involvements packaged and ready for your first interview.
Clubs & Organizations
The Investments Club is a group of students who manage an active investment portfolio of nearly $40,000. Students research, buy, sell, and create portfolio mixes.
Careers in Sport Management
What can I do with a degree in this major?
But don’t take our word for it…
Our Students & Alumni
Ss'ven Walker
Sport Management '20
Sport Management has provided me with the real world hands-on experiences and classroom knowledge to be successful in making an impact in my career field.
Ricky Marinez
Sport Management '18
I am the first person and first generation in my family to attend college. I want to be the best version of myself I can be and make my mom proud.
Sonia Colavita
Business and Sport Management '15
My internship while at Clarke made me career ready and helped me land a post-graduation position in my field.
$498 billion
Approximate worth of the sport industry in the United States.
13
%
Projected annual growth of the sport industry through 2026.
$90,870
According to the 2017 US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median national yearly salary for sport agents.
Other Programs to Explore
Experience Clarke Sport Management for Yourself