Program type:

Major
Minor
Format:

On Campus
Est. time to complete:

4 years
Credit Hours:

120
Empower your journey: Discover endless possibilities and careers with UNT's distinctive Recreation, Event and Sport Management (RESM) Program
The Recreation, Event and Sport Management program prepares leaders to manage, market, finance, operate and evaluate recreation, event and sport organizations, activities, resources and venues. A Bachelor of Science degree in RESM equips students to secure roles offering competitive starting salaries and opportunities for career progression.

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Why Earn a Recreation Event & Sport Management Degree?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for entertainment and recreation managers is anticipated to increase by 8 percent between 2022 and 2032, surpassing the average growth rate for all occupations. The recreation, event and sport industry addresses the creative, cultural and recreational desires of American consumers and international visitors alike, providing a wide range of services and experiences. It stands as one of the world's largest industries, whether gauged by expenditures, audience reach, time invested, or resources utilized. Graduates can anticipate numerous career prospects across a spectrum of fields within this dynamic industry.

Students with a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation, Event and Sport Management are prepared to enter the recreation, event and sport services industry. Students will gain proficiency in organizing, conceptualizing, executing and assessing a wide range of recreational, event or sports initiatives, while also refining their professionalism to include communication, collaboration, critical thinking, flexibility, time management, leadership and emotional awareness. Some of the coursework includes:
  • Leadership and organizational management of both for-profit and nonprofit recreation, event, and sport organizations
  • Inclusivity and diversity within the recreation, event, and sport organizations
  • Planning, management, and operation of recreation and sport facilities
  • Marketing and financial management of recreation, event, and sport organizations
  • Recreation programs, special events, and national and international sport events planning, execution, and management
  • Legal aspects and risk management of recreation, event and sport organizations
Our curriculum empowers students to translate theoretical understanding into practical application, paving the way for a stimulating and fulfilling professional journey. We offer flexible learning pathways, including online, hybrid and traditional classroom formats, ensuring accessibility to suit students’ individual needs and preferences.

Our faculty members bring experience and expertise to the classroom in:
  • Community recreation programming
  • Diverse populations and older adults
  • Human and financial management of recreation and sport services
  • Management of both for-profit and nonprofit recreation and sport organizations
  • Regional, national, international, recreation, sport and special events management
  • Recreation and sport facility operations and management
They've also been honored by the National Recreation and Park Association, Society of Health and Physical Educators, National Therapeutic Recreation Society, and Texas Recreation and Park Society.
Marketable Skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Oral and written communication
  • Program design, development and evaluation
  • Legal and risk assessment
  • Feasibility and operations assessment

Recreation Event & Sport Management Degree Highlights

There are several college-wide, departmental and program scholarships available to help you pursue your degree.
Upon finishing the 11 core RESM courses, students are required to fulfill a 12-credit-hour internship. Our internship advisors will assist you in selecting an internship that aligns with your career aspirations. This service is offered in addition to the career services provided by the university.
The internship coordinators in the Department of KHPR and RESM program, along with Career Coaches in the College of Education, offer guidance on internships, prospective job prospects and acquiring practical experience in your field of study.
The Learning Center hosts workshops covering topics such as speed reading, study techniques and effective time management. Academic advisors are available to assist you in scheduling your classes for each semester.
RESM 3450 is listed in the University Core (Social & Behavioral Sciences and Component Area Option A). Students will also have the opportunity to obtain up to two certificates that complement their career interests.
The RESM program offers flexible learning pathways, including online, hybrid and traditional classroom formats, ensuring accessibility to suit students’ individual needs and preferences.

What Can You do With a Recreation, Event & Sport Management Degree?

There are a number of opportunities available to graduates depending on their area of focus. Recreation and leisure are essential to the total well-being of every person. They can also be a reflection and expression of the cultural values of a society, which offer a range of services tailored to meet the varied recreational, cultural and entertainment preferences of both national consumers and international visitors.

This degree leads to roles in:

  • Community sports associations
  • Faith-based organizations
  • Federal, state or municipal park and recreation agencies
  • Sport and fitness facilities
  • Municipal convention and visitor bureaus
  • Numerous public, nonprofit and private camp organizations
  • Professional, semipro and collegiate sports organizations
  • Regional, national, international and special sport events management
  • Special needs organizations

Recreation Event & Sport Management Degree Courses You Could Take

Professional Opportunities in Recreation, Sport, Fitness and Event Industries (3 hrs)
Introduction to the recreation, event and sport professions including philosophical and foundational perspectives, underlying concepts and the role and advancement for the future. Orientation to the variety of services including settings, and the relationship to public, private, not-for-profit and commercial organizations. Trends in services to various populations. An overview of career opportunities in the field.
Operations and Logistics in Recreation, Event and Sport Organizations (3 hrs)
Students learn the fundamentals and operation logistics of program planning and delivery. Space, security staffing, registration, cost, promotion and assessment are highlighted.  An event logistics proposal is created to ensure accessibility and capture a variety of population groups across the recreation, event and sport services markets.
Inclusive Recreation, Event, and Sport Organizations (3 hrs)
Study of history, theories, philosophies and techniques of providing inclusive RESM services. Barriers to individuals are discussed in relation to strategies to address these barriers, for groups such as people with disabilities, older adults, people of color and gender differences. Field-based experiences provide a perspective of services with diverse populations.
Management of Recreation, Event and Sport Organizations (3 hrs)
Management topics in recreation, event and sport industries are covered including strategic planning, organizational design, management theory, directing, controlling, problem-solving and communication.
Finance in Recreation, Event, and Sport Organizations (3 hrs)
Overview of fiscal administration in RESM, including various revenue sources, budgeting and the budgetary process, pricing, break-even analysis, cash flow and other financial tools and concepts focusing on controlling costs and minimizing risks while increasing revenue.
Marketing in Marketing in Recreation, Event and Sport Organizations (3 hrs)
Introduces students to the theories, concepts and development of advanced principles of marketing in the sport industry with emphasis on sport companies, intercollegiate athletics, professional sport and multisport club operations. Designed to provide students with a broad overview of the important tenets of sport marketing process and provide students with opportunities to apply this knowledge by creating and developing effective and efficient marketing plans.

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