Program Overview
The University of North Alabama’s Bachelor of Science in Sport and Recreation Management program prepares students to lead, manage, and enhance sport, recreation, and leisure organizations. Through a combination of business principles, leadership development, and hands-on learning experiences, students gain the knowledge and skills needed to create meaningful experiences that improve quality of life and strengthen communities.
Why Choose This Program?
- Gain practical experience through internships, applied learning opportunities, and professional engagement
- Develop leadership, management, and organizational skills applicable across the sport and recreation industries
- Customize your education through concentration options aligned with your career interests
Options + Tracks
Recreation Management
The Recreation Management concentration prepares students to plan, manage, and evaluate recreation programs, facilities, and community initiatives. Students develop the leadership and organizational skills needed to create engaging recreational experiences that enhance individual and community well-being.
Sport Management
The Sport Management concentration focuses on the business and operational aspects of the sport industry. Students gain knowledge in areas such as event management, marketing, leadership, and organizational operations while preparing for careers in professional, collegiate, and community sport settings.
Curriculum & Coursework
UNA Sport and Recreation Management students benefit from a multidisciplinary curriculum that combines leadership, business, recreation, and sport industry principles. Through coursework and experiential learning opportunities, students develop the skills needed to manage programs, organizations, facilities, and events in a variety of professional settings.
Sample Courses:
- HPE 370 Organization and Administration of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation
- HPE 325 Recreation Programming
- SRM 350 Sport and Recreation Marketing
- SRM 460 Sport and Recreation Facility Management
Career Paths & Outcomes
A degree in Sport and Recreation Management from UNA prepares students for a wide range of careers focused on leadership, program development, event management, and community engagement. Graduates develop the management, communication, and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in sport, recreation, and leisure-related industries.
Common Career Paths:
- Sport Manager
- Recreation Director
- Athletic Operations Coordinator
- Facility Manager
- Community Recreation Supervisor
- Sport Marketing Specialist
- Parks and Recreation Professional
Student Experience
Sport and Recreation Management students at UNA gain valuable real-world experience through internships, research opportunities, leadership development, and professional networking events. You will work alongside faculty mentors and industry professionals while developing the skills and connections needed for successful careers in sport and recreation.
Opportunities include:
- Internship experiences in sport and recreation organizations
- Professional development through the Sport Leadership Summit
- Research and applied learning opportunities through the Center for the Study of Sport and Recreation
- Networking opportunities with industry professionals
- Leadership development and experiential learning activities
- Faculty mentorship and career preparation
Meet the Faculty
Ms. Jacquelyn A. Allen
Senior Lecturer/Director, Wellness & Health Promotion
jaallen@una.edu
Mr. Jon M. Allen
Lecturer
jallen11@una.edu
Dr. Kyle Conkle
Assistant Professor, Sport Management
rconkle@una.edu
Dr. J. Matthew Green
Associate Dean, College of Education & Human Sciences, Professor, Exercise Science
jmgreen@una.edu
Dr. Jean Ann Helm Allen
Interim Associate Dean, College of Education & Human Sciences, Professor, Kinesiology
jhelm@una.edu
Dr. Chanho Kang
Associate Professor, Sport & Recreation Management
ckang@una.edu
Dr. Lauren G. Killen
Associate Professor, Exercise Science
lkillen1@una.edu
Mr. Mark D. Linder
Lecturer, Sport & Recreation Management
mdlinder@una.edu
Dr. Scott Lyons
Interim Department Chair, Graduate Program Coordinator, Professor
slyons1@una.edu
Dr. Eric K. O’Neal
Professor, Exercise Science
eoneal1@una.edu
Dr. Lee G. Renfroe
Professor, Health Promotion
lrenfroe@una.edu
Mr. Patrick Shremshock
Senior Lecturer, Sport & Recreation Management
pshremshock@una.edu
Dr. Hunter S. Waldman
Assistant Professor, Exercise Science
hswaldman@una.edu
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