University of New Haven
University of New Haven,
300 Boston Post Road,
West Haven, CT 06516
1-800 DIAL-UNH or 1-800-342-5864
University of New Haven sports

Sports Management

Introduction

The College of Business at the University of New Haven began offering sports management degrees in 1985.  As a pioneer in the field, the UNH sports management program was the first to be licensed and accredited by the State of Connecticut.  In 1995, UNH became one of the first universities in North America to have its sports management program accredited by the Sports Management Program Review Council (SMPRC). The University has a long history of producing leaders and grand slam careers in various sectors of the sports industry. Among our graduates are the following individuals:

  • David Beckerman, founder and former CEO of Starter Corporation
  • Tony Sparano, Offensive Coordinator, New York Jets, and former Head Football Coach, Miami Dolphins
  • Aaron Haviland, Director of Operations, Miami Dolphins Stadium
  • Chris Brown, Manager of Fan Experience and Service, New York Mets
  • Dean Lombardi, President/General Manager, Los Angeles Kings
  • Craig Mortali, five-time Emmy Award-winning producer at ESPN
  • Nick Sakiewicz, CEO and Operating Partner, Philadelphia Union (MLS)
  • David Wallace, former pitching coach for the Boston Red Sox
  • Jason Scheets, former COO, Star Struck, Inc.
  • Jeff Thiffault, former Manager, Operations, Major League Soccer
Recent sports management graduates have pursued careers in major and minor league sports, collegiate athletic administration, facility management, sports marketing, corporate fitness, recreation management, and a wide variety of other sports businesses. A recent survey found that 40 percent of our graduates pursue business careers outside sports. Another 20 percent go on for graduate degrees or professional degrees such as law.  The remaining 40 percent were working in the sport industry. 

Career Placement

Unique Features

  • A management of sports industries program that is solidly grounded in a College of Business.  In fact, UNH has the oldest sport management program continually housed in a business school in the United States.
  • A location in the New York/Boston corridor, which contains a high concentration of sports franchises and other sports and recreation-related businesses. 
  • A strong network of industry contacts and a National Advisory Board composed of sports management executives and experts.
  • A Division II varsity sports program in the Northeast-10 Conference composed of schools with high academic and athletic standards.
  • A strong internship program with sites in the Greater New Haven area, throughout the nation, and internationally.
  • The first management of sports industries program in Connecticut to be licensed by the state. 
  • One of the first programs in the country to be approved by the Sports Management Program Review Council (SMPRC).
  • A mentoring program that connects students with sports industry professionals.
  • A focus on experiential learning and career enhancement supported by an Executive in Residence Program and an Institute for Sports Management.
  • Great guest speakers from controversial executives to those serving as league commissioners.  
  • Facility tours to expose students first hand to how teams/facilities are run.
  • Strong adjunct professors who work in the field and bring their real-world experience into the classroom.
  • Dedicated full-time faculty members who personally advise every student in the program.
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