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First, some facts. Of the Sports Studies graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 88 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 66%, Sports Studies graduates have a slightly lower likelihood (-1%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 26% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Sports Studies graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 58% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2023 from East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Sports Studies. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONIntern Pineville Porcupines Baseball Club May 2023 - Jul 2023 Digital Carrier Procurement Specialist  RXO, Inc. Oct 2023 - Present ABOUTI am a graduate of East Carolina University with a Bachelors of Science in Sports Studies with a minor in History. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking through the various jobs held by graduates of Sports Studies programs, it’s interesting to note the common trends and themes that emerge. Many graduates tend to find positions in roles that are relatively aligned with their studies, especially in areas like coaching, sports management, and event coordination. For example, several individuals have taken up coaching roles at various levels, utilizing their sports knowledge to help train and develop athletes. Positions like Assistant Coach or Head Coach for school teams showcase a direct application of skills learned in their degree programs.
Moreover, roles in sports management, such as operations and facility management, are also quite common. Graduates often work with sports teams or organizations, handling event operations, sales, or marketing—essentially using their understanding of the sports industry to enhance team performance and engagement with fans. You’ll find many graduates working as ticket operations coordinators, game day staff, or within sales and promotions at sporting venues. These jobs provide opportunities to apply sports management principles directly, making them significant to the foundational concepts gained during their education.
However, not every job listed aligns directly with Sports Studies. Some graduates have taken roles that may not utilize their degree significantly, like customer service positions, administrative roles, or even internships that are more general than specific to sports. For instance, positions such as a customer service representative or account executive at non-sports related companies, while they may develop transferable skills, don’t really leverage the specialized knowledge learned in Sports Studies. This raises an important point about career paths; while some graduates flourish in relevant roles, others find themselves in areas where their degree does not see full application.
In summary, while a good number of Sports Studies graduates succeed in positions closely knit to their education—particularly in coaching and sports management—there are also those who end up in less relevant jobs. Overall, the effectiveness of Sports Studies graduates in the workforce seems closely tied to their ability to apply career-focused skills and knowledge in practical settings. It’s essential for those pursuing a degree in this field to seek opportunities that actively connect with their studies, enhancing their chances of a fulfilling career in the sports industry.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Sports Studies graduates:
Looking at the career trajectories of graduates with degrees in Sports Studies, it’s interesting to note that there are quite a few different pathways these individuals have taken. For many of the early-career graduates, it seems like their first job after graduation is often an internship or entry-level position related to sports. For instance, many graduates had roles such as interns in athletic facilities or ticketing, which makes sense given the nature of their studies. Some immediately landed positions that are pretty relevant to their degree, like assistant coaches or coordinators in sports teams. This early trend suggests a level of commitment to entering sports-related fields right off the bat, even if it means starting with less glamorous titles.
As we extend our timeline further down the road—let’s say five to ten years—there’s a mixed picture. Some individuals have climbed ranks within athletic organizations, moving from hefty internships to managerial or even director-level positions, particularly in operations, sales, or coaching roles. For example, we can see people from the East Carolina University cohorts progressing to positions like General Manager at sports clubs or Directors of Athletic Operations, which shows a nice growth trajectory. On the other hand, there are quite a few alumni who have veered off into unrelated fields or taken on roles that don't seem particularly tied to Sports Studies. It can be quite an eye-opener to see someone with a Sports Studies degree now working as an account executive or in unrelated sectors, suggesting that not everyone manages to stay within the sports arena long-term.
Overall, it appears that while many Sports Studies graduates find relevant and promising roles in the sports industry early in their careers, there’s also a significant number who transition into different fields or take on jobs that don’t fully utilize their degrees. This blend of outcomes makes it clear that while a Sports Studies degree can open some noteworthy doors, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee a lifelong career in sports for everyone. So, if you’re thinking about pursuing this degree, make sure you’re prepared for both routes—whether you aim for a robust career in sports or find a fulfilling path outside of it. It's all about how you leverage your experiences and connections along the way!
A Bachelor’s degree in Sports Studies is generally considered to be on the easier side compared to many other majors. While there are definitely challenging courses, particularly if you dive deep into the science or management aspects, a lot of the material can be pretty relatable and fun, especially if you’re passionate about sports. You might find a mix of coursework that includes practical assignments, which can make things a bit more hands-on and less tedious than traditional lecture-heavy classes. That said, it still requires commitment and effort, so if you’re not into the subject, it could be a tougher ride. Overall, if you're a sports enthusiast, you’ll likely find it more enjoyable than grueling.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Sports Studies.
Looking at the careers of these sports studies graduates, it seems that the financial standing varies quite a bit. For example, graduates from programs like East Carolina University and Mississippi State University seem to have opportunities that lead into roles like General Manager or Director positions, which likely offer decent salaries in the sports industry. On the other hand, some of the more recent graduates, like those working in internships or entry-level positions, might not be making as much initially, especially in roles such as coordinators or assistants in community sports. It feels like those who graduated a bit earlier and secured management or specialized roles might be making a better income compared to their recent peers still finding their footing.
Overall, if you look closely, the bigger paychecks seem to come with experience and progression into management, while many of the newer graduates are still in that learning stage, possibly earning less than they’d hope. It’s a mixed bag, and while some have landed well-paying positions, others are just starting out and might struggle financially in their first few job years. So, if your goal is to hit the ground running with a good salary after college, it might take a few strategic steps, like internships and networking, to make it happen!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Sports Studies. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Sports Studies (ordered by the average relevance score of their Sports Studies graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 East Carolina University
|
72 | 14 |