January 21 & 22 | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Register now
View programs
Ministry-approved title: Sport Management
With a unique combination of business skills and a solid understanding of the sport industry, sport managers oversee professional and amateur athletes and teams; co-ordinate sporting events; and work behind the scenes at some of the biggest sporting venues in the world. The skills developed, experience gained, and connections made will allow graduates to enter the ever-changing sport industry, whether it is managing aspects of professional teams and leagues, amateur sport organizations, community sport associations, sporting goods companies, sport facilities and many other businesses.
Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or math. Domestic applicants that are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s) i.e., Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.
Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.
DC also offers Academic upgrading courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on-campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:
Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.
View full costs
View all courses
View all career options
Fill out the form to get more information on your program of interest, upcoming events, and how to become a Durham College student. By submitting your information below, you consent to Durham College contacting you via email and/or SMS with a minimum of 4 messages per month. You may withdraw consent at any time.
905.721.3000
Please contact the international office.
As a graduate of Canada’s longest-running college sport management program, you will be prepared to excel in a management role in the business of sport. With a focus on developing skills related to all aspects of the Canadian sports scene, you will be prepared to enter any specific sport-related fields by applying the knowledge, experiential learning and concepts gained inside and outside of the classroom.
The program begins with coursework in fundamental business skills and sport industry understanding, progressing to more advanced applications and hands-on learning experiences in the subsequent semesters. In addition to formal classroom work, this program offers numerous volunteer and networking opportunities, an overnight leadership camp in the third year and a variety of experiential learning options to prepare you for this chosen career. Students conclude their learning with a 500-hour field placement in their final semester of the program.
Please note: Students who complete all courses in the first two years of Sport Management may elect to graduate with a two-year diploma in Sport Administration rather than continuing the completion of their three-year advanced diploma in Sport Management.
If you hold a diploma or degree, you may wish to explore the two-semester Sport Business Management graduate certificate program.
Students entering their first year of studies in a Faculty of Business program will receive a membership to all of Durham Region’s Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade for the duration of their studies, plus an additional year following graduation. As one of the only colleges in Ontario with this offering, DC is proud to provide students with access to local businesses at a regional level.
The Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade include:
Membership benefits:
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC. Students are responsible to ensure they are not duplicating their GNED or FNMI selections as per their diploma requirements. For a successful program completion, students must have successfully completed three unique elective courses as per their program of study.
Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
In person
Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
Advanced diploma students will have their learning experience complemented by a 500-hour field placement in the final semester of the program. Assistance in securing a position is provided by faculty.
Throughout the program, students gain valuable insights from guest speakers—industry professionals who have achieved success in Sport Management. These sessions provide expert guidance, real-world perspectives, and a unique opportunity to start building a professional network. This connection to the industry is a key element of the program’s commitment to student growth and career readiness.
Sport Management students begin their journey in the first semester with an immersive camp experience designed to build collaboration, leadership, and interpersonal skills. This transformative opportunity encourages students to step out of their comfort zones while forming connections that are integral to the program’s culture. Faculty support ensures the experience is both rewarding and memorable, setting the stage for success in the program and beyond.
The program offers students exciting opportunities for internationalization, both within the college and abroad. A standout experience from the past includes a Faculty Led Classroom Abroad (FLCA) trip to Barbados, where students consulted for a sport tourism company, volunteered at a beach sport event, and immersed themselves in the vibrant local culture. These experiences broaden horizons and provide a unique blend of professional and personal growth within a different culture context.
Selected Sport Management students have the opportunity to participate in case competitions, where they tackle real-world business challenges for clients in need. These events sharpen critical thinking skills, encourage innovative problem-solving, and provide invaluable experience addressing industry-relevant issues. Additionally, they offer a platform for students to expand their professional networks and showcase their expertise.
Qualifying graduates of the advanced diploma Sport Management program with a minimum grade point average of 3.5 can apply directly to third year of the Bachelor of Human Kinetics (Sport Management) program at the University of Windsor. Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with a number of Canadian and international institutions. Sample diploma-to-degree opportunities include:
Advanced Diploma graduates may also be eligible to apply their academic credits to:
Please visit our pathways page to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree.
Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.
As one of the longest-serving members of the Sport Management faculty, along with 10+ years of experience in the professional sport and entertainment industry, Matt Akler will guide students through career preparation in the business of sport while teaching courses in communications, events, leadership and team management.
Ian brings over 20 years of sport management experience to the classroom. He previously worked for sport teams, leagues and a sport marketing agency where he worked alongside some of Canada’s largest brands. His teaching is focused on sport marketing, partnerships and event management. Numerous industry partnerships allow for extensive experiential learning opportunities in his courses.
Sheldon Koufman is a Professor and Program Coordinator for Sport Management programs. Teaching marketing, sales, professionalism, and career courses, Sheldon is the published author of Marketing: The Core 7CE and Retailing Management 7CE. He emphasizes experiential learning through competitions and leadership camps.
January 21 & 22Explore programs starting in May or SeptemberRegister Now
App Store
Google Play