Sport Management (three-year)

Overview

PROGRAM
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Program Overview

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.

Intakes and Availability

Date	Domestic Availability	International Availability
September 2025	Open	Open	Apply now

ProgramHighlights

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Durham College Faculty of Business students earn second place in national Sports Management case competition Learn More

Lead the way
2025 Program Guide Read Now

Other Resources

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
AND
Grade 12 English (C or U) (minimum 60 per cent)
Grade 11 mathematics (C, M or U)

Are you missing admission requirements? We are here to help.

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:

Grade 12 Math (MAP4C equivalent)
Grade 12 English (ENG4C equivalent)
Grade 11 Biology (SBI3C equivalent)
Grade 12 Chemistry (SCH4C equivalent)

Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.

Tuition

Year one domestic: $2,722 (CAD)
Year one international: $14,884 (CAD)

View full costs

Semester 1 Courses

View all courses

Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE:

Event/game day co-ordinator
Facility manager
Program co-ordinator
Sport marketing co-ordinator
Sporting goods sales representative
Account executive
Brand manager
Team operations manager

View all career options

Connect with us

I AM A CANADIAN APPLICANT

Contact recruitment

Live Chat

905.721.3126

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.

Durham College Programs

I HAVE ALREADY APPLIED

Email admissions

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905.721.3000

I AM AN INTERNATIONAL APPLICANT

Contact

Live Chat

905.721.2000 ext. 7697

I HAVE ALREADY APPLIED

Please contact the international office.

Program Details

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.

Program Learning Outcomes

Produce marketing, program and organizational documentation using technological, communication and visualization tools to meet organizational needs.
Develop, analyze and implement marketing strategies for products, programs, events, services and facilities related to sporting organizations or events.
Develop an evidence informed practice that uses data and business analytics to determine performance effectiveness of goals/objectives and alignment to business strategies.
Comply with relevant statutes, regulations, safety and accessibility standards, and business practices.
Apply leadership strategies to effectively manage personnel by applying ethical, interpersonal, leadership, networking strategies to accomplish organizational goals.
Employ evidence-based financial management strategies to support the operations of a sport organization or event.
Plan, organize and deliver sport projects, tournaments, programs or community events that respond to needs, interests and abilities, and engage participants.
Manage sport programs, events, and services through administrative, communication and customer service skills, according to industry standards.
Develop a personal profile for ongoing professional development to manage a collaborative work environment in sport.
Apply consultative and networking strategies when collaborating with stakeholders to develop, maintain, and expand community partnerships.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
AND
Grade 12 English (C or U) (minimum 60 per cent)
Grade 11 mathematics (C, M or U)

Are you missing admission requirements? We are here to help.

Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.

Grade 12 Math (MAP4C equivalent)
Grade 12 English (ENG4C equivalent)
Grade 11 Biology (SBI3C equivalent)
Grade 12 Chemistry (SCH4C equivalent)

Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.

Industry Partners

BOARDS OF TRADE AND CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE PARTNERSHIP

Students entering their first year of studies in a Faculty of Business and Information Technology 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:

Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade
Brock Board of Trade
Clarington Board of Trade
Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce
Newcastle and District Chamber of Commerce
North Durham Chamber of Commerce
Whitby Chamber of Commerce

Membership benefits:

Opportunities to connect with over 2,500 local businesses and jumpstart your career by networking with potential future employers
Access to professional development events across Durham Region to gain unique business insights and learn from industry leaders; and
Learning opportunities to develop the in-demand skills to launch a successful career.

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Courses

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.

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4

Semester 5

Semester 6

Fieldwork - Sport (SPMN 3200)

Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.

Course delivery

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.

In person:: Course is delivered in person, on campus within a classroom, lab, shop or studio.
Hybrid:: Part of the course is delivered online, remotely, and part is in-person on campus within a classroom, lab, shop or studio.
Online:: Fully remote course delivery.

Costs

The fees below are estimates only based on information available at the time of publication, and do not include the cost of textbooks. There may be additional costs; however, not all courses require textbooks.

Finances shouldn’t be a barrier to you achieving your educational goals.
DC’s Financial Aid and Awards office is here to help you navigate a number of financial aid programs to support your education.

Residency

Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident International

Started Academic Year In

Fall Winter Spring

Sport Management (three-year) Year 1 Costs

Semester 1
Tuition:	$1,361.03
Program Fee:	$424.7
Ancillary Fee:	$480.71
DCSA Ancillary Fee:	$386.89
Total:	$2,653.33

Semester 2
Tuition:	$1,361.02
Program Fee:	$0
Ancillary Fee:	$480.71
DCSA Ancillary Fee:	$102.75
Total:	$1,944.48

Sport Management (three-year) Year 2 Costs

Semester 3
Tuition:	$1,361.03
Program Fee:	$65
Ancillary Fee:	$461.5
DCSA Ancillary Fee:	$386.89
Total:	$2,274.42

Semester 4
Tuition:	$1,361.02
Program Fee:	$0
Ancillary Fee:	$461.5
DCSA Ancillary Fee:	$102.75
Total:	$1,925.27

Sport Management (three-year) Year 3 Costs

Semester 5
Tuition:	$1,360.89
Program Fee:	$331
Ancillary Fee:	$461.5
DCSA Ancillary Fee:	$386.89
Total:	$2,540.28

Semester 6
Tuition:	$1,360.89
Program Fee:	$0
Ancillary Fee:	$461.5
DCSA Ancillary Fee:	$102.75
Total:	$1,925.14

Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE:

Event/game day co-ordinator
Facility manager
Program co-ordinator
Sport marketing co-ordinator
Sporting goods sales representative
Account executive
Brand manager
Team operations manager

WHERE YOU COULD WORK:

Amateur sport associations and organizations
Community sport programs, facilities, clubs and events
College and university athletics departments
Professional sport teams and leagues
Sporting goods manufacturers, distributors and retailers
Private and public sport facilities
Sport and event partners, agencies, sponsors and media

Experiential Learning

field placement

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.

GUEST SPEAKERS

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 CAMP

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.

INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

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.

CASE COMPETITIONS

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.

Program Transfer, Degree Completion and Additional Credentials

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.

Meet Your Faculty Experts

Matt Akler
Faculty Member, Faculty of Business and Information Technology
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 Ellis
Faculty Member, Faculty of Business and Information Technology
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
Faculty Member, Faculty of Business and Information Technology
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.