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Ministry-approved title: Sport Business Management
Designed for students with previous post-secondary education, the Sport Business Management program is a fast track to the sport industry, preparing graduates to enter the competitive world of sport management with industry-relevant expertise. Over the course of eight months, students gain specialized training in sport marketing, event coordination, facility management, and business administration related to the unique demands of sport organizations, as well as real-world experience through a four-month field placement, allowing them to apply their learning in professional sport business settings.
The program emphasizes industry engagement through hands-on projects, immersive field trips, and regular guest speaker sessions that help students build their network and explore diverse career paths in the business of sport. With a curriculum focused on sport marketing, sponsorship, global sport, analytics, and event management, graduates are prepared to enter the workforce with the confidence, connections, and practical experience that today’s employers demand.
OR
Applicants who are internationally educated in a non‐English speaking country must meet Durham College’s English Language Proficiency Policy.
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What is sport business management if not the perfect intersection of passion and profession? A sport business management certificate opens doors to diverse opportunities with various organizations within the sport industry.
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The sport industry is recognized as a distinct enterprise that requires specific skills, knowledge, attitudes, and experience best obtained through the academic process achieved by enrolling in the sport management program.
Aimed at college and university graduates, the Sport Business Management graduate certificate program is a fast-track to the sport industry. It provides advanced and intensive training through one semester of academics and one semester – 500 hours – of field placement.
Our sport management graduate certificate equips students with the practical knowledge and professional connections needed to flourish in business and sport management. Students develop expertise in sport marketing, event management, facility operations, and financial planning related to sport organizations.
During the academic semester, students will learn sport management principles, including sport sponsorship acquisition, talent management, media relations, and strategic planning for athletic organizations. The curriculum is designed by industry professionals to reflect current practices and emerging trends in sports business management.
The internship component offers valuable hands-on experience with sports teams, facilities, marketing agencies, or event management companies. This real-world application of classroom concepts allows students to build their professional portfolio while gaining insights into what is sport business management in practice.
With a commitment to personal and professional achievement, the sport business management program also offers competition opportunities, numerous networking opportunities and a variety of experiential learning options to prepare you for your chosen career. Students benefit from guest lectures, case studies, and networking events with professionals currently working in the field. These relationships often lead to mentorship opportunities and potential employment connections upon graduation.
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, Durham College 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.
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.
The sport business management field offers graduates an extensive range of career possibilities that blend commercial expertise with sport industry knowledge. Whether you’re interested in marketing, events, facilities, or team operations, the sport management program equips you with the toolkit needed to excel in your position.
School is an investment in your future, and financial support is available to help you succeed.
DC's Financial Aid and Awards is here to help you access funding and opportunities that make pursuing your education easier and more achievable:
Visit Financial Aid and Awards to explore all the options to help finance your education.
Your learning experience will be complemented by a 500-hour field placement as part of your sport business management program. Assistance in securing this position is provided by faculty.
During this field placement semester, students apply theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to practical situations. Students may work with professional sport teams, collegiate athletic departments, sport marketing agencies, facility management companies, or event coordination organizations.
Throughout the sport business management 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.
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.
Students take part in field trips to leading sport organizations across the Greater Toronto Area. These visits offer behind-the-scenes access, exposure to various career paths, and valuable face time with industry professionals. Whether touring major league facilities or engaging with community sport partners, students gain a deeper understanding of the business of sport in action.
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.
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.
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