Published on November 5, 2024 by Catherine Smith  

Samford-Launches-Fast-Track-Sports-BusinessSamford University's Brock School of Business has launched a new fast track in Sports Business accelerated degree program, allowing students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus in sports business in just five years. The program features a unique 18-month sports residency where students work full time with sports organizations while completing their MBA. This immersive experience provides unparalleled real-world training and industry connections.

The new degree program’s comprehensive curriculum is designed to give students a 360-degree view of the sports industry, allowing them to dive deep into areas such as sports marketing, analytics, sponsorship and strategy. The program also covers the intricacies of college sports business, fan engagement techniques and revenue generation in sports. The program culminates with a capstone class featuring a real-world sports business consulting project for a major sports property. This unique experience includes a trip with classmates to present their work onsite. Past destinations have included Nike world headquarters, professional soccer teams in England and NBA headquarters. This well-rounded educational experience ensures students are prepared to tackle challenges from day one of a career in the sports industry. 

Brock School of Business has established itself as a significant leader in sports business education. It was the first school in the South to launch a sports marketing concentration within an AACSB-accredited business school, and the first in the nation to establish a Center for Sports Analytics. This commitment to innovation in sports business education has resulted in a 100% internship and job placement rate and is why The Wall Street Journal currently ranks Samford No. 8 in the nation for career preparation.  

Professor Darin White, founder of the sports industry programs in Brock School of Business and executive director of the Center for Sports Analytics, welcomes the new program with excitement. “We invite aspiring sports business professionals to explore our programs,” White said. “Whether you're interested in analytics, marketing or the broader business of sports, we have a pathway designed to help you achieve your goals and make your mark in the industry.”

Entering 2025 freshmen are invited to apply for early assurance into the new fast track program. Students must first apply to Samford University through the Office of Admission and declare a major within Brock School of Business. The application for the program will open for entering freshman in their application status page upon acceptance to Samford University.

Ready to accelerate your sports business career? Apply now.

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.