Southeast Missouri State University
04/08/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/08/2025 23:29
SEMO Sport Management Program Builds Future Leaders in the Sports Industry
Southeast Missouri State University's sport management program is helping students turn their passion for sports into thriving careers in one of the fastest-growing industries worldwide.
Designed to give students both academic knowledge and hands-on experience, SEMO's sport management major offers a curriculum that focuses on the business and administrative side of the sports industry. With courses in sport marketing, facility and event management, leadership, sport law and ethics, students graduate prepared to lead in a variety of athletic environments.
"Our program equips students to safely and effectively manage sporting events, facilities, teams and fans" said Dr. Myungwoo Lee, assistant professor in the Department of Allied Health, Kinesiology and Sport Sciences at SEMO. "We focus on the skills that matter most in today's sports world-leadership, communication, critical thinking and professional networking."
Students gain real-world experience through internships with community organizations, collegiate athletics and professional sports teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals, Cape Catfish and SEMO Athletics. These internships are often paired with transformative learning experiences, like networking events hosted by organizations such as the Indianapolis Colts and St. Louis City Soccer Club.
Students gain real-world experience through internships with community organizations, collegiate athletics and professional sports teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals, Cape Catfish and SEMO Athletics. These internships are often paired with transformative learning experiences, like networking events hosted by organizations such as the Indianapolis Colts and St. Louis City Soccer Club.
The program also offers annual trips and tours that immerse students in the industry. Recent highlights include a behind-the-scenes look at the 2023 NFL Draft, tours of St. Louis City Soccer Club's new stadium and College Nights with the St. Louis Cardinals, where students meet professionals in scouting, marketing, and ticket development.
Alumni from the program have gone on to pursue impactful roles across collegiate and professional sports, including positions in athletic operations, event coordination and marketing at Division I universities, international sport management firms and major athletic departments nationwide.
In addition to internship and networking opportunities, SEMO's sport management program integrates real-world learning directly into the classroom. Students participate in case study competitions and present original research at conferences as part of their coursework. The program also hosts the annual SEMO Sport Management Conference and Networking Event every April, connecting students with leading voices in the industry.
"Our sport management program blends academic knowledge with real-world experience to prepare students for careers in the sports industry," said Lee. "Through internships, networking events and hands-on learning opportunities, students gain essential skills in leadership, communication and event management, giving them a competitive edge in the field."
SEMO's 2025 Sport Management Conference and Networking Event will take place on Wednesday, April 9, in Glenn Auditorium at Dempster Hall. Open to all students, the event features a panel discussion and networking opportunities with industry professionals, including athletics and event services leaders from the University of Colorado, IMG Academy, the Peoria Chiefs, the University of Arizona and Princeton University.
To learn more about the Sport Management program at SEMO, visit semo.edu/sport-management.