With the sports and recreation field already a huge economic money maker in the U.S. and only continuing to grow, this booming industry is constantly looking for professionals who understand both the science and business sides of athletics.

About Salem’s Biology and Sports & Recreation Management Bachelor’s Degree

Students of Salem University’s Bachelor of Science in Biology with a specialization in Sports & Recreation Management gain the best of both worlds: a fundamental understanding of anatomy, physiology, and the natural sciences, coupled with business and marketing knowledge specific to the sports and recreation industry. Our curriculum embraces both qualitative and quantitative approaches to support ethical decision-making. We offer a supportive, diverse experience that combines classroom instruction by experienced faculty with skills-building exercises and real-world applications. A biology bachelor’s degree can also be a great stepping-off point toward getting your Master of Science in Health and Human Performance or a Master of Business Administration in Sports & Recreation Management.

We’ve designed our bachelor’s degree curriculum with the goal of providing a high-quality education that prepares you for lifelong learning. We aim to develop your leadership and problem-solving skills and encourage all of our students to read critically, ask appropriate questions, gather information, and apply critical analysis. And we do all of this within a framework that fits into your current life and responsibilities with our unique, one-course-a-month schedule. Salem offers STEM Designated Degree Programs identified by the US Department of Homeland Security, signaling their importance to the Nation and the World.

What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and Sports & Recreation Management?

A bachelor’s degree in biology with an emphasis in sports and recreation management can help you prepare for entry-level employment in areas like:

  • Parks and Recreation Facilitator
  • Athletic Coach
  • Athletic Coordinator
  • Sports Agent
  • Recreation Event Manager

What Will I Learn in Salem’s Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and Sports & Recreation Management?

With Salem’s Sports & Recreation Management specialization, you’ll start with gathering knowledge and skills related to both physical and biological sciences as a whole. From there, you’ll build on that base by studying topics like foundational anatomy and physiology concepts; the structure and composition of living organisms at the cellular and macromolecular levels; evolutionary origins and physiology; chemical laws and principles; and the fundamentals of biochemistry, including protein sequences, enzyme kinetics, and metabolism. In your courses, you will focus on practical applications on these concepts so you can apply what you’re learning to the skills and tasks you’ll need in the field.

In your specialized Sports & Recreation Management courses, you’ll cover topics like:

  • The various concepts, management principles, and theories recognized as essential elements for the management of physical education and sports programs
  • The structure of the sports industry and the career opportunities, facilities, marketing, client retention, budgeting, fundraising, current issues, and organizational structure
  • Personal and professional ethics and personal moral development and its necessity for successful sports management
  • The multifaceted details involved in the management operations of sports facilities, including planning, organizing, and financing
  • The application of law to the sports industry, including product liability, tort liability, anti-trust law, state and federal legislation specific to sports, contract law, constitutional law, agency law, and collective bargaining

What Biology and Sports & Recreation Management Classes Will I Take?

The Bachelor of Science in Biology degree program with a specialization in Sports & Recreation Management requires the completion of 75 foundational and elective credits, as well as 30 core biology credits that include:

  • BIO110 General Biology
  • BIO111 General Biology 2
  • BIO112 General Biology Lab
  • BIO210 Anatomy & Physiology
  • BIO211 Anatomy & Physiology 2
  • BIO499 Senior Capstone Project
  • CHM110 General Chemistry
  • CHM111 General Chemistry 2
  • CHM112 General Chemistry Lab
  • CHM210 Organic Chemistry
  • CHM211 Organic Chemistry 2
  • CHM212 Organic Chemistry Lab
  • CHM350 Biochemistry
  • CHM351 Biochemistry 2
  • PHY110 General Physics
  • PHY111 General Physics 2
  • PHY112 General Physics Lab

You’ll also take 15 credits in the Sports & Recreation Management specialization:

  • PED418 Organization & Administration of Physical Education & Sports
  • SMG210 Principles of Sports Management
  • SMG230 Governance & Ethics in Sports
  • SMG340 Facilities & Event Management
  • SMG380 Legal Aspects of Sports

How Long Will It Take to Get My Biology and Sports & Recreation Management Bachelor’s Degree?

On average, a full-time student can earn their Bachelor of Science in Biology degree with a specialization in Sports & Recreation Management in approximately 40 months. However, we recognize every student is different, with different circumstances. It’d be best to contact one of our admissions advisors to discuss your specific questions and goals.

Why Choose Salem University?

Since 1888, Salem University has built upon our tradition of accessible, affordable higher education by constantly innovating and looking to the future. We aim to develop lifelong learners who embrace problem-solving with a global perspective. We offer:

  • Accelerated undergraduate and graduate programs of study with continuous enrollment via distance education or on-campus
  • A unique one-course-a-month format that allows students to focus on a single subject at a time and build their knowledge in a way that feels natural
  • Online courses are structured to work within the constraints of full-time employment, allowing you to earn your degree with minimum disruption to your busy schedule
  • Supportive faculty and staff who serve as thought leaders and mentors
  • A beautiful 100-acre campus situated in the Smoky Mountains where programs of study are available for campus residents and commuter students

Admission Requirements

Admission to Salem is open to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or ability/disability. Anyone wishing to attend Salem can obtain the necessary application from the Office of Admissions or apply online. The completed application should be submitted to the Office of Admissions at the earliest possible date. The University admits students on a rolling, monthly start basis. Acceptance is within the discretion of Salem University; some programs have additional admissions requirements.

Anyone who wishes to apply to our Bachelor of Science in Biology program must meet the following requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years of age;
  • High school graduate or equivalent (such as a GED or international secondary institution).

High school transcripts (and/or college transcripts for transfer students) must be provided before the end of the first semester of study. International students will need to provide results of credential evaluation and English language capability.

Take the Next Step

If you’re interested in getting started on your degree from Salem University, request more information by filling out a quick form or start a live chat with us today!