Major Discovery Series
Leisure and Sport
Studies
Bachelor of Science: Leisure and Sport Studies
The Leisure and Sport Studies major prepares students for administrative and operations positions in sport, athletic and
recreation industries. Athletics, sport and recreation continues to provide a variety of career opportunities in the United
States. 256.2 million Americans engage in some form of sporting activity creating an industry that generates revenue in
excess of $160 billion annually and provides 1.9 million jobs. The popularity of sports/recreation participation, leisure
activities, and spectator interest creates exciting opportunities for college graduates. Possible career paths may include
community recreation programs, health and fitness club management, athletic administration, and professional athletics
opportunities, to name just a few. A major in Leisure & Sports Studies can prepare students with the appropriate entrylevel skills to meet the profession’s expanding employment opportunities and requirements. Employers recommend one or
more internships to be successful and competitive when entering this field.
Career themes associated with Leisure and Sport Studies
Enterprising, Realistic, Social
Common interests of Leisure and Sport Studies
majors
 Playing or participating in sports
 Working as a camp counselor or at a fitness club,
playground, or other recreational facility
Related skills, values, and qualities
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Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Excellent personal fitness and habits
Ability to multitask and work accurately
Confidence, initiative, and ability to motivate others
Ability to relate to and interact with people of varying
ages and backgrounds
Ability to lead, supervise, and direct others
Ability to react spontaneously and maintain emotional
composure in stressful situation
Ability to solve problems and make effective decisions
Sensitivity to the human need for recreation and
balance
Friendliness, tactfulness, dedication, and patience
 Engaging in physical and outdoor activities
 Serving as a part-time coach, official, or scorer
 Reading research and journals related to sport
business, coaching or physical fitness
 Organizing and participating in community
recreational activities
 Attending lectures and workshops related to leisure
and sports
 Working in sales, marketing, advertising or facility
For more information about the major
Contact the Sports Management Department,
214 Old Main, 610-683-4370,
or visit www.kutztown.edu/SportManagement
KU Majors related to Leisure and Sport Studies
Communication Studies, Management, Marketing,
Courses Leisure and Sport Studies majors typically enjoy
 Health
 Physical Education
 Management
 Psychology
 Sociology
 Speech
Enterprising students may also be interested in:
Advertising*, Communication Design, Criminal Justice,
Economics*, Electronic Media, Elementary Education,
English-Professional Writing, Environmental Science,
Finance, History, International Studies*, Library
Science, Literature*, Multicultural Studies*, Political
Science, Psychology, Public Relations*, Secondary
Education, Social Work, Special Education, Women’s
Studies*, Writing*.
*minor only
For More Information on Leisure & Sports Studies Careers or to speak to a Career Counselor, contact
KU Career Development Center • 113 Stratton Administration Center • 610-683-4067 • careerhelp@kutztown.edu • www.kutztown.edu/careercenter
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 Attend your senior kick-off and
other info sessions to prepare
for job search/grad school.
 Enroll in the Career Success

Update your resume and
Certificate.
LinkedIn profile.
 Complete an internship and/or
 Meet with CDC career

Create cover letter drafts.
undergraduate
research.
coach.
Enroll in the Career

Gain experience through

Attend
info
sessions
about
 Attend info sessions to learn
Exploration Certificate.
internships and/or
internships,
interviewing,
job
about resume writing, and
Attend info sessions to learn
undergraduate research.
search strategies, and grad
externships.
about career development

Secure references for job/grad
school.
 Confirm your choice of major
and personal branding.
school applications.

Build
a
LinkedIn
profile
and
and consider options for
Take a career assessment to
continue to monitor your online  Create your “30 second”
double
major
or
minor.
identify and confirm interests.
commercial.
presence.
 Research careers of interest.
Get involved in campus clubs

Meet with CDC to develop

Complete
a
mock
interview.
 Complete a job shadowing
and organizations.
job search strategies.
 Build skills through research
(externship) experience.
Develop basic workplace skills

Research employers.
projects,
part-time
employment,
through jobs or volunteer work.  Seek meaningful employand
volunteer
work.

Network with professionals
ment or volunteer work in a
Talk with professors, family,
through events and social
 Participate in Coffee and
field
related
to
your
major.
and friends about career
media.
Convos & networking programs.

Explore
options
for
underideas.

Join a professional organization

Attend
internship
&
job
fairs.
graduate research and
Conduct informational
in your discipline.
 Take on a leadership role in a
study abroad.
interviews with professionals

Attend the senior etiquette
student
organization
or
work.
 Write a resume and have it
working in fields of interest.
dinner.

Consider
graduate
school
reviewed
by
the
CDC.
Develop a relationship with
 Participate in job fairs and
options
and
prepare
for

Manage
your
online
your professors and faculty
on-campus interviewing.
admissions tests.
presence.
advisor.
Sample Career Titles
Leisure and Sport Studies majors can be found working in a wide variety of career fields. Here are just some career titles
that may be of interest. Please note that some jobs may require further education and training.
 Agent/Sports Representative
 Sports & Recreation Salesperson
 Athletic Coach/Director
 Sports Information Director
 Athletic Trainer
 Sports Instructor
 Commissioner/League Director
 Sports Manager/Administrator
 Equipment Manager
 Sportscaster/Journalist
 Leisure Counselor
 Statistician/Historian
 Playground Leader
 Team Manager
 Public Relations Manager
 Wholesale/Retail Salesperson
 Recreation & Activities Director
 Youth Programmer
 Senior Citizen Programmer
 Youth Sports Director
To learn more about these careers, visit http://online.onetcenter.org or www.bls.gov/oco.
Common Internship Sites and Employers
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Travel & tourism agencies
Colleges & universities
State/federal government
Hospitals/schools
Fitness clubs/resorts/spas/cruise
lines
 Professional and semi-professional
sports teams
 Community organizations
 Parks & recreation offices
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Campgrounds
Media
YMCA/YWCA
Sporting good/exercise
equipment stores/manufacturers
KU Career Network is the primary online resource
for preparing and connecting students and alumni with employers.
www.kutztown.edu/KUCN
Useful Websites for Leisure and Sport Studies Majors
Whether you are researching related career fields, applying for internships or jobs, or planning to join
a professional association, these websites are for you!
Industry/Employment Information
Job/Internship Search Sites
Professional Associations
Special Olympics
www.specialolympics.org
Internships in Sports Management
www.workinginsports.com
Human Kinetics
www.humankinetics.com
Work in Sports
www.workinsports.com
American Alliance for Health, Physical
Education., Recreation and Dance
www.aahperd.org
Athletic Trainer.com
www.athletictrainer.com
ExerciseJobs.com
www.exercisejobs.com
National Wellness Institute
www.nationalwellness.org
Sports & Live Event Jobs
www.teamworkonline.com
National Intramural-Recreational Sports
Association
www.nirsa.org
Therapeutic Recreation Directory
www.recreationtherapy.com
Sports Careers
www.sportscareers.com
National Recreation & Park Association
www.nrpa.org
Wellness Connection
www.wellnessconnection.com
Cool Works
www.coolworks.com
Sport Management & Marketing
www.theagencysports.com
On-Line Sports
www.onlinesports.com/career-center
American Academy of Kinesiology and
Physical Education
www.aakpe.org
Jobs in Sports
www.jobsinsports.com
Game Face
www.gamefacesportsjobs.com
NCAA Job Opportunities
www.ncaa.org
Sports Job Board
www.sportsjobboard.com
New Sports & Live Events Jobs
www.teamworkonline.com
American Association for Physical
Activity and Recreation
www.aahperd.org/aapar
American Therapeutic Recreation
Association
www.atra-online.com
North American Society for Sport
Management
www.nassm.com
National Strength & Conditioning
Association
www.nsca.com
National Association for Sport
& Physical Education
www.aahperd.org/naspe
Building Your Resume for a Career in Leisure & Sport Studies
Building a strong resume for your career field starts long before you ever start your job search. Employers want to
hire graduates who not only have the necessary educational background but also have experience applying that
knowledge to real life situations.
Take note of the
skills and
knowledge
obtained through
your educational
background and
hands-on
experiences.
Highlight
transferable skills
such as
problem-solving
abilities and
communication.
Learn more about
your field and
develop the
necessary skills for
employment by
gaining hands-on
experience through
externships,
internships
part-time jobs and
related volunteer
positions.
Develop
professionally
through campus
involvement and
professional
memberships.
This illustrates
responsibility,
leadership abilities
and time
management skills.