VALLEY CITY, N.D. (VCSU) – Valley City State University (VCSU) announced an accelerated program for students pursuing a Sport Leadership and Management undergraduate and graduate degree.

The program includes three years of courses on the VCSU campus to earn an undergraduate degree and two years of courses at North Dakota State University to earn a master’s degree.

“Sport Leadership and Management is an increasingly popular career path for many students as they seek to work in a wide range of athletic professions within the sports industry and related fields and make a positive impact on their community,” VCSU professor Dr. Rachelle Hunt said. “Students can work in a variety of areas with this undergraduate degree, and pairing a master’s with it from NDSU makes their resumes even stronger.”

Individuals with a degree in Sport Leadership and Management can work in various fields including as an athletic director, sports facility/league/event manager, sport marketing specialist, public relations, social media manager, athletic coach, sport performance coach, sport business analyst, sport equipment sales/marketing, sports entrepreneur, sport broadcaster/announcer, sport journalist/writer, sport analyst, sport lawyer or sport agent. Market data suggests the job market in this field is increasing in the Midwest and nationwide.

“Partnering to offer a clear and accelerated path to a bachelor’s and master’s degree is a great example of how North Dakota University System schools can partner to create more opportunities for our students,” Vice President for Academic Affairs Larry Brooks said. “Our work is to offer educational experiences like this to ensure students have a strong understanding, background and even stronger resume when they enter the workforce.”

VCSU also offers numerous certificates and minors that help students reach their career goals including in athletic coaching, strength and conditioning, sports marketing, marketing, and digital marketing.