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Business Management Diploma - Sports Management Major

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Length: Two Years Delivery: On-Campus Program Intake: Fall Intake
CIP Code: CIP Code: 31.0504

Turn your passion for sport into a career in one of Canada's fastest-growing industries. The Sport Management major combines business management principles with the sport industry to prepare graduates for careers in sport organizations, events, recreation, and community programming.

Overview

Throughout the program, you'll build practical skills in sport marketing, event management, leadership, communications, finance, facility operations, and organizational management while developing the business knowledge needed to lead successful sport organizations. Through hands-on projects and applied learning opportunities, you'll gain real-world experience solving industry challenges and building the professional skills employers value. Students also have the opportunity to complete National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) training as part of the program.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will receive a Business Management diploma with a major in Sports Management.

Accreditations

Students have the opportunity to complete National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) training as part of the program, providing nationally recognized coaching credentials alongside their diploma.

Admission Requirements

  • 50% or better in English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2
  • 50% or better in Math 20-1 or 20-2
  • Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement 

Out of Province Applicants: Please refer to the Provincial Equivalency Chart for course equivalencies.

International Applicants: Olds College welcomes applications from International Applicants and those who have completed their high school education outside of Canada. Please note, it is still necessary to meet all of the noted admission requirements, including English Language Proficiency.

  • Applicants currently in high school or who are completing academic upgrading must submit proof of enrollment and any available interim/midterm marks. Final marks must be submitted within one month following the completion of the course(s) and no later than one month prior to the program start date.

  • Alternate Admission status may be offered to applicants who have not or will not complete one of the academic admission requirements. To be considered under Alternate Admission Status, applicants will be asked to provide the following:

    1. (Required) Transcript(s) showing any completed high school and post-secondary courses
    2. (Required) Letter of Introduction and Intent, outlining the following:
      • Introduce yourself
      • Indicate why you wish to enrol in the program
      • Elaborate on your career goals
      • Detail your experience relevant to this program and the industry
    3. (Required) A resume of your work history, extracurricular activities, volunteer service, etc. for the last 5 years
    4. (Optional) Include copies of any tickets and/or certificates you currently hold (e.g.: first aid, safety tickets, etc.)
    5. (Optional) Letter(s) of reference from current or past employers/coaches/etc. (maximum of two letters)

    *Submitting Alternate Admission material does not guarantee admission*

  • Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has developed agreements with other educational institutions to allow for transition to Olds College, or to another institution to continue your education. Articulations & Agreements

Program Details

Tuition, Fees & Affordability

Estimated Tuition & Fees for Domestic Applicants

Year Tuition Fees Books & Supplies Estimated Total
Year 1 $6,200.00 $1,600.00 $2,200.00 $10,000.00
Year 2 $6,200.00 $1,600.00 $2,200.00 $10,000.00
  • These fees are provided as estimates only based on the current academic year.
  • The estimate only includes tuition, mandatory fees and books & supplies.
  • Refer to the appropriate academic year Fee Schedule for the most up to date information.
  • International students pay a differentiated tuition rate and should refer to the appropriate academic year Fee Schedule.

Tuition, Fees & Payments


Housing & Meal Plans

Olds College offers two residence options — Centennial Village and College Courts. Students living on campus are required to choose a meal plan. Housing and meal plan costs are based on the full academic year (September to April), but students in single-term programs will only pay for the corresponding term. 

For more details, visit Dining at Olds College and Campus Housing.

Course Details

For course descriptions and requisites, view the Academic Calendar.

Academic Calendar: Business Management - Sports Management Major

Term 1
  • Completed the following:
    • COM1020 - Workplace Communication
    • MGT1000 - Principles of Management
    • BUS1050 - Business Mathematics
    • SPM1050 - Contemporary Issues in Sports Management
    • SPM1040 - Activities and Sport
Term 2
  • Complete all of the following
    • Completed the following:
      • CMP1100 - Computer Applications I
      • MGT1200 - Organizational Behaviour
      • SPM1240 - Sports and Recreation Leadership
      • SPM1260 - Introduction to Sports Management
      • COM1030 - Workplace Professionalism
      • SPM1220 - Fitness for Life
    • Complete either COM 1030 or MGT 1200
Term 3
  • Completed the following:
Term 4
  • Completed the following:
    • ACT1012 - Accounting Principles II
    • ECN1020 - Macroeconomics
    • MKG1021 - Marketing Principles
    • SPM1300 - Coaching Theory and Applications
    • SPM2230 - Sports Promotion and Professional Networking

Funding & Awards

Student Funding

For information on how to apply for government student loans, financial aid or for help with financial planning, visit our Student Funding page.

Scholarships & Student Awards

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology offers over 450 awards, valued at $500,000+ in scholarships, bursaries and prizes. Thanks to our industry partners, alumni, and friends of Olds College we are fortunate to offer a generous student awards program to students.

For additional information on scholarships, bursaries and prizes at Olds College, visit Scholarships & Awards

Entrance Awards Available!

Entrance awards range from $250 - $1,500 for students applying for the upcoming academic year and have paid the tuition deposit by the deadline.

Awards are selected randomly from those that have applied and qualify based on the criteria.
Award will be applied as a tuition credit to the student's account after the add/drop course deadline, confirming full-time attendance.

Career Outcomes

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has a solid reputation for working with employers in the industry! This directly translates into jobs for our graduates. Opportunities include, but are not limited to:

  • Sport and event management
  • Community sport and recreation
  • Facility and venue operations
  • Sport marketing and sponsorship
  • Sport sales and business development
  • Athletic administration
  • Coaching and athlete development
  • Non-profit and provincial sport organizations

Ready to start your career?

Visit ALIS - Occupational Profiles to discover current wages, industry trends, and more about your future job.

 

Admitted Students

Program Dates

Find out when your term start and end dates are, so that you know when you are expected to be in attendance. For more information, please review the Program Dates & Fee Schedule.

Class Registration

You will be registered into your classes automatically. This will happen approximately 1 month prior to the start-date for your program. You will be notified once you have been timetabled into your courses. You will be able to see your class schedule in your My Olds College account. If you need to make any changes to your class registration, please contact the Office of the Registrar.

Technology Recommendation

It is strongly recommended that you come to Olds College of Agriculture & Technology with the following technology:

  • A laptop capable of running Microsoft Office is mandatory for this program, as students will be using Excel and other Microsoft Office programs extensively in lectures and classes.
  • A T1 graphing calculator with time value of money (TVM) applications or approved business calculator. An independent calculating device. No phone or computerized applications are to be permitted.

As part of your student accounts, all students have access to Office 365 for the duration of their time with Olds College. To access this you just need to follow these steps:

  • Go to portal.office.com
  • Enter your Olds College email address and password
  • Once logged in, there is a button on the right that says “Install Office Apps”

This will give you access to the full Office suite on your computer, for both Windows and Mac based platforms.

Other Important Information

  • Dress Code: Most students prefer to wear casual clothing to class. It is recommended that you bring semi-formal clothing with you so that you are prepared for employment interviews and other industry opportunities that may present themselves.
  • Time Requirements: The role of a student in the Business Management program is a challenging full-time job. You should anticipate, on average, three hours of class time plus approximately seven hours of additional study and homework for each class each week.

Program Highlights

Megan Miller

Olds College provided me with the skill sets needed to find a job in the industry I wanted. Through the small class sizes and hands-on learning, I gained skill sets relevant to getting a career in the environmental field today. I made some of the most meaningful friendships with people who are as passionate about this industry as I am.

Megan Miller 2018 Graduate

Pedro Noschang

Being part of the Broncos and representing Olds College as a student-athlete created a deep sense of pride and connection in me. Wearing that jersey wasn’t just about playing the sport I love, but also about giving back to a place that gave me so much. I felt seen, supported and encouraged all the time. That personalized attention played a fundamental role in my development and success. Olds College helped prepare me for my career, but also helped me find more about myself and who I want to become.

Pedro Noschang Business Management Diploma, Class of 2025

Broncos Athlete 2022-25

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Applications for 2027-28 open Oct. 1, 2026, 9 a.m.

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