NEC’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sport and Recreation Management prepares students for careers in managing organizations in the sport, recreation, and leisure industries or for graduate study. In this program, you’ll learn how to develop a career and professional development plan, apply basic qualitative and quantitative research skills, and employ crucial written and oral communication skills in the sport and recreation management industry.
| Engaging | Professional | Flexible |
| Every course offers hands-on learning opportunities. | Faculty members share their industry experience. | Internship and practicum experiences are tailored to each student. |
What is sport and recreation management? It’s a field that focuses on the business of sport. A BA in Sport and Recreation Management can help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to make the key operational decisions to help sport or recreation-based organizations thrive. The degree offers courses in accounting, marketing, governance, and ethics and electives in sport tourism and psychology.
A Sport and Recreation Management degree can help you learn to:
Sport and recreation management is a broad field that combines sport and business. It can also lead to well-paying careers. According to Payscale, the median sport and recreation management salary for bachelor’s degree holders was $64,000 as of April 2023.
| Athletic Director
$67,200* |
Fitness Manager
$52,820* |
Sports Agent
$58,560* |
| *Salary data from Payscale as of 2024 | ||
Two New England College students turned their passion for sports into a hands-on professional experience this March, working behind the scenes at one of collegiate hockey’s premier events. Martins Leps ’27 (Ice Hockey defenseman) and Vesse Lampen ’27 (Ice Hockey forward), both enrolled in NEC’s BA in Sport and Recreation Management program, spent March 20–21 supporting operations at the 2026 Hockey East Men’s Tournament finals at TD Garden in Boston.
The opportunity came through Nate DeWolf ’22, an NEC alumnus of the same program and former hockey player, who has been involved with the Hockey East Men’s Tournament for several years. When additional support was needed for this year’s event, DeWolf connected with Associate Professor of Sport and Recreation Management Edward Royer, who recommended Leps and Lampen.
For Leps and Lampen, the experience offered a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the coordination and energy of a major collegiate championship.
The following sport management degree program has been granted Candidacy Status by the
Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA), located in Fort Collins, CO, USA:
Bachelor of Arts, Sport and Recreation Management.
New England College (NEC) is a private, nonprofit college founded in 1946 to serve the needs of servicepeople attending college on the GI Bill after World War II and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Today, NEC is an innovative, military-friendly institution and one of the top five liberal arts colleges in New Hampshire.
NEC offers 60 associate and bachelor’s degrees, as well as more than 20 master’s degrees and two doctoral degree programs, all delivered by dedicated faculty focused on giving students opportunities to live what they learn. With access to many clubs, outdoor activities, natural areas, internships, and professor-led trips, NEC students have many ways to meet new people and try new things.
At NEC, the world is your classroom.
New England College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as a leading college in the state, as acknowledged by US News & World Report, a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.
New England College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as a leading college in NH, as acknowledged by EduRank, a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.
New England College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as one of the best ten colleges in NH, as acknowledged by Research.com, a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.
New England College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as one of the best colleges in the Northeast, as acknowledged by Research.com, a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.
Assistant Professor, Sport and Recreation Management
Phone: 603.428.2542
Email: eroyer@nec.edu
Awards
NEC Adjunct Faculty of the Year Award, 2020
Educational Background
JD, South Texas College of Law
MS in Sport Management, University of Florida
BA in Political Science, University of South Florida
Research Interests
Bio
Edward Royer came to NEC after practicing law and holding various roles in sport administration for 15 years in Florida. Ed ran a successful law firm in Tampa, Florida, where he practiced at the State and Federal levels. After obtaining his Juris Doctorate and developing multiple successful law firms assisting clients around the world, in primarily a consumer advocate role, he returned to the University of Florida to obtain his MS in Sport Management. Ed worked closely with industry professionals and youth sport organizations to develop, implement, and train organizations and coaches on character literacy development in youth sports.
His professional career outside of academia includes work as an attorney as well as a coaching role with the New England Revolution. He has applied this combination of practical and academic experience to a variety of consultancies in the sports industry throughout the country, relating to legal issues, facility management and development, program administration, and non-profit operations.
In the soccer industry, Ed has served as a scout, a director for a nationally ranked youth club, and a head coach while winning coach of the year twice in Florida; worked with the AS Roma United States Academy team; and created coaching education and trained coaches. In addition to his current role as an academy staff coach with the New England Revolution, he currently serves as the Director of Player Development for the NEC Men’s Soccer team.
Ed is active in a variety of civic and cultural organizations, including non-profits like United Through Football and the Dreams Heard Foundation. He also serves as faculty advisor for the NEC Sport and Recreation Management student club and is actively engaged in event management roles at NEC. Outside of professional interests, he travels, reads, writes, and enjoys the outdoors while living in New Hampshire with his family.
Associate Professor, Sport and Recreation Management
Office: John Lyons 214, Henniker Campus
Phone: 603.428.2692
Email: mruckman@nec.edu
Expertise
NCAA Rules Compliance—Gender Equity in Intercollegiate Athletics
Educational Background
EdD in Physical Education with specialization in Health, University of West Florida
MS in Recreation and Sport Science, Ohio University
BS in Health, Leisure, and Exercise Science with concentration in Physical Education
Research Interests
Bio
Dr. Matthew Ruckman is a Sport and Recreation Management faculty member. During his tenure in higher education, Dr. Ruckman has specialized in the area of Sport Governance to include NCAA governance, policy development, and policy enforcement. He has participated in NCAA compliance reviews and made recommendations for best practices. In addition, he has spearheaded comprehensive assessments of gender equity in intercollegiate athletics. Dr. Ruckman is actively involved in a number of research and evaluation projects in the collegiate sport industry. He has authored publications on student-athlete welfare and gender equity in intercollegiate athletics. Dr. Ruckman’s current research focuses on student-athlete welfare topics including overall wellness and career preparation. Dr. Ruckman is also currently exploring fan satisfaction in the competitive collegiate sport environment. Finally, Dr. Ruckman also conducts evaluation projects for city parks and recreation systems. He has developed strategic plans for parks and recommended capital improvement projects.
NEC’s Sport and Recreation Management program can typically be completed in four years.
NEC’s BA in Sport and Recreation Management degree consists of 120 credits in four areas:
By earning a degree in Sport and Recreation Management, you can develop a deep knowledge of the business principles that allow a sport and recreation organization to function. With an understanding of topics such as sport marketing and sport finance, you’ll be equipped to make the decisions necessary to keep an organization running smoothly—and create more opportunities for people to remain active.
You can enroll in NEC’s Sport and Recreation Management program by applying directly on our website. NEC doesn’t charge an application fee, and we don’t require standardized test scores.
A career in sport and recreation management provides a unique way for you to combine a love of athletics with a passion for business. NEC’s BA in Sport and Recreation Management degree can help you turn these interests into a fulfilling career. Learn how we can prepare you to thrive in an intriguing field.