May 19, 2026
From internships with leading organizations to mentorship from industry professionals, the Sport Management program in The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies at St. John’s University prepares students to turn their passion for sports into meaningful careers.
Offering both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Professional Studies in Sport Management, the program combines classroom learning with hands-on experience to help students build the skills, connections, and confidence needed to succeed in the fast-paced world of sports.
Students in the program learn directly from professors and working professionals with experience across the sports industry, including operations, facilities, sales, marketing, and athletics administration. A required internship component—supported by the University’s Career Services team—ensures students graduate with practical experience and valuable professional networks already in place.
The Sport Management program also provides unique opportunities for student-athletes, allowing them to balance academics and athletics while preparing for life after competition. The program attracts participants from a variety of backgrounds, including athletes transferring to St. John’s to continue both their education and athletic careers. Currently, 66 student-athletes are enrolled in the program as members of varsity teams, athletic staff, band, dance, or cheer programs, including 60 undergraduate students and six graduate students.
For many students, the program serves as a launching pad into the professional sports world. Madeline McCracken ’19CCPS, a 2019 graduate and former member of the Women’s Soccer team, credits the program with helping shape her career path. After graduation, she played professional soccer in Germany and now serves as Sporting Director for the Richmond Ivy Soccer Club in the USL W League.
“The subjects we learned while at St. John’s were very applicable to real life sports jobs. I was required to have an internship, and it was extremely eye opening. It was a great way to network from a young age. From that one connection, you’re going to meet new people, and in sports it’s all about who you know,” she said on the St. John’s Sport Intelligence 101 podcast.
Faculty members bring firsthand industry insight into the classroom while also mentoring students through the demands of balancing academics, athletics, internships, and career preparation. Many professors currently work full time within professional and collegiate sports organizations, giving students direct access to real-world perspectives and connections.
Among them is Matt Bernstein ’09CCPS, ’11M.S., who recently joined the program’s faculty while continuing his leadership role as Assistant Athletic Director for Equipment Operations within St. John’s Athletics. “Seeing the students go on to be successful in other places really has been the most glorifying part of it,” he said. “I’ve had student workers and interns that are now working as Graduate Assistants here and in other places. It’s been a successful program.”
Students also gain experience working directly within St. John’s Athletics as managers, interns, graduate assistants, and student workers. The University currently offers 31 graduate assistantship opportunities spanning administration, facilities, strength and conditioning, sports medicine, coaching, marketing, athletic communications, ticket operations, and academic and student development.
“I am extremely invested, not only in my department, but the success of the students that work for me,” said Mr. Bernstein. “Whether that be graduate assistants, student workers, or interns, the connections you make is why I’m still here.”
By combining academic rigor, professional mentorship, and experiential learning, St. John’s Sport Management program continues to open doors of opportunity for students pursuing careers throughout the sports industry.