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Hood College starting sports entertainment and marketing minor this fall
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Published in Media and Entertainment on Saturday, July 26th 2025 at 3:42 GMT by The Frederick News-Post, Md.🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Hood College has introduced a new minor for the upcoming 2025-26 school year to target a growing interest in sports entertainment. The minor in sports entertainment and marketing will be offered jointly through The George B. Delaplaine Jr. School of Business and the Department of English and Communication Arts. Marc Dupont, the coordinator of the program and an assistant professor of marketing ...
Hood College Launches Innovative Sports and Entertainment Management Program
In a bold move to align academic offerings with the booming industries of sports and entertainment, Hood College, a private liberal arts institution in Frederick, Maryland, has announced the launch of a new undergraduate major in Sports and Entertainment Management. This program, set to welcome its first cohort of students in the fall semester, represents a strategic expansion for the college, which has long prided itself on blending traditional liberal arts education with practical, career-oriented skills. As the sports and entertainment sectors continue to evolve amid digital transformations and global events, Hood's initiative aims to prepare students for dynamic careers in these high-energy fields.
Hood College, founded in 1893, has a rich history of adapting to changing educational landscapes. Originally established as a women's college, it became coeducational in 2003 and has since grown its enrollment to around 2,000 students, offering a mix of undergraduate and graduate programs. The college's location in Frederick, just an hour from Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, provides a strategic advantage, placing it near major sports franchises like the Baltimore Ravens and Orioles, as well as entertainment hubs including concert venues and media production companies. This proximity is expected to facilitate internships, guest lectures, and networking opportunities for students in the new program.
The Sports and Entertainment Management major is designed as a Bachelor of Arts degree, emphasizing an interdisciplinary approach that combines business principles, marketing strategies, legal frameworks, and ethical considerations specific to sports and entertainment. According to college officials, the curriculum was developed in response to growing student interest and industry demand. "We've seen a surge in inquiries from prospective students passionate about sports and entertainment," said Dr. Katherine Conway-Turner, President of Hood College, in a recent statement. "This program not only meets that demand but also equips graduates with the tools to thrive in industries that contribute billions to the global economy."
Diving deeper into the program's structure, students will complete a core set of courses that include Introduction to Sports Management, Entertainment Industry Dynamics, Event Planning and Promotion, Sports Marketing, and Legal Issues in Entertainment. Electives allow for customization, such as courses in Digital Media for Sports, Fan Engagement Strategies, or Sustainable Event Management. A unique feature is the integration of experiential learning, with requirements for internships at local or national organizations. For instance, partnerships are being explored with the Frederick Keys minor league baseball team and regional music festivals, providing hands-on experience in areas like ticket sales, sponsorship deals, and crowd management.
The program's development involved extensive consultation with industry experts and alumni. Faculty members, many of whom have professional backgrounds in business and media, will lead the courses. Professor Michael Johnson, who heads the Business Administration department, highlighted the program's focus on emerging trends. "Sports and entertainment aren't just about the games or shows anymore; they're about data analytics, social media influence, and global branding," Johnson explained. "Our students will learn to navigate challenges like the impact of streaming services on traditional broadcasting or the role of esports in modern sports leagues."
One of the key motivations behind launching this major is the explosive growth of the sports and entertainment industries. According to recent reports, the global sports market is projected to reach $614 billion by 2022, driven by factors like increased media rights deals and the rise of women's sports. Similarly, the entertainment sector, encompassing music, film, and live events, has rebounded strongly post-pandemic, with live concerts alone generating over $30 billion in revenue last year. Hood College aims to tap into this by producing graduates who can fill roles such as sports agents, event coordinators, marketing specialists, or venue managers.
Students enrolled in the program will benefit from Hood's small class sizes, typically under 20 students, fostering personalized mentorship. The college's commitment to diversity and inclusion is also woven into the curriculum, with modules addressing topics like equity in sports (e.g., gender pay gaps in professional leagues) and representation in entertainment. "We want our graduates to be not just skilled professionals but also ethical leaders who can drive positive change," noted Dr. April Lewis, Dean of the School of Business and Professional Studies.
To ensure the program's success, Hood has invested in resources like a new simulation lab equipped with software for event planning and analytics tools used in professional sports. Guest speakers from organizations such as the NBA, Live Nation, or ESPN are planned for seminars, offering students direct insights into real-world operations. Additionally, the college is exploring study-abroad opportunities, such as trips to international sporting events like the Olympics or music festivals in Europe, to give students a global perspective.
The announcement has generated excitement among current and prospective students. Incoming freshman Sarah Thompson, a high school athlete from nearby Hagerstown, shared her enthusiasm: "I've always loved sports, but I didn't know how to turn that into a career. This program seems perfect—it combines my passion with business skills I can actually use." Alumni in related fields have also voiced support, with some offering to mentor students or provide internship placements.
Looking ahead, Hood College plans to expand the program potentially into a graduate track or certificate options for working professionals. Administrators are optimistic about enrollment growth, projecting that the major could attract 50-100 students within the first few years. This initiative aligns with broader trends in higher education, where institutions are increasingly offering specialized programs to differentiate themselves in a competitive market. For Hood, it's a way to build on its strengths in business education while appealing to a new generation of students drawn to the glamour and grit of sports and entertainment.
Critics might argue that such niche programs risk overspecialization, but Hood counters this by ensuring the major includes a strong liberal arts foundation, with requirements in areas like communications, psychology, and ethics. This holistic approach prepares students for the unpredictable nature of these industries, where adaptability is key. For example, the program addresses disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on live events, teaching resilience through case studies on virtual concerts and hybrid sports broadcasting.
In the broader context of Maryland's economy, this program could contribute to local workforce development. Frederick County, with its growing tech and tourism sectors, stands to benefit from graduates who can boost events like the annual Frederick Festival of the Arts or support the expansion of sports facilities. Statewide, Maryland's proximity to professional teams and entertainment venues in Baltimore and D.C. creates a fertile ground for program alumni.
As Hood College rolls out this new major, it positions itself as a forward-thinking institution ready to meet the demands of tomorrow's job market. For students dreaming of courtside seats at NBA games or backstage passes at major concerts, the Sports and Entertainment Management program offers a pathway to turn those dreams into viable careers. With its blend of academic rigor, practical experience, and industry connections, Hood is not just educating students—it's launching them into the heart of two of the world's most exciting industries.
This development underscores a larger shift in higher education, where colleges like Hood are innovating to stay relevant. By focusing on high-growth areas, they ensure their graduates are not only employable but also equipped to lead. As the program kicks off, all eyes will be on how it shapes the next wave of sports and entertainment professionals, potentially setting a model for other small colleges nationwide.
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