Careers in Sports That Require a College or Post-Graduate Degree

Careers in Sports That Require a College or Post-Graduate Degree

It’s always great when you get together with friends on Saturday afternoon or Sunday to watch a big game. The NFL, the NBA playoffs, March Madness, college football and the PGA tour bring us the thrill of athletic events year after year. Whether you are rooting for you alma mater or cheering on your local pro team, the excitement of sports and the energy of the games is beyond compare. When thinking of a career, a lot of people wish they were professional athletes and could be part of the athletic scene day after day. 

Fortunately, there’s a way to do just that. By pursuing a career in a sports-related field you can find yourself part of the excitement every day. Many of these career paths require an undergraduate or graduate degree. If you take out private student loans from a bank, credit union or finance company you can get the money you need for the best education and qualify for the job of your dreams. You can then pay your private student loans off over time.

Sports Statistician

You can’t turn on a pro broadcast today without hearing about analytics right away. Whether it’s Ultimate Zone Rating in baseball or Win Probability Added in football, analytics in many ways are driving the game strategies and new developments now. With this increase in the demand for key measures, statisticians are in high demand. Entry level jobs require an undergraduate degree. The more advanced and higher paying positions typically require a post-graduate degree or in some cases a PhD, in survey methodology, statistical analysis or mathematics. This career will put you right into all the action and you’ll be contributing to the team with every game.

Sports Psychologist

Sports is often a game of inches or fractions of a second. When you are throwing a runner out at first or quickly scanning the field for open receivers and moving a safety over with just a quick look, you are acting instinctively and relying on muscle memory and intense training. Occasionally, your mind begins to insert itself in the process and quick decisions become errant throws to first or tee shots repeatedly going into the rough. A sports psychologist is an expert in helping athletes whom have either gone through rehabilitation from an injury or who have had a breakdown of confidence. We’ve all seen this, as evidenced by the pitcher who can’t throw to first base. These psychologists work with an athlete to develop a healthy, flowing mind-body connection and can help them work these issues out. A Bachelor’s degree is usually required for a Sports Psychologist internship and a Master’s or PhD for full time, successful employment.

Physical Therapist

Pro athletes put incredible pressure on their mind, bodies, constantly stressing all their muscles, joints and ligaments. The torque exerted in a golf swing or the sheer force encountered on a downfield blindside tackle is truly hard to fathom. And, as the season goes on, an athlete’s body has less and less time to recuperate. Fortunately, physical therapists can help them recover from injury, heal more quickly and maintain their well-being. Sports physical therapists help injured athletes by coming up with a step-by-step treatment plan that moves them safely through the rehabilitation process. They set up a detailed process and guide the athlete on the path to recovery. Physical therapists will usually earn a post-graduate professional degree and will also need to get Board certified in the state in which they practice.