Purdue Fort Wayne adding two sports majors for fall 2026 semester

Just as Purdue University Fort Wayne’s expanded club sports initiative begins to hit full stride next year, students looking to make athletics a career will see two new and exciting options in the course catalog.

Starting this spring, newly admitted students registering for classes ahead of the fall 2026 semester at Purdue Fort Wayne will be able to pursue a sports management major as one of the paths to a bachelor’s in business and a sports leadership major tied to a bachelor’s in organizational leadership. The sports management option will be based out of the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management in the Doermer School of Business. Sports leadership will be offered through the Department of Organizational Leadership in the College of Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science.

Current PFW students interested in these options will first need to meet with their academic advisor to initiate the necessary changes.

Those directly involved with the introduction of the new majors say the main difference between the two is sports management will prepare students with strong business expertise to lead and run business operations, whereas sports leadership is more focused on developing skills related to guidance, coaching, and administration.

“The sports management major will cultivate analytical, managerial, and ethical decision-making skills for effective leadership and business operations in sports organizations,” said Alanna Olah, clinical associate professor and chair of the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management. “The business-focused curriculum ensures that graduates are well equipped to pursue professional opportunities both within and outside the sports industry.”

According to Michael Kirchner, associate professor and chair of the Department of Organizational Leadership, there are many crossovers between organizational leadership and athletics, particularly for former athletes who may want to work in the field when their playing days are finished. 

“We have a lot of student-athletes, athletics personnel, and general students expressing interest in these courses,” Kirchner said. “We are definitely in a unique position in terms of how to center a curriculum that touches on all the different aspects of what it looks like to be successful in sports as a nonathlete. Our specific path could also lead to careers in operations management, human resources, talent development, and related fields.”

An expansion of PFW’s emphasis on club sports was announced Oct. 30. That initiative and the addition of the new majors are also being fueled by feedback the university has received from area coaches and prospective students who suggest having an opportunity to earn a degree with these specific concentrations might be the best of both worlds. 

“Our two new sports management and leadership majors will provide students with the opportunity to gain knowledge and experiences that will launch them into successful careers in the multifaceted sports industry,” said Carl Drummond, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, Purdue University Fort Wayne. “This is a significant growth vector for the northeast Indiana economy.”

Looking ahead to the fall 2026 semester, anyone who would like to receive additional information or express interest before the early registration window opens in March may contact:

Sports Management, B.S.B. | Alanna Olah | [email protected] 
Sports Leadership, B.S. | Michael Kirchner | [email protected]

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Potential careers for each major include:

Sports Management, B.S.B.

Community Sports Coordinator
Corporate Partnership Manager
Director of Sales
Facility Operations Manager
Food and Beverage Manager
Recreation Program Director
Social Media Manager (Team/Athlete)
Sponsorship and Partnership Manager
Sports Data Analyst
Sports Event Manager
Sports Sales Manager
Sports Marketing Coordinator

Sports Leadership, B.S.

Director of Student-Athlete Development
Compliance Coordinator
Sports Event Manager
Facility Operations Manager
Head Coach/Assistant Coach
Strength and Conditioning Coach
Sports Development Officer
Recreation Program Director
Community Sports Coordinator
Sports Governance Associate
Sports Marketing Coordinator
Sponsorship and Partnership Manager
Social Media Manager (Team/Athlete)
Fan Engagement Manager

For additional information, contact Geoff Thomas at [email protected] or 260-437-7657 (mobile).