About the Department

 

The aim of the Coaching Education Department at Süleyman Demirel University is to educate qualified coaches who specialize in individual and team sports; possess scientific knowledge and practical skills; prioritize athlete health and safety; adhere to ethical principles; demonstrate competence in training planning, performance evaluation, and talent identification; keep up with scientific developments; and exhibit research-oriented, innovative, and leadership qualities.

 

The mission of our department is to contribute to the development of sports in our country by educating qualified coaches and sports scientists who possess research, critical inquiry, innovative thinking, and problem-solving skills; can adapt to changing global conditions; uphold ethical and human values; demonstrate a strong sense of social responsibility; and effectively apply scientific knowledge and practical skills in their professional careers.

The vision of our department is to become a leading department that develops solutions to challenges in the field of sports, particularly in our region and across the country; contributes to sports sciences through high-quality research, strong teamwork, and a collaborative and participatory approach; plays a pioneering role in enhancing athletic performance and promoting public health; supports the improvement of professional qualifications and the employability of graduates in the sports sector; and educates highly qualified, competent, and well-equipped coaches who achieve success at national and international levels.

 

‍Turkish

 

 

The primary objective of the Department of Sport Management is to educate competent, forward-looking, and ethically responsible sport managers who can meet national and international needs in the field. Accordingly, the programme aims to equip students with competencies in core areas such as the planning, management, financing, marketing, and auditing of sport organisations. It seeks to develop professionals who understand the rapidly evolving nature of the sport industry, integrate scientific and technological innovations into sport management practices, demonstrate leadership, work effectively in teams, and adopt a multidisciplinary approach.

The Department aims to educate sport managers who prioritise athletes’ health and safety, use resources effectively and efficiently, think strategically, demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, develop effective solutions to challenges encountered in sport organisations, and adapt to diverse circumstances. It also seeks to prepare graduates who can analyse the economic, social, and cultural dimensions of sport; plan and manage large-scale sporting events; and establish effective partnerships with public institutions, private organisations, civil society organisations, and academic units. Monitoring graduate employment in the sector, supporting the development of entrepreneurial skills, and contributing to a sustainable sporting culture are also among the Department’s core objectives.

The Sports Management Department aims to cultivate individuals with investigative, questioning, developmental, and analytical mindsets in the field of sports management. Our primary goals include training sports managers who can adapt to the dynamic nature of the sports industry in a globalizing world, plan and manage sports organizations at national and international levels, make strategic decisions, and generate innovative solutions. Our goals also include developing individuals who can adapt to changing global conditions, develop projects focused on sustainable development and social benefit in sports, and possess ethical values ​​and humanitarian awareness. Our department aims to support our students in their leadership roles in large-scale sports events, club management, federations, and international sports organizations by providing competencies in areas such as sports management, sports marketing, sports economics, organizational behavior, and event management.

PH1: Knowledge of the principles applicable to practical problem-solving in sports management and the ability to develop solution proposals.

PH2: Ability to work in a specific area related to sports management.

PH3: Contribute to the development of sports in Turkey.

PH4: Ability to monitor sports management laws and be aware of the duties and responsibilities related to these laws.

PH5: Ability to work as a team and project member in sports clubs and organizations and assume responsibility.

PH6: Ability to conduct economic and financial planning for a sports club or organization.

PH7: Ability to manage human resources activities in sports clubs and organizations.

PH8: Ability to plan and implement management functions in sports organizations.

PH9: Ability to speak at least one foreign language in addition to Turkish and to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.

 

‍As of the 2025-2026 academic year, students will be admitted to the Department of Sports Management through a central placement system in accordance with Articles 7/d-2 and 7/h of Law No. 2547, dated May 15, 2024, as amended by Law No. 2880. The Sports Management Program at the Faculty of Sport Sciences is a four-year undergraduate program that admits students based on equal weight (EA) scores on the Higher Education Institutions Examination (YKS) administered by ÖSYM. Admission of international students is structured in accordance with the procedures and principles of the Süleyman Demirel University Directive for Associate and Undergraduate International Students. Application requirements and application deadlines for international students can be found on the relevant website.

 

‍The most important requirement for graduation from the program is to have taken and passed at least 240 ECTS courses. Students with a GPA of at least 2.00 out of 4.00 are exempt from liability for courses passed with letter grades DD and DC. However, students with a GPA below 2.00 out of 4.00 must increase their DD and DC grades to graduate. Furthermore, all students are required to have taken and completed the following courses: a research project in sports sciences, vocational training in business, and vocational training evaluation in business.

 

‍Graduates of the Sports Management undergraduate program can find a wide range of positions in the public and private sectors. In the public sector, they work as sports specialists, managers, and coordinators, particularly in the Ministry of Youth and Sports, provincial and district sports directorates, municipalities, and other public organizations. In higher education institutions, they find opportunities to pursue academic careers as specialists, coaches, or academics. In the private sector, they work as sports managers, trainers, fitness leaders, and fitness trainers in professional and amateur sports clubs, wellness and fitness centers, sports facilities, and private schools. They also provide event planning and consulting services in areas such as sports marketing, event management, sports media, and sports tourism. Graduates become managers of national and international sports organizations, contributing to the development of the sector. They can also start their own businesses and engage in entrepreneurial activities such as sports facility management, event management, or individual sports consulting.

 

‍Students who successfully complete the four-year sports management undergraduate program can continue their education at the postgraduate level by applying to thesis or non-thesis master's and doctoral programs, provided they meet the required conditions.