With an aim to provide students with a solid foundation in sport marketing, an MBA sports marketing program offers a comprehensive curriculum which combines both classroom and practical experience.

Sports business can be highly competitive, but here's a four-year plan for breaking in.

Find out what it takes to become a Personal Trainer.

Athletes are are leading the charge in establishing grassroots outreach programs that teach their sport to inner-city and at-risk youth. In the process, they're establishing a new niche of jobs that combine social service with athletic passion.

Find out what it takes to become a Exercise Physiologist.

President, Business Operations, Memphis Grizzlies (NBA)

After deciding he wanted to work in the sports industry, Scott used his determination and a bit of networking to get an internship with the New England Patriots. Eventually, he was promoted to Quality Control Coordinator.

Here's a brief glossary of sports industry lingo as you prepare for your interview.

Director of Global Sponsorships and Sales, NFL International

Vice President for Team Business Development Marketing & Operations at the NBA

Sports apparel and equipment are multi-billion industries, not only in the U.S. but around the globe.

What does Brian Hayes like about his job? "You get to see the players; you meet upcoming stars, hopefully the guys who are going to be in the majors on down the line."

Given the scope of the sports and entertainment industry, it is possible to envision a job for a grad with nearly any background, but certainly some may be more likely to find widespread opportunities in the field.

Think coaching and managing are the only opportunities available? Think again.

Increasing spectator accessibility and leisure time ensure rapid growth of the sports industry, but perhaps this comes at the cost of the integrity of old-school amateurism.

Chris thought he'd have to finish his MBA before starting out in sports business, but a few lucky breaks (and a lot of hard work) brought him to a great job in sports recruiting, where he makes contacts daily at teams across the country. He describes his current job as an MBA program on steroids.

The sports industry is all about people skills, and being able to relate to athletes and clients, as well as the masses, are all useful skills that can take you almost anywhere you want to go.

The General Manager of a professional sports team is like the head of any business organization.

By earning a sports management degree, you'll be setting yourself up for a plethora of career opportunities. From professional sports and college-level athletics, to health and fitness organizations, there are many sports management careers beyond the ball field.

The billboards at your local stadium, the corporate-sponsored tournament you watch on TV, and the commercials with athletes promoting your favorite fast-food chain are all products of the innovative thinking and hard work of sports marketing professionals.

Discover tools that can help you get a leg up in sports.

Find out what it takes to become a Sports Psychologist.

Twentysomethings across the country are forging their own career paths in the new world of work. Are you a sports nut but not making the draft? Combine your passion for sports with a head for business. Consider becoming a Sports Marketer.

Meredith is still a college student, but she's working hard to accrue experience as a television sportscaster while she finishes her degree in Broadcast Journalism. She's excited to follow the paths of other women in sports news, and to open doors for those behind her.

Even if you're not destined to play in the pros, there are plenty of lucrative jobs in sports.

Not a superstar athlete? With a career in Sports Event Management, you can still participate in the big events. Learn more now.

Sean relocated from the Northeast to the Midwest for his first job out of college, which he hopes will be a stepping stone toward a long and successful career in Sales. He's most enthusiastic about building excitement around minor league hockey for the Lake Erie Monsters.

Maureen's college internship opened the door for her in sales training and managing, eventually leading her to an exciting, fast-paced job with the Boston Celtics that combined her childhood passion and her newly acquired skills.

"Working with athletes has always been a passion for me, and my education has enabled me to break into a professional career in athletics."

Amy played four years of varsity soccer as a student at USC. When she graduated, she stayed on as an assistant soccer coach at USC and developed a passion for coaching that ultimately led her to a job as a high school head coach and Physical Education teacher.

If your ball-playing skills aren't up to par with the All Stars, what are your chances of breaking into Major League Baseball? We talked to three young professionals who made their way into the front office.

Chief Financial Officer, Seattle Seahawks

In the five years since college graduation, Bob has advanced from an entry-level position in ticket sales to a role as Business Development Manager with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He claims that his success comes at least in part from taking the advice of a former coach who said, "Surround yourself with good people."

Former Commissioner, Major League Soccer

Four days after graduation, Graham packed up his car and drove from Vermont to California to begin his job as managing editor for two ski publications. After this first dream job, he now does sports marketing for the ski company K2.

Chief Marketing Officer, XFL Xtreme

Amazing career paths exist within the exciting world of professional athletics. Titles include Trainer, Agent, Coach, Journalist, to name a few.

Vice President, Club Marketing, National Hockey League

The Big Four spectator sports of football, baseball, basketball, and hockey dominate the industry, while corporate sponsors such as Nike, Adidas, and Gatorade share success with superstar athletes.

Tom knew he wanted to work in sports from the very beginning, and his dedication and charisma got him noticed first in sports retail then as an intern with two professional teams. Now, he regularly works 16-hour days with the San Jose Sharks, but he wouldn't have it any other way.

President/CEO, Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment

Like the corporate center manager, the club manager oversees the day-to-day operation of the health club or gym.