Abstract
This study explored the motivations of undergraduate sport management in four university programs. Convergent mixed-methods research through the theoretical framework of Self-Determination Theory was incorporated with an adapted questionnaire of the Academic Motivation Scale and semi-structured interviews through Thematic Analysis. Ninety-six surveys with nine interviews were deemed usable across four regionally focused, vocationally minded, and accessible universities. Overall, students reported higher levels of extrinsic motivation than intrinsic motivation. The findings suggested intrinsic motivation to know and extrinsic motivation through regulation for identification scored highest with the participants. No significant differences were found between classes and ethnicities. However, male students experienced more variance in amotivation regarding their pursuit of sport management. Four themes emerged from the interviews. These uncovered themes were staying connected to sport, gaining industry knowledge, preparing for a career, and pursuing meaningful work. These themes appeared mostly consistent with the highest scoring subscales. Sport management educators may be encouraged utilize elements of this study to better understand student motivation to potentially assist with curriculum development, as well as student retention and satisfaction with enrollment in higher education decreasing in the past decade.
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Recommended Citation
Brannigan, K. J., & Hajek, T. J. (2026). Exploring the Motivations of Undergraduate Sport Management Students. The COSMA Journal. Retrieved from https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/cosma/vol3/iss1/15Included in
Curriculum and Instruction Commons, Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons, Sports Management Commons, Sports Studies Commons