Columbia University Launches First Ivy League Online Program That Connects Aspiring Professionals to Career Paths in the Global Sports Industry

NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Columbia University School of Professional Studies (SPS) today announced the launch of the Sports Industry Essentials program, an online-only program designed to support high school and college students who are passionate about sports, discover and explore the various career opportunities available to them in the global sports industry. The Sports Industry Essentials program is the first of its kind to be offered by an Ivy League University.

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"This program leverages technology in an innovative and unique way to help individuals bridge the gap between their passions and their understanding of professional opportunities," said Jason Wingard, Ph.D., Dean of Columbia's School of Professional Studies. "Our goal is to keep them engaged and driven while making informed decisions about career paths."

The Sports Industry Essentials program, which was developed in collaboration with Qubed Education, an education technology company specializing in career exploration programs, will be open for enrollment October 5th, 2016. The six-course program features lessons from an extensive network of Columbia University faculty as well as sports industry professionals from the National Football League, National Hockey League, Nike, FC Bayern Munich, and others. Enrollees can take the courses at any time, with the first course offered for free, along with the option to enroll in the full program to earn a statement of completion certificate from Columbia University.

"Over the past few years, the sports world has experienced a digital media explosion as well as a globalization that has dramatically impacted the industry," added Vince Gennaro, Columbia University School of Professional Studies Sports Management Program Director. "This program explores those new frontiers, making them accessible to aspiring sports professionals at a key decision-making moment in their lives."

The approximately 15-20 hours of online modules and assignments includes instructional videos with Columbia University faculty and sports industry professionals, real-world industry assignments, and sports industry career advice on topics ranging from sports analytics and digital media to sporting event management.

For students interested in enrolling in the program, please visit:
Columbia University Sports Industry Essentials Sign-Up

For organizations interested in partnering with the program, please send an email to: [email protected].

About Columbia University

Columbia University is one of the world's most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields. The University recognizes the importance of its location in New York City and seeks to link its research and teaching to the vast resources of a great metropolis. It seeks to attract a diverse and international faculty and student body, to support research and teaching on global issues, and to create academic relationships with many countries and regions. It expects all areas of the university to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to convey the products of its efforts to the world.

About Qubed Education

Qubed Education is an education technology company based in New York City whose mission is to empower the next generation of talent to find their passion and build a career doing what they love.  Qubed strives to deliver on this mission by partnering with top-tier universities and world-class global brands to provide students with unparalleled online educational experiences and inspiring career opportunities.

SOURCE Columbia University