Exploring the Benefits: Should ‘Sports’ Be Your Next College Major?

Have you ever considered what to major in at college? Maybe engineering, business, or even political science? How about sports?

The conversation about majoring in sports is picking up steam. In her article, “What’s Your Major? Some Say ‘Sports’ Should Be an Acceptable Answer,” Tania Ganguli explores this trend. Even Nike, a major player in sports apparel, is advocating for it.

A passionate group of educators has long proposed that universities allow students to focus on sports as an academic discipline. One key advocate is David Hollander, a professor at New York University. He believes sports, like basketball, can teach valuable skills. For instance, he suggests that the fast pace of a basketball game can enhance communication skills and creative thinking.

Hollander is actively working to make sports a legitimate field of study. He plans to offer a course where athletes can reflect on their in-game experiences as part of their education. “You can major in dance, music, or drama,” he argues. “Why can’t you do the same for athletics?” He sees sports as a vital part of culture and education.

Recently, Hollander’s ideas gained traction, especially with support from Nike, which heavily invests in college sports. The company aims to encourage universities to create sports majors or minors. This could mean students earn credits not just for playing and practicing their sport, but also for taking classes that explore the social and cultural aspects of athletics.

For example, the proposed curriculum could include courses in sports strategy, nutrition, psychology, and physiology. As athletes start earning money through N.I.L. (name, image, likeness) deals, the need for formal education in sports is more relevant than ever.

“We think colleges are interested in this idea,” said John Jowers, Nike’s vice president of communications. There seems to be a shift towards recognizing the importance of athletics in higher education, potentially paving the way for sports studies to become a respected field.

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