Athletes are often some of the most dedicated and hard-working people around. They put in endless hours of practice to perfect their craft and become the best that they can be. So what degree do most athletes end up getting? Surprisingly, it’s not always a sports-related degree. In fact, many athletes major in business, communications, or even liberal arts. Read on to learn more about which degrees are popular among athletes.
Most athletes get a degree in something other than sports
As college athletes strive for excellence on the field or court, they also understand the importance of earning a degree in something other than sports. Whether it’s business, engineering, or something completely different such as art history, many student athletes realize that having the ability to work beyond their sport will provide them with lifelong opportunities they may not have had otherwise. Getting a college degree helps to develop both the hard and soft skills needed to succeed in any chosen field outside of sports. As more and more athletes pursue an education during their sporting career, traditional universities are providing an increasing number of resources specifically designed for students who play Division I athletics. As these resources become more widely available, most student-athletes are making sure that when their playing days are done, they have a solid foundation on which to build a successful future.
The most popular degrees among athletes are business and communications
Recent research has demonstrated that business and communications are the two most popular degree majors among athletes, both beginner and professional. This research originated from a 2010 research paper conducted by a team of experts which revealed that 62% of athletes chose to pursue Business or Communications as their field of study. It was also discovered that many of these athletes demonstrate an immense amount of time management skills, due to their increased dedication to physical training and the fact that academics often take place concurrently. As such, it is noteworthy that for many athletes, the business and communication degrees have proven essential tools for success in both sport and career.
Many athletes choose to get a degree in something that will help them after their sports career is over
Sports can be a great avenue for success for those that have the talent and drive to excel at their craft. For many athletes, their sports career is not only an opportunity to shine, but also a viable form of financial stability. However, the realities of life within the sporting realm are often fleeting. Staying ahead of the game means stakeholders need to take proactive measures for success both during and after their time in professional sport. That is why many athletes choose to diversify their education and obtain a degree in something that will help them beyond their sports career. Not only does it open up future horizons should any injury or lack of luck affect playing opportunities, but it also equips them with specific skills to assist during other philanthropic pursuits such as fundraising events or public awareness campaigns they might be involved with while they are still active athletes. Most importantly, having an educational backup plan can lead to a vast array of rewarding job options when contemplating what will constitute ‘life after sports.’
Some athletes go back to school to get a degree after they retire from their sport
For many athletes, retirement can be bittersweet. After dedicating so much of their time and energy towards their sport, it can be difficult transitioning to a new phase of life. However, some retired professional athletes have found success in going back to school to get their degree. This is something that requires immense dedication and hard work, but the rewards can be invaluable. Not only do they gain a valuable education, they also leave behind an inspiring legacy; they are showing future generations who may be interested in playing a sport professionally that there is still time for them to pursue higher education even after their sporting career is over. Through dedication and determination, retired athletes can truly make an impact on the world through achieving academic success.
Getting a degree can help an athlete transition into a new career after their playing days are over
Once an athlete’s playing days have ended, they need to begin the difficult process of transitioning into a new career. One way of making this transition smoother is getting a degree, which can open doors to many rewarding post-athletic career options. A degree can not only equip athletes with life skills and qualifications to help them find success, but also provide them with access to a strong network of professionals in their field. With the right education and dedication, athletes can enjoy a long and prosperous future after leaving their sport.
Though many athletes choose to get a degree in something unrelated to sports, there are many benefits to getting a degree in something that is related to your sport. Not only will you have the opportunity to learn new things, but you may also be able to transition into a new career after you retire from playing your sport. If you are an athlete who is currently enrolled in school or thinking about going back to school, we hope this article has helped you make a decision about what degree you should pursue.