Examining the influence of NCAA subdivision on internship structure and access in sport management curricula

Internships are a central component of sport management education and represent a primary mechanism through which students engage in experiential learning within intercollegiate athletics. Guided by Experiential Learning Theory, this study examines how internship opportunities vary across NCAA Division I subdivisions and the implications of these differences for sport management curricula. Data from 152 athletic departments (FBS = 66; FCS = 46; No-Football = 40) were analyzed to compare internship structures, compensation models, eligibility criteria, and academic alignment. While paid versus unpaid positions and eligibility requirements were largely consistent across subdivisions, significant differences emerged in the range of functional areas offered. FBS programs provided more internships in creative services and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), whereas FCS programs emphasized business operations and equipment management. These findings underscore the importance of aligning sport management curricula and advising practices with the experiential contexts students may realistically encounter, ensuring that classroom instruction effectively supports and complements subdivision-specific internship opportunities.