<p>Certified through NASSM means nothing really. A lot of the good programs don't want to go through with the 10 page application that NASSM requires because they don't need to, as being certified is crap.</p>
<p>Look at programs and where they send graduates. There are no rankings for SM. There are indeed good programs, and bad ones. The best ones are through the business school (Massachusetts and Oregon are the best two IMO).</p>
<p>If you're looking to become a GM or something of that extent, you have to realize that chances are as good as being accepted to Harvard. Also, essentially all GMs have MBA's from the top schools in the country. Being involved in sports is more about getting a good business degree and having connections to sports organizations through your school, than it is taking some classes in SM and getting a SM degree.</p>
<p>Lots of schools offer their own internships through their own athletic programs. This is something to consider. Miami has a strong program and offers internships with their football team. </p>
<p>Ohio U has a very good program. But they are more known for their MSA/MBA than undergrad. There are Wharton grads who go on to grad school at Ohio, as well as UMass. </p>
<p>Don't think that because you go to a school in one part of the country, then it means you will get an internship with a team in one part of the country. I know graduates of Indiana's SM program who are currently working for the Oakland Raiders, thousands of miles away.</p>
<p>It's all about connections. You will get your jobs based on your schools connections with the industry. Big schools often have more oppurtunities, as they have more people working who come back to the school and say "Hey, send some interns out here!" Ohio and UMass have great connections, Oregon has some with Nike. South Carolina is a great school, Miami, Michigan, Indiana, Bowling Green, Texas, West Virginia, so much more.</p>
<p>Go on the NASSM site, look at schools you like that are listed. Check out their curriculum, make sure it's business based (not recreational sports based). Also, check out the overall business school, because you might want a dual degree, a business major with a SM minor, or something else.</p>