Degree Offered
- Master of Science
Nature of the Program
The Master of Science in Sport Management prepares students to compete for jobs in the sport market as an industry leader. This 30-credit hour program is delivered on-campus and provides real-world training in a range of areas including data-based decisions, management and human development, revenue generation, ethical decision-making, and more. The curriculum is designed to provide students with broad professional preparation in the sport management field to accommodate a variety of professional and career goals. The plan of study also affords students with the opportunity to further specialize in one of two tracks: (1) Professional Track, or (2) Thesis Track with a research component.
The Professional Track is developed for those students who are seeking entry or currently working in the sport industry. Students in this track have the opportunity to pursue a Sport Industry Leadership and Change Management certificate featuring experiential learning through an internship in the sport industry.
The Thesis Track is available for students who are considering doctoral level work in the future. Sport Management has continued to emerge as a popular area of study in colleges and universities across the world. The completion of a master’s thesis remains an important benchmark for those students who aspire to faculty and/or research positions in higher education. The ability to effectively collect, manage, analyze, and interpret data also has implications for leaders of many non-profit organizations and sport associations. Students in this track have the opportunity to pursue the Advanced Sport Management Research certificate featuring an emphasis on research methods and mentored research.
Admissions for 2026-2027
These programs utilize the University GPA requirement for entry to both programs.
On-Campus
- Resume: including any professional experiences in the sport industry
- Personal statement: 1-2 written pages on professional goals and reasons for seeking admission (students interested in thesis track should describe their research interests)
- Letters of recommendation (2)
Apply by December 1 for priority consideration. Applications that are incomplete or are submitted after the deadline may be reviewed if openings remain. Admission is limited to a fall start only.
On campus Major Code: 5532
Degree Requirements: Campus Program
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A grade of C or higher must be earned in all major courses. | ||
| Core Coursework | ||
| SM 502 | Revenue Generation and Financial Sustainability in Sport | 3 |
| SM 503 | Data-Based Decision-Making in Sport Organizations | 3 |
| SM 504 | Human Resource Development and Managing Change in Sport Organizations | 3 |
| SM 505 | Critical Thinking and Ethics in Sport | 3 |
| Select one of the following tracks: | 18 | |
Professional Track - Complete 6 courses | ||
| Applied Research in Sport Management | ||
| Navigating Legal Issues in Sport Management | ||
| Management of Human Resources in Sport Organizations | ||
| Sport Policy and Governance | ||
| Current Issues & Applications in Sport Management | ||
| Sport Consumer Behavior and Marketing | ||
| Financial Decision-Making in Sport | ||
| Sport Development and Fundraising | ||
| Social and Ethical Responsibility in Sport | ||
| Sport Facility Operations | ||
Thesis Track | ||
Research Methods and Statistics | ||
Select two of the following courses for a total of 6 credit hours: | ||
| Statistical Methods 1 | ||
| Statistical Methods 2 | ||
| Qualitative Research Methods | ||
| Advanced Qualitative Research | ||
Research Requirement | ||
| Research Methodology in Physical Education (3 credit hours) | ||
| Research (6 credit hours) | ||
| Dissertation and Thesis Seminar (3 credit hours) | ||
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Major Learning Outcomes
Sport Management
Professional Knowledge - Understand advanced disciplinary knowledge and the primary modes of inquiry that form the basis for evidence-informed practice in their field.
Professional Practice - Apply evidence-informed strategies in their professional practice to meet the differentiated needs of the client groups and key stakeholders whom they serve.
Professional Leadership - Contribute to the leadership of communities of professional practice as collaborative learners who can facilitate their own continued development and that of others.