Sports Management Master’s Programs Guide in 2024

The program at AMU focuses on athletic development within the military context, providing students with specialized knowledge and skills in managing sports programs for military personnel, veterans, and their families. AMU emphasizes practical application and experiential learning. Students have opportunities to work with military sports programs and organizations, gaining valuable hands-on experience in areas such as athlete training, performance analysis, and sports rehabilitation. AMU has a strong sense of community and support for military-connected students. Studying at AMU allows students to connect with peers and faculty members who understand the unique challenges and experiences of military service, creating a supportive network for academic and professional growth. AMU has established connections with military sports organizations, both within the United States and internationally. Students have access to networking opportunities that can lead to internships, job placements, and collaborations within the military sports industry. The program emphasizes the development of leadership skills within the athletic context. Courses and activities focus on enhancing leadership qualities, communication skills, and strategic decision-making abilities, preparing students for leadership roles in the sports industry. Graduates of the Masters Degree program in Athletic Development from AMU are well-equipped for various career opportunities within the military sports sector. The program provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and industry connections to pursue roles such as athletic program coordinator, sports performance specialist, sports administrator, and athletic director.

Barry’s Sports Management Master’s program features academic rigor in combination with practical experience and excellent opportunities to cross-register in courses such as journalism, psychology, and communications to tailor your academic experience to exactly the type of opportunity you are looking for as a sports management professional.

A national leader in sports management education for nearly 40 years, Baylor prepares students for leadership roles in top professional and intercollegiate sports teams with small classes and a high degree of mentorship and interaction with faculty.

To provide graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage a sports organization. Graduates will demonstrated demonstrate a thorough understanding of the sports industry and possess appropriate skills in management, finance, and marketing necessary to meet organizational needs and goals.

California State University Northridge (CSUN) offers a Master of Science (MS) degree in Tourism, Hospitality, and Recreation Management. This rigorous program provides students with an in-depth understanding of the strategies and principles necessary for success in this dynamic and growing industry. The curriculum examines the key aspects of tourism, hospitality, and recreation management.

California State University Long Beach’s Sport Management M.A. Degree program is an excellent choice for those looking to advance their career in the sports industry. The program offers a unique blend of coursework, internships, concentrations and thesis options that provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

This proven M.Ed. program has been an effective gateway to careers in the administration and delivery of sports and physical education programs. Online and evening courses make for an easier path to completion for working professionals.

Completing a Master’s degree in Sport Management from CCU can open doors to a wide range of career opportunities in the sports industry. Graduates may find employment in professional sports organizations, collegiate athletics, sport marketing agencies, event management companies, and sport facility management. Emphasizes practical experiential learning opportunities within the sport management program, Students have the chance to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings through internships, collaborative projects, and field experiences. This hands-on approach provides valuable industry experience and enhances career readiness. The sport management program at CCU offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers various aspects of the sports industry. Students can expect to gain knowledge and skills in areas such as sport marketing, sport finance, sport law, event management, and facility management. CCU is located in close proximity to popular sports markets such as Myrtle Beach and Charleston. This strategic location provides students with access to networking opportunities and internships with local sports organizations, including professional sports teams, event management companies, and sport marketing agencies. The faculty members in CCU’s sport management program bring significant industry experience and expertise to the classroom. They provide valuable insights, mentorship, and guidance to students, preparing them for successful careers in the sports industry.

Columbia is the highest rated university in the world (and the only Ivy League university) offering a master’s degree in Sports Management. This highly competitive program was designed around market research and offers unrivaled access to industry leaders from across the world of sport. The curriculum was specifically designed to meet the needs of the sports industry with a focus on emerging technologies, the intersection of digital media and sports world, and the growing ways that data is being used to make decisions in sports. Students can choose to concentrate in Global Sports, Sports Analytics, or Digital Sports Media and Marketing, and graduates can expect to bring incredible value to the organizations that they will be joining.

A 36 hour course, this M.A. in Sport Management prepares future leaders in the business of sports with a campus in one of the largest sports markets in the country. Christian teachings and values are emphasized throughout the institution.

This program sets a solid foundation for students to be prepared to takes positions as an athletic director, facilities manager, operations manage, or working in sports marketing or administration. On top of learning academic concepts, students will learn about research methods to effective solve real-world problems.

This program allows for flexibility in the start time (Spring, Summer, or Fall) and the program is interactive and engaging, allowing students to gain skills they need to jump right into the industry after graduation.

Welcome to the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) MBA – Sport Management program. Their program is dedicated to developing exceptional managers and executives who possess strong practical skills and a solid educational, professional, and ethical foundation. Established in August 2000, the MBA in Sport Management program at Florida Atlantic University has been providing top-quality education ever since. Under the guidance of their first full-time Director, Jim Riordan, they began our journey towards success. Today, their program is led by Dan Cornely, who has worked closely with Dr. Riordan to enhance the job placement rate for their Sport Management students. Since its inception, their program has achieved impressive results. The majority of their graduates have secured permanent, full-time positions in the sport and entertainment industry. By joining their program, you can be confident in your ability to find meaningful and fulfilling career opportunities.

This school has two tracks: Recreation and Sport Management, and Recreational Therapy. The curriculum is built so students can choose electives that will tailor their education and allow students to focus on what is important to them and their career goals.

This program can be broken up into two main portions of the curriculum- Sports Management and Law. There are 79 credit hours of Law Courses, and 30 hours of Sports Management Courses. Graduates will have both a J.D. and Master of Science upon completion of all requirements.

This program places a strong emphasis on learning both inside and outside the classroom, with field trips and other experiential components featured prominently. All students must complete a culminating experience working closely with an advisor prior to graduation.

IUP offers state-of-the-art facilities and resources for sport management students. The campus features modern classrooms, computer labs, and dedicated sport management facilities, giving students access to the tools and technology used in the industry. The Sport Management program at IUP covers various aspects of the sports industry. Students can expect to gain knowledge and skills in areas such as sport marketing, sport finance, sport law, sport analytics, event management, and facility management. The program emphasizes experiential learning opportunities, allowing students to apply their theoretical knowledge in practical settings. Through internships, collaborative projects, and field experiences, students can gain hands-on experience and develop valuable skills that are highly sought after by employers. The faculty members in the Sport Management program at IUP have extensive experience and expertise in the sports industry. They bring real-world insights and connections into the classroom, providing students with practical knowledge and guidance. IUP has a strong and supportive alumni network in the sports industry. Graduates of the Sport Management program have gone on to pursue successful careers in various sectors of the sports industry, and the alumni network can provide valuable mentorship and career opportunities for current students. Completing a Master’s degree in Sport Management from IUP opens up a wide range of career opportunities in the sports industry. Graduates can pursue careers in professional sports organizations, collegiate athletics, sport marketing agencies, event management companies, and sport facility management, among others.

If you are interested in a career in any aspect of commercial or collegiate sports, Indiana University’s highly competitive athletic administration and sport management program will give you a clear advantage. Whether you want to become a sport communicator, marketer, administrator, or manager, you will develop a specialized combination of functional business and sport management skills that will prepare you to work in the $510 billion sport industry. As a student in this program, you will learn to produce, facilitate, promote, and organize sports products and services. In addition to foundational courses in athletic administration and sports management, you will be able to choose from core courses that address subjects such as sport communications, marketing and sponsorship, legal issues, governance in sport management, and financial analysis. Our experienced faculty will share industry expertise and also provide opportunities for research. You may choose to gain professional experience through an internship, though it is not required for this degree.

The program is focused on the study of leadership in sport, with supporting interdisciplinary knowledge in sport management, sport psychology, cultural studies of sport, and related cognate areas. The program prepares students for leadership roles in higher education, athletic administration, coaching, student-athlete development, sport psychology, and consulting through required coursework, independent research, and internships.

The NIU program has designed this program as a supercharged MBA with sports-specific curriculum as well.

Northwestern University has several different options for students enrolled in the Sports Management program. Students can choose to do a Capstone or Thesis project, or dive into Sports Analytics.

PennWest California University’s Sports Management program offers three different areas of specialization. The program features a 12 credit mentorship program, which can be a current employer or another placement of your choice, so the program is inherently experiential. This program is rooted in Sports Management and graduates who complete the program will have a strong basis in the fundamentals of the business side of sports, but will also take a deep dive into analytic and economic analyses of the market and various aspects of the industry. Graduates of the program have successfully been placed into jobs in major sports leagues and organizations.

Sam Houston State’s Sports Management program was designed to educate the leaders of tomorrow’s sports industry. This program places emphasis on research and development with the latest technologies, diverse learning opportunities outside of the classroom, and immersive internship experiences. With the incredible connections with organizations in and around Houston, graduates can tap into the rich network of connections throughout their professional careers.

SDSU has a very well regarded that is international in scope and coursework focuses on statistical analysis, organizational behavior and leadership, financial management, and business strategy, sports marketing and economics. This programs gives students a truly international experience with the option to attend a program to the Dominican Republic.

This program is housed under the Kinesiology program and offers internship opportunities for students throughout the Bay Area. It prepares students for management and leadership positions across the Sports Industry with a deep and practical knowledge base gained by study and hands-on experience.

This top tier Sports Management program attracts the best and brightest rising stars in the sports industry and can be completed in 16 months.

Springfield College’s master’s in sport management gives students skill sets that will prove useful in both nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Engaging faculty prioritize student success and organize the curriculum around Springfield College’s unique Humanics philosophy. An extensive alumni network is available to help students and graduates transition into rewarding careers in sports. The program boasts an extremely high success rate when it comes to graduates finding relevant employment. In fact, a recent survey found that 100% of the 2021 sport management master’s graduates are currently employed.

The mission of the program is to develop students into well-educated, ethical, and highly competent leaders in the global sports industry. This is achieved by providing students with the theoretical and practical knowledge that will enable them to be successful leaders; establishing a curriculum that is consistent with current principles and practices of professionals in the academic and sport marketplace communities; and delivering instruction that is relevant, effective, and stimulates learning. Admission into the MPS program in Sport Management is contingent upon an assessment of the candidate’s ability to successfully pursue graduate study. This assessment will be made by examining previous academic performance, letters of recommendation, the applicant’s essay, work experience, performance on standardized exams (such as the GRE or GMAT), and any other evidence that the admissions committee believes to be relevant.

Are you passionate about making a difference as a leader in the world of sports? Look no further than our master’s degree in international sport management. Sporting events around the globe have become significant ventures, deeply ingrained in cultural identities.

Texas A&M’s multidisciplinary Sports Management program prepares graduates to be future organizational managers and global citizens, in the sports industry and beyond. The renowned faculty has a deep knowledge of and strong ties to the industry, and students learn modern theories while applying what they’ve learned through hands on learning opportunities.

The curriculum touches on sport marketing, facility and event management, leadership, and financial management in sport. Whether students are looking to embark on a career in professional, collegiate, or municipal sports, Texas Tech has an expert faculty that can guide students to that path. With Texas Tech’s MBA program, students can combine a 42 credit hour MBA program with a 36 hour Masters with 12 credits applying to each degree, and come out with a combined degree of a Master’s and MBA in Sports Management.

Our Sport Management masterÕs programs prepare students to work in nearly every facet of organized sports. With a focus on the business side of sports, graduate students learn the skills necessary to succeed in a successful professional organization. Our traditional, on-campus mastersÕ program offers students the opportunity to complete either an M.Ed., or an M.S. in face-to-face classes with the faculty here in Austin.

The program at the University of West Georgia places a special focus on two specific areas – Intercollegiate Athletic Administration and Sports Analytics. The chance to study entirely online makes this program a great choice for a wide variety of candidates.

The Master of Sport Business Management Program includes an internship as well as an MBA option. The MBA option is a total of 51 Credit Hours and requires an additional application. The internship is a period of independent study where students learn on the job in a professional setting and bring together many of the topics learned previously in the program.

University of Kentucky prepares its students to lead in all sorts of fields related to the sports industry by developing the knowledge and skills of each individual student. Alum have thrived in roles related to sport administration, sport management, coaching, community and youth sports, and recreation. While studying, you have the flexibility to tailor your coursework based on your career goals.

Kentucky’ program works to turn students into masterful coaches through its unique curriculum which focuses on Kinesiology, effectiveness in leadership, while also exploring current issues in the world of sports.

Explore the business of sports Ð an exciting and challenging field with a world of opportunities. This major or minor focuses on the commercial and legal aspects of sports, how to manage teams and clubs, marketing and promotional strategies, and skills to help you succeed at the community, college, or professional level.

Home to one of the largest full-time faculties and state-of-the-art facilities, the McCormack Department of Sports Management has been leading the field of sports management education for nearly fifty years. This program features partnerships with prominent agencies and a three-month internship requirement. The curriculum offers graduates unparalleled real world experience, an alumni mentorship program, and can be completed in one year. UMass also offers a top-rated dual degree program that combines this MS in Sports Management component with an MBA.

Our Master of Science in Sport Management program attracts quality students from around the globe. Led by a world-class faculty, we offer our students a unique educational experience by exposing them to a wide array of information required to manage the sport enterprise, such as: entrepreneurship, urban planning, finance, economics, diversity, social justice, corporate social responsibility, marketing (sponsorship, sales, and consumer behavior), law, globalization, and organizational behavior.

UNT features a thesis and non-thesis degree option for those interested in Sport Entertainment Management. There are also teaching fellowships available which help to subsidize the tuition, and the recreational sports office employs graduate assistants and graduate students in various roles as part of their organization. The curriculum is balanced between theoretical approaches to the study of recreation, sport and leisure as well as research methodology as it relates to conducting relevant, scientific studies.

Offers classes for this degree in two places, San Francisco and Orange County Campus. The course is scheduled for one night a week and should be completed in less than two years. University of San Francisco boasts a successful alumni network and has various internship opportunities.

The University of the Southwest has been delivering quality education for fifty years. This MBA in Sports Management program prepares students for leadership roles across the sports industry and beyond. Course include physical education and sports administration, probabilities and statistics, sports management and sports marketing.

The goal VCU’s Sports Leadership program is to graduate tomorrow’s leaders of the sports industry. The program is offered through the School of Business and combines fundamental theories in business and sport with practical real-world experiences. Unique to this program are courses in international sports, which expose students to a different sports business ideas than many programs cover. The program culminates with a six credit externship which allows students to specialize in an area of interest.

This program works to prepare students to lead in the field with a combination of theoretical and practical experiences taught by expert faculty. There is a diverse offering of courses that accommodate varied student interests and career ambitions. The purpose of VSU’s Master’s in Sport Management is to prepare professionals to serve the public in the areas of teaching, wellness, leisure and recreation, sports marketing, and allied fields. This is facilitated through teaching, research/technology-based activities, outreach-public service endeavors, and practical experiences. These components are designed to prepare students to negotiate the demands of a global marketplace that require a sensitivity to members of diverse cultures and special populations.

There is a thesis and non-thesis option available for students in this program. WT A & M features a high quality faculty and facilities which encourage growth and learning of all students.

Offered through the Kinesiology Department, this program is well recognized throughout the sports industry, and boasts a solid networking association. The program places emphasis on learning outside the classroom to ensure graduates are well suited for professional opportunities.