Masters Degrees in Sport Management, USA

The master of public administration with a graduate certificate in sport management and athletics is a professional degree that focuses on the comprehensive career preparation of practicing athletic and sport managers. It is designed for individuals aspiring to leadership and management roles in the complex world of interscholastic, intercollegiate, recreational, and professional sports, as well as corporate fitness.

The program is built on acquiring an experiential understanding of administrative and management practices in athletic settings. It will prepare candidates with the knowledge and skills necessary to apply theory, research and experience to solve academic, athletic, sport and event management challenged. Students will be encouraged to make an ongoing commitment to professional development, and they will likely encounter connecting values between personal and professional experiences.

The Curriculum

The M.P.A. with a graduate certificate in sport management and athletics requires a total of 39 semester hours.

Public Administrative Core and Capstone Requirement (21 Semester Hours):

• PPA 500 Foundations of Public Service
• PPA 501 Research Methods in Public Administration
• PPA 502 Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation
• PPA 503 Public Budgeting and Finance
• PPA 504 Public Human Resources Management
• PPA 505 Public Sector Organisation Theory and Behaviour
• PPA 600 Capstone Seminar in Public Administration

Certificate Requirements - Sport and Athletic Core (18 Semester Hours):

• KIN 513 Theories and Principles of Sport Management
• KIN 514 Problems and Issues in Sport Management
• KIN 553 Facility, Event, and Risk Management
• KIN 554 Gender Enquiry and Sport Law
• KIN 611-612 Intern Study (must complete both)

Career Opportunities

Candidates may find sport management career opportunities on several levels: interscholastic (middle and high school), intercollegiate (NCAA Division I, II, or III), professional (major and minor league), club/recreational (YMCA and other youth sport organisations), and corporate fitness. Course work is designed to meet students' individual interests. Consequently, candidates will be prepared to work on the level that meets their personal target.

Internship Experience

Internship field experiences are offered in a variety of institutional settings, including secondary and higher education, professional, recreational, and corporate fitness levels. The internship experience will give students an opportunity to gain expertise from professional mentors in a setting that is consistent with their career goals. During the internship, students will have the chance to learn from professionals currently working in the field experience the responsibilities required in their chosen area, and make many important contacts that may help further their career. Candidates are required to discuss their career goals with their adviser early in the program to facilitate appropriate internship placement.

Flexible Scheduling

The program is designed for individuals wanting to earn a master's degree part-time whilst working full-time. Students who want to pursue the degree on a full-time basis may complete the program on a faster track. Most courses are held in the late afternoon or early evening. Courses are typically offered during four semesters throughout the calendar year - spring, first and second summer sessions, and fall.

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Program Details

The Sport Management program serves the needs and schedules of today's busy students. The curriculum consists of 36 units and classes meet one evening per week from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., allowing students to complete their master’s degree in just 23 months.

Take the fast track to the career you’ve always wanted. Educating industry professionals since 1991, USF offers you:

• hands-on training from industry-experienced faculty and guest speakers
• over 1,000 hours of internship experience with teams, universities, and agencies all over the world
• a network of 2,000 alumni who are leaders in the industry—and mentors to you
• a diverse community of classmates—and future colleagues—who share your passion for sport

You can request more information by visiting our website

Program Learning Outcomes

• Recognize, classify, and demonstrate knowledge of the breadth and depth of the sport marketplace, including the development of leadership, communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and networking skills
• Recognize, discuss, and demonstrate knowledge of globalization, themed entertainment, culture, sociology, and commerce on the sport marketplace with the development of critical thinking skills
• Demonstrate skills in business writing, research, and qualitative and quantitative analysis
• Demonstrate practical management and leadership skills within the industry
• Recognize the role of economics, accounting, finance, marketing, strategic management, law, and business research methods in sport, and demonstrate and apply the tools of those fields to issues in sport
• Demonstrate relevant knowledge by creating a business plan, team financial plan, marketing plan, cultural analysis, team management plan, stock portfolio prospectus, strategy plan, career plan, legal analysis, research prospectus, and Master's Project
• Demonstrate knowledge of specific components of sport management such as public relations, facilities management, fundraising, and brand management

Scholarships and Assistantships

Assistantships

Several departments on campus, including the Koret Health and Recreation Center and the USF Athletic Department, offer a limited number of graduate assistantships. When assistantships become available, job postings are sent to the Sport Management office, who will then share the posting with all students currently enrolled in the program.

Scholarships

We award a limited number of merit-based scholarships to incoming students. These scholarships are a one-time award and are used to cover tuition costs in a student's first or second semester of our program. These scholarships do not require a separate application; all applicants are considered during the admission decision process

You can request more information about our scholarship opportunities here

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The Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation offers the Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Sport Management. The FAMU Sport Management faculty is committed to offering students the skills and knowledge necessary to understand management in a sport-related setting. At the completion of the program, students will have the necessary skill set to be practitioners in the sport industry.

The Sport Management program offers interactive, educational training that is necessary for individuals seeking careers in the sport industry – an industry that has evolved into an integral part of today’s culture. The operation of sport programs have become more sophisticated and complex, and must be managed by equally savvy professionals well versed in the intricacies of sport activities. Thus, the program emphasizes a variety of managerial, administrative, socio-cultural, and communication skills necessary for success in a multifaceted sport industry.

Students are admitted to the program during the summer, fall and spring semesters. Graduate students in the Sport Management program must maintain a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) during matriculation and graduation from the program. Students are strongly encouraged to be involved in professional development through participation in amateur, professional and academic opportunities at the local, state, regional, national, and/or international level in order to network and gain experience in the field.

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Earn a top-ranked degree with a strong reputation within the sport industry. The University of Miami's Master of Education in Sport Administration program is taught by unmatched on-campus faculty who are considered sport industry influencers. Student will receive the skills, network, and support needed to enjoy a successful career in sports. 

All online programs are also accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and 23 other professional accrediting agencies.

Specialisations

• Sport Leadership
• Ethical Decision Making in Sport
• Sport Administration
• Sport Marketing
• Legal Aspects of Sport
• Globalisation in Sport 

Sport Administration Faculty Spotlights

Faculty are all active industry influencers and leaders. All UOnline faculty also teach on campus and are highly passionate about both the sport business industry and the success of our students. They have significant practical experience, robust networks and a strong pulse on the field. Our associate program chair, Professor Whisenant has more than 20 years at companies such as Hewitt Associates, KFC and Frito Lay and Professors Windy Dees and Alicia Jessop were recently recognized as top social influencers among sport business professionals.

Break into the Sports Industry

The University of Miami has near 100% brand awareness in the sports world, on and off the field. The online MSED – Sport Administration

program is one of the only sport management programs with an academic quality that is backed by strong collegiate sports and deep-rooted relationships to top sports franchises.

The program is for people who are passionate about sports and want to translate their interests into a successful career. The program is supported by an unmatched team of faculty members, many of whom are considered leaders and influencers within the sport industry.

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