Sport Management M.S.
34 - 37 credits
Purpose of Degree
The purpose of the Master of Science degree in Sport Management is to offer graduate level instruction based in theory while providing opportunities to apply competencies to practical settings.
The Master of Science degree program in Sport Management prepares students for professional careers in the sport management industry. Students who successfully complete the program pursue career interests that may range from athletic administration in public and private schools, colleges, and universities, to the private sector, including sport clubs and professional athletics. This program requires an on-site internship of at least seven credit hours and the successful completion of the Sport Management Comprehensive Examination.
In summary, the Master of Science in Sport Management prepares graduates to enter a complex, changing global world with competence and confidence. The area of study is consistent with the North American Society of Sport Management (NASSM) review protocol.
Student Learning Outcomes
This program is structured in accordance with emerging National Association of Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) and the North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM) Guidelines.
Specifically, students graduating from the Master of Science Degree program in Sport Management will be able to:
- Apply content knowledge of the professions of sport management and business management to an internship experience.
- Prior to the beginning of their internship experience, apply knowledge of the sport management profession and demonstrate the appropriate skills of the sport management profession.
- Demonstrate competencies associated with the contemporary field of sport management (e.g., ability to perform the various management functions.)
Program of Study
Student Qualifications • Undergraduate Prerequisites Support • Advisement
Prospective students should possess a common body of knowledge essential for successful advanced study in sport management. This body of knowledge typically includes undergraduate coursework or life experience contributing to a foundation of knowledge in the following areas: sport studies; health and physical education; and hotel and tourism.
Typical time to finish:
Students enrolling in the program on a full-time basis will have an opportunity to complete the required coursework within a full academic year and, depending on their internship and other program requirements, will typically complete all degree requirements in three full semesters.
Illustrative Plan of Study
All graduate students pursuing a Master of Science degree with a major in Sport Management will complete the following coursework (minimum 34 total credits required):
The minimum course requirements are as follows:
Required core courses
27 credits coursework, 7-10 credits internship:
| SMGT 513 | Evaluation in Movement Studies and Exercises Science | 3 credits |
| SMGT 519 | Sport and Society | 3 credits |
| SMGT 523 | Administration: Physical Education Sport Programs | 3 credits |
| SMGT 546 | Planning and Management of Sport Facilities | 3 credits |
| SMGT 547 | Sports Business & Finance | 3 credits |
| SMGT 548 | Sports Marketing | 3 credits |
| SMGT 549 | Sports and the Law | 3 credits |
| SMGT 550 | Sport Personnel Management | 3 credits |
| SMGT 570 | Introduction to Research | 3 credits |
| SMGT 586 | Field Experience & Internship | 3 - 12 credits |
Elective courses
Students may choose the following elective coursework:
| SMGT 551 | Application of Computers to Sport Management | 3 credits |
| SMGT 553 | Ethical Issues in Sport Management | 3 credits |
| SMGT 559 | Public Relations in Sports Management | 3 credits |
Final graduation requirement
Students are required to take a comprehensive exam based on the required coursework.
Admissions Requirement and Deadlines
Students will be admitted to the program based on demonstration of an academic record that fulfills the existing Graduate College criteria required for admission. Additional supporting documents include successful completion of the GRE and/or GMAT exams. Students applying for admission to the Master of Science degree program in Sport Management are strongly encouraged to apply by March 15 before the academic year in which they are seeking admission.
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate assistantships are available through the department. These are awarded based upon merit and achievement to full-time students in the graduate program. Graduate assistants do not teach classes, but complete projects and tasks assigned by professors.
The graduate assistantship is awarded for the first year of full-time study, with the possibility of extension through the first summer. Prospective students should apply for a graduate assistantship at the time of original application to the program, using the application form online.
For more information, contact: Dr. Paula Parker, at 570-422-3874 or by e-mail at pparker@esu.edu.