Sport Administration M.S.
33 - 36 credits
Purpose of Degree
The purpose of the Master of Science degree in Sport Administration 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 Administration 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 six credit hours.
In summary, the Master of Science in Sport Administration prepares graduates to enter a complex, changing global world with competence and confidence.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students graduating from the Master of Science Degree program in Sport Administration will be able to:
- Illustrate knowledge of managerial principles required of sport managers in a contemporary sport setting.
- Develop sport industry vernacular and professional oral and written communication skills when interacting in the workplace.
- Evaluate and synthesize best practices and research methods used by professionals in the sport industry.
- Formulate critical thinking skills to interpret issues confronting professionals in sport management.
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 business and hotel and tourism management.
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 to four full semesters.
Illustrative Plan of Study
All graduate students pursuing a Master of Science degree with a major in Sport Administration will complete the following coursework (minimum 33 total credits required):
The minimum course requirements are as follows:
Required core courses
15 credits coursework, 6-9 credits internship:
| SMGT 513 | Sport Data Analytics | 3 credits |
| SMGT 519 | D.E.I. in Sport | 3 credits |
| SMGT 547 | Sports Business & Finance | 3 credits |
| SMGT 548 | Sports Marketing | 3 credits |
| SMGT 570 | Introduction to Research | 3 credits |
| SMGT 586 | Field Experience & Internship | 3 - 12 credits |
Elective courses
Students may choose 12 credits from the following elective coursework:
| SMGT 523 | Leading Sport Organizations | 3 credits |
| SMGT 546 | Planning and Management of Sport Facilities | 3 credits |
| SMGT 549 | Sports and the Law | 3 credits |
| SMGT 552 | Governance and Policy in the Sport Industry | 3 credits |
| SMGT 559 | Advanced Sport Media | 3 credits |
| CMST 540 | Dialogue and Social Media | 3 credits |
| CMST 545 | Mass Media & Communication Ethics | 3 credits |
| PSY 510 | Industrial/Organizational Psychology | 3 credits |
Additional requirements:
A minimum of 3.0 GPA and successful completion of sport management internship required.
Students currently employed in a full-time managerial position in sport industry, may substitute 6 credit elective courses for internships. A prior permission is required and must be approved on the plan of study.
Admissions Requirement and Deadlines
Students will be admitted to the program based on demonstration of an academic record that fulfills the existing Graduate Studies criteria required for admission. Students applying for admission to the Master of Science degree program in Sport Administration are strongly encouraged to apply by June 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. 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. Jaedeock Lee, at 570-422-3340 or by e-mail at jaedeock@esu.edu.