Program Overview
The Master of Sport Management (MSM) program is a 12-month, 30-credit hour program designed to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills for successful careers in the sport industry. The program emphasizes practical application through internships, networking opportunities, and a curriculum that balances academic rigor with real-world experience. Graduates are prepared for diverse careers in various sectors of the sport industry, including intercollegiate athletics, professional sport organizations, sport facilities, sport tourism, and corporate sports organizations.
Program Outline
The MSM program is a 30-credit hour, 12-month full-time program designed to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills needed for successful careers in the sport management industry. The program emphasizes the practical application of theoretical concepts through course design, internships, and networking opportunities.
Program Objectives:
- Prepare graduates for diverse careers in various sectors of the sport industry.
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills applicable to real-world scenarios in sport management.
- Enhance students' understanding of the ethical, legal, and social implications of sport.
- Foster effective communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
- Provide students with opportunities for professional development and networking within the sport industry.
Program Description:
The MSM program offers a curriculum that balances academic rigor with practical experience. The program includes:
- Core Courses: covering foundational concepts in sport management, such as sport business principles, facility and event security management, sport psychology, generating sport tourism and revenue, policy and governance in intercollegiate sport, and research methods and design in sport.
- Elective Courses: allowing students to specialize in areas of interest, including sport marketing, sport finance, sport media, and sport analytics.
- Internship or Applied Research: providing hands-on experience in the sport industry, either through a traditional internship or a research project under the guidance of a faculty member.
Outline:
Program Content:
- Sport Business Principles: Introduces the fundamental concepts of sport business, including marketing, finance, human resources, and legal issues.
- Sport Facility and Event Security Management: Explores the principles and practices of security management in sport facilities and events, including risk assessment, crowd control, and emergency preparedness.
- Sport Psychology: Examines the psychological aspects of sport, including motivation, performance enhancement, and athlete development.
- Generating Sport Tourism and Revenue: Focuses on strategies for generating revenue through sport tourism, including event planning, destination marketing, and hospitality management.
- Policy and Governance in Intercollegiate Sport: Analyzes the policies and governance structures that regulate intercollegiate athletics, including the NCAA and conference regulations.
- Research Methods and Design in Sport: Introduces students to research methodologies and design principles applicable to sport management research.
- Internship or Applied Research: Provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting.
- Other Elective Courses: Students can choose from various electives to specialize in areas of interest, such as sport marketing, sport finance, sport media, and sport analytics.
Program Structure:
- Full-time, 12-month program
- 30 credit hours
- 10 courses total, including 6 core courses and 4 electives
- Summer internship or applied research option
Course Schedule:
The course schedule is designed to provide students with a balanced and comprehensive learning experience.
- Internship or Applied Research: Students are evaluated based on their performance and contributions during their internship or research experience.
- Comprehensive Exam: Students must pass a comprehensive exam to demonstrate their mastery of the program's learning outcomes.
Teaching:
- Faculty: The MSM program features experienced faculty with expertise in various areas of sport management. Faculty members are actively involved in research and industry partnerships, ensuring that students receive a current and relevant education.
- Teaching Methods: The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, case studies, simulations, guest speakers, and group projects. This interactive approach encourages active learning and critical thinking.
- Unique Approaches: The program offers unique opportunities for students to gain practical experience through internships, networking events, and applied research projects.
Careers:
Graduates of the MSM program are prepared for a wide range of careers in the sport industry, including:
- Intercollegiate Athletics: Athletic directors, coaches, compliance officers, event managers
- Professional Sport Organizations: Team and league executives, marketing and sales managers, public relations specialists
- Sport Facilities: Managers, event coordinators, security personnel
- Sport Tourism: Event planners, destination managers, hospitality professionals
- Motorsports: Race promoters, team managers, marketing and communications specialists
- Corporate Sports Organizations: Sports agents, marketing consultants, sponsorship managers
- Sports Media: Sports broadcasters, journalists, content creators The program also provides a strong foundation for students who wish to pursue further education in sport management or related fields.
Other:
- The MSM program is accredited by the Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
- The program is ranked 12th nationally by OnlineMastersDegrees.org.
- The program offers full-time and part-time options.
- Graduate assistant and/or teacher assistant opportunities may be available.
