Sports Administration Graduate Programs

Sports Administration Graduate Programs and Curriculum

A comprehensive graduate degree program in sports management will typically include the following types of courses:

• Business
• Finance
• Marketing and promotions
• General management
• Legal issues and risk management
• Human resources management
• Policy development

Students in a sports administration master’s program or a sports management Ph.D. program may also benefit from courses in elementary or secondary education principles, kinesiology, sports training and conditioning as well as anatomy and physiology. Other areas of concentration could include athlete management and development or turf and facilities management.

While an undergraduate degree in sports administration or college-level sports experience is helpful, it may not be a requirement for admission. Most graduate-level programs are looking for students who are passionate about the sports management graduate degree program at their school and who may continue their education and pursue a Ph.D. in sports administration.

The National Association established the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA) in 2008 for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) and the North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM)to review and accredit sports management degree programs of all levels. Prior to 2008, the Sports Management Program Review Council evaluated sports administration graduate degree programs for more than 20 years. COSMA operates independently of either sports management organization and does not consult with outside organizations to make accrediting decisions.

Sports Administration Career Paths

Those with graduate degrees in sports management can pursue a variety of sport-focused careers such as:

• Coaches
• Athletic Directors
• Trainers
• Contract Specialists
• Agents
• Marketing and public relations specialists

Sports Administration Future Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, career opportunities for sports administrators are expected to grow at a slightly faster-than-average rate, with approximately 13 percent growth expected by 2018. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts more than 145,000 people will be employed in Spectator Sports, with 9,500 of those jobs in sports management.