Sports management is an option for individuals who love sports but may lack the athletic ability to become a professional athlete. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in the sports field are expected to grow by 23 percent over the next decade. With a competitive job market, a graduate degree in sports management can help give you a competitive edge over other job-seekers. Graduate programs are designed to ease students into mid-level positions in the sports management field.
Admissions Requirements
Check with the individual school to which you are applying as admissions requirements can vary. Master's programs in sports management are offered through the business or exercise science departments of universities. You will need to take the Graduate Record Examination -- GRE -- to gain admission into a sports management master's program. For example, Florida State University requires students to obtain a minimum score of 1,000. Students should also have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants must submit a current resume and official transcripts from all colleges previously attended. You will need to provide letters of recommendation from teachers, employers or internship directors that address your ability to study at the graduate level. You will also need to submit a personal statement describing your short- and long term goals, career aspirations, why you choose this particular college and a brief description of any work or research experience you have in the field.
Prequisites
All applicants for admission into a graduate-level sports management program must hold a bachelor's degree. Students who apply for admission to graduate programs generally hold an undergraduate degree in sports or recreation management. Other students can possess degrees in journalism, law or business. Students without experience in the sports industry can apply but should have a personal plan for entering the sports management industry and be willing to intern and volunteer within the industry. No undergraduate classes in the area of sports management are required to gain admission into a graduate-level sports management program.
Courses
Depending on the school, you must complete between 30 and 36 credits of graduate-level courses to be eligible for graduation. Courses focus on business, management, operations, finance, law, economics, facilities management, ethics, event planning, sports leadership, diversity in sports, sales promotion, media relations, consumer relations and marketing. Many schools -- including Georgetown University -- offer students the option of completing a sports management graduate degree with a focus on marketing and media or a focus on management and operations. All students are required to complete a research paper as well as participate in an internship with a sports-related organization.
Top Programs
Each year, U.S. News and World report ranks graduate programs at colleges and universities across the United States based on areas of interest, internship opportunities, instructors and career placement opportunities. The top three sports management master's programs in 2010 are Florida State University, Columbia University and Georgetown University. Each school offers multiple master's programs and graduate certificate programs in sports management. Instructors at these schools have worked in the field -- many of them working with college and professional sports organizations. In addition, these top programs provide students with a number of opportunities to intern with professional, collegiate and nonprofit organizations in the sports management field.
Member Comments