MBA Sports Management

  • An MBA in Sports Management equips students with industry knowledge and a business skillset to successfully pursue leadership and administrative roles in the sports industry.
Turn Your Passion into a Profession

What it is:

Your focus will primarily be in the areas of sports marketing and strategy, using a strong foundation in core business disciplines. But your MBA could certainly take you into any number of sports management roles. 

Why Study It?

Combine your passion for sports with the professionalism of a business degree to find the right sports career for your future. Be prepared for leadership positions in the sports industry, with opportunities in areas like sponsorships, endorsements, and media rights waiting for you. Hone your skillset to be prepared for various roles in the sports arena and beyond.

Sports-Specific Knowledge

The program delves into sports-related topics such as sports branding, sports marketing, event and brand management, and media awareness.

Career Options

Graduates from this program seek careers in sports administration, talent management, sports media, sports organization operations, and much more.

Tennis, football and baseball playersThose seeking to complete an MBA degree in Business Administration with the Sports Management concentration must complete nine semester hours from the following course list (including SPAD 5843) alongside the eight core courses for a total of 33 semester credit hours. If pursuing an MBA degree in Business Analytics with a concentration in Sports Management, students must complete the eight core courses, three Business Analytics electives, and three Sports Management electives from the following course list.

MBA Sports Management Concentration Courses

SPAD 5843 Introduction to the Sport Industry 3 (3-0) (Required)

An opportunity for students to interact with, and learn from professionals in the various areas of sport administration. The course will utilize video conferencing person interviews, and presentations via various meeting platforms with collegiate, professional (major & minor league), interscholastic, community amateur sport industry leaders and executives. As available, sport entrepreneurs, player agents, franchise owners, etc., will share their experiences and hands-on knowledge. Students will engage in specific leadership and administrative learning experiences to assist in the development of a personalized skill assessment (hard and soft skills) and resume needed to secure a sport administrator in the field of their choosing.

SPAD 5023 Leadership in Sport Management 3 (3-0)

A study of leadership in sport including a review of philosophical foundations, theoretical foundations, and best practices.

SPAD 5073 Globalization and Sports 3 (3-0)

Exploration of the globalization of sports and how global economic, political, and cultural forces influence the sport industry.

SPAD 5523 Event and Facilities Management 3 (3-0)

In-depth study of best practices associated with operations and the overall management of sport facilities and event formats.

SPAD 5623 Media and Community Relations in Sport 3 (3-0)

Theoretical and practical examination of best practices and trends in media and community relations associated with the sport industry.

SPAD 5723 Sport Marketing and Finance 3 (3-0)

Study of applied concepts and practices in sport marketing and finance specific in the field of sport management.

SPAD 5823 Designing Effective Worksite Wellness Programs 3 (3-0)

This course prepares students to design, implement and evaluate workplace wellness programs with solutions. Students will create a results-oriented wellness program that is designed to promote health within the organization and establish a lasting workplace wellness culture by using established best practices such as wellness teams, staff engagement, collection of data, and implementation of appropriate activities and interventions. There is a cost associated with the course that includes course materials, access to the website, and Wellness Council of America certification (WELCOA Seven Benchmarks Certification).

SPAD 5833 Outdoor Leadership Programming 3 (3-0)

This class will provide a strong foundation in theory and programming of outdoor leadership programs. Analysis of concepts of adventure processing and facilitation required in adventure leadership programs. Evaluation of personal leadership styles and skills required to operate an outdoor program.