Sport Management, MA

Overview

The M.A. in Sport Management is a dynamic 30-credit program designed for those ready to combine strong management skills with the unique demands of the sports industry. Beginning Fall 2026, students can complete the program entirely online, finishing in just 12 or 16 months depending on their personal plan.

The curriculum equips students with expertise across key areas, including marketing and promotion, governance and administration, financial and human resource management, facility operations, legal considerations, and issues in sport media. Each course builds a comprehensive understanding of how sports influence society and how effective management drives success at every level of sport organizations.

Hands-on learning is a cornerstone of the program, with opportunities to apply knowledge through internships in real-world sport settings. Whether aiming for professional leagues, collegiate athletics, or sports business ventures, graduates leave prepared to lead, innovate, and make an impact in the fast-paced world of sports management.

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Accredited Excellence: All courses meet or exceed national standards set by the North American Society for Sport Management.

Comprehensive Curriculum: Students complete 27 credits of sport management courses plus independent research to enhance managerial knowledge and explore personal areas of interest.

Career Success: 100% of WMU sport management graduate students are employed or continuing their education within three months of graduation.

Flexible Online Format: Complete the program 100% online in 12–16 months to fit your schedule and lifestyle.

Hands-On Experience: Gain practical skills and leadership abilities through internships and applied projects in professional, collegiate, and community sport organizations.

The M.A. in Sport Management offers a well-rounded curriculum that blends core management principles with the unique demands of the sports industry. Students engage in coursework that develops skills in leadership, strategy, finance, marketing, communication, ethics, and the legal and media aspects of sport. The program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, allowing students to connect classroom learning with real-world sport experiences. Electives and capstone projects provide opportunities to explore individual interests, conduct research, and gain hands-on experience in sport-related internships or professional settings. All courses are designed to meet or exceed national accreditation standards, ensuring students graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to lead, innovate, and make an impact across a variety of sport organizations.

Graduates of the M.A. in Sport Management are prepared to take on leadership roles across a wide range of sport and recreation settings. Career opportunities include positions in secondary and collegiate athletics, professional sports organizations, community and municipal parks and recreation programs, sports marketing and promotions, facility and event management, and sport-related nonprofit organizations. The program also equips students to pursue roles in athlete development, sport governance, compliance, and administration. With a strong foundation in both management principles and practical experience, graduates are ready to make an impact in any level of the sports industry, driving innovation, operational success, and positive experiences for athletes, teams, and communities alike.

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