sports management phd programs usa

Top 10 Ph.D Programs in Sport Management

Earning a Ph.D in Sports Management is a great way to stand out in this competitive field. Jobs for sport management professionals with their Ph.D exist in facility management, sports marketing, sports law, or education. Earning a sports management Ph.D is a natural progression for students who already have a career in athletics and business and are looking for professional advancement. Sports minded professionals will find advanced education and training in sport management very rewarding.

Methodology

To identify the top 10 best sports management Ph.D programs, we started with a search on College Navigator to find out which schools offered these programs in an online format. We also consulted NASSM, the North American Society for Sport Management, which keeps a list of universities offering Ph.D Sport Management programs in the U.S. We compared student to faculty ratios, average graduate tuition rates, graduation rates, and accreditations using College Navigator. While graduation rates are provided only for first time undergraduate students, we felt this was still important to consider for our list an indicator of the level of support students receive while earning their degree. To be considered for our list, schools must hold regional accreditation, feature hands on training and internship or field experiences, and have a curriculum taught by doctorate level faculty. Where there are ties, we favored the school with the lower graduate tuition rate. From our list, we created a rating system as seen below to select our top 10 doctorate programs in sport management.

Student to Faculty Ratio

• 15:1 or less= 2 Points
• Greater than 15:1= 1 Point

Average Graduate Tuition Rate

• Less than $10,000 per year= 2 Points
• More than $10,000 per year= 1 Point

Overall Graduation Rate

• Less than 50 percent = 1 Points
• Greater than 50 percent = 2 Point

Below are 10 schools that offer the best sports management PhD degree programs. Students learn advanced skills and benefit from professional training in sport management.

Related Resource: Can I Earn a Specialized Sports Marketing Degree?

Ranking the Top 10 PhD Programs in Sports Management

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#10 – University of Northern Colorado-Greeley, Colorado

Ph.d. in sport and exercise science: sport administration.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $10,867/year in-state and $19,620/year out-of-state Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission Overall Graduation Rate: 52 percent Points: 4 As one of the first Ph.D. programs in sport management in the country, the University of Northern Colorado has trained some of the top industry experts. UNCO values independent research and encourages students to work with a faculty advisor to pursue individual research interests. Courses cover areas like consumer behavior, marketing, research, public relations, facility management, and finance. Through this comprehensive curriculum, students in this top sports management PhD program will be prepared to work in academia or research, or be successful as a top level sport administrator.

#9 – University of Connecticut-Storrs, Connecticut

Ph.d. in sport management.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $16,300/year in-state and $38,212/year out-of-state Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education Overall Graduation Rate: 84 percent Points: 4 The top sport management Ph.D. program at the University of Connecticut is a concentration within the Learning, Leadership, and Education Policy Program (LLEP). Students experience a mix of classroom, research and field experiences lead by expert level faculty with experience in the sport industry. Courses cover Organizational Theory in Sport, Organizational Behavior in Sport, and Research in Sport Management. Students can gain additional experience and training by applying for a limited number of assistantships within the department or in the Division of Athletics.

#8 – University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Massachusetts

Phd in sport management.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $14,014/year in-state and $29,529/year out-of-state Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education Overall Graduation Rate: 82 percent Points: 4 At the intersection of sport and business lies the top Doctorate in Sport Management from the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. This full-time, four-year residential program prepares students for a successful career in academia. Areas of study include sport marketing, sport law, sport finance, sport sociology, and sport economics. Students complete 48 credits of coursework, pass a qualifying and comprehensive exam, and teach for three years at Isenberg. During the last years in the program, students will research and complete a dissertation.

#7 – The Ohio State University-Columbus, Ohio

Phd in kinesiology, sport management.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1 Average Net Price: $11,560/year in-state and $35,144/year out-of-state Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission Overall Graduation Rate: 86 percent Points: 4 The College of Education and Human Ecology at The Ohio State University features a Ph.D. in Kinesiology with a focus in sport management. This customized program includes one-on-one mentoring from faculty, contributing to the field through individual research, and engaging in unique professional development opportunities. Coursework covers areas like sports marketing, sport organization theory, business of college sport, and research methods.

#6 – University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Michigan

Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $23,890/year in-state and $48,204/year out-of-state Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission Overall Graduation Rate: 93 percent Points: 5 The School of Kinesiology at the University of Michigan features a Doctorate in Sport Management designed for educators, researchers, and sport management professionals. Students in this top sport management doctorate program contribute original research to the field through a dissertation project. To help offset the cost of tuition, UM offers financial assistance in the form of assistantships (both research and teaching) and fellowship opportunities. Sports management degree coursework covers areas like financial management for the sport industry, managing a professional sport franchise, and strategic management.

#5 – Florida State University-Tallahassee, Florida

Phd sport management.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $9,684/year in-state and $24,116/year out-of-state Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges Overall Graduation Rate: 83 percent Points: 5 The College of Education at Florida State University offers a top Ph.D. in Sport Management focused on four theme areas which include Legal and Policy Issues in Sport, Management in Sport, Sport Marketing, and Sport Media and Culture Studies. Students complete a seminar series, being immersed in current trends and research in each of the theme areas of the program. The curriculum includes extensive training in research, preparing students to become an active researcher. Students also gain valuable instructional experience by shadowing a faculty member to learn to teach undergraduate sport management courses.

#4 – Louisiana State University-Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Sport management ph.d..

Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $9,132/year Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges Overall Graduation Rate: 68 percent Points: 5 The School of Kinesiology at Louisiana State University features an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Sport Management which allows students to tailor the program to meet their professional interests. Students complete core courses, independent studies, and elective courses that cover a wide variety of sport management related concepts and issues. Faculty serve as mentors to help students reach their full potential in both research and academia.

#3 – Indiana University-Bloomington, Indiana

Sport management doctoral program.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $9,501/year in-state and $31,932/year out-of-state Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission Overall Graduation Rate: 79 percent Points: 5 The Doctorate in Sports Management program at Indiana University was designed to meet the demand for an increase in professors and researchers in the field. Students have the opportunity to explore individual areas of interest within sport management through elective coursework and seminars. Admission to the program is highly competitive. Future students should have a solid background and interest in research.

#2 – University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, Arkansas

Doctor of philosophy program in health, sport and exercise science, with a concentration in recreation and sport management.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $7,752/year in-state and $21,032/year out-of-state Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission Overall Graduation Rate: 66 percent Points: 5 Students with a passion for both recreation and sport management should explore the top Ph.D. in Sport Management from the University of Arkansas. The program features a concentration in Recreation and Sport Management that prepares students for careers in education, management, and research. This top sport management doctoral program is rich with experiential learning. Students complete independent research projects, internship experiences, conduct presentations, and publish their work in professional journals. To complete their degree, students must pass both oral and written examinations, a thesis, and a dissertation.

#1 – Texas A&M University-College Station, Texas

Ph.d. in kinesiology with an emphasis in sport management.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $6,677/year in-state and $18,700/year out-of-state Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges Overall Graduation Rate: 82 percent Points: 5 Texas A&M University offers our top choice for a Ph.D. in Sport Management. The Department of Health and Kinesiology has offered a leading sport management Ph.D. program for over 30 years. The curriculum follows four primary areas including scholarship of sport management, scholarship of theoretical specializations, methods of inquiry, and teaching and career preparation. Faculty are industry experts with experience working in marketing, finance, diversity, sport development, legal issues in sport, and leadership. Opportunities for professional development are available through the Center for Sport Management Research and Education and the Laboratory for Diversity in Sport.

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Sport Management Ph.D

Program info, about the ph.d. in sport management program.

Over the past two decades, the sports industry has grown into a $435 billion industry, and a strong curriculum and faculty with professional expertise will prepare you to be a part of the exciting and expanding world of sport management. Whether you are a current professional looking to advance in higher education or someone interested in achieving leadership positions within the ever-growing sport industry, Troy University’s Ph.D. in Sport Management program holds the keys to a successful future.

Broaden Your Opportunities

• Demonstrate knowledge from core and specialized areas of study.
• Conduct pertinent and relevant research related to sport industry.
• Interpret and evaluate research studies in sport management.
• Apply sport management knowledge to the solution of complex issues with demonstration of sensitivity to crucial, controversial sport issues.
• Analyze and apply sport management principles, approaches and rationales to contemporary sport management cases.
• Organize and plan programs of service designed to meet local, state, regional, national and international needs.
• Prepare research within the field of sport management for presentation and/or publication.

Program Flexibility and Faculty Excellence

Sport management ph.d. curriculum.

• Seminar in Sport Marketing
• Seminar in Legal Aspects of Sport
• Seminar in Sport Finance
• Seminar in Organizational Behavior and Leadership
• Seminar in Sport Management Pedagogy

Sport Management Ph.D Program Locations

TROY's Sport Management Ph.D. is offered as a blended program. A blended program combines both online and face-to-face courses. For more information about program availability and delivery options, call 1-800-414-5756

Why Choose TROY For Your Sport Management Ph.D.?

Sport Management is a growing academic discipline in the United States as well as globally.  The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Sport Management at Troy University is a terminal degree focusing on student comprehension and interpretation of contemporary, theoretical and applied studies within the field of Sport Management. The mission of the program is to prepare the graduate for a broad range of sport management-related positions to include, but not limited to higher education, research, professional or amateur athletics, and professional sport industry.  The doctoral program in Sport Management is the is one of the few Ph.D. programs that is offered primarily online in the United States. The program concentrates on developing students to generate the research, critical thinking, and teaching skills necessary for them to be successful in the sport industry and higher education. The coursework in the Ph.D. program provides an interdisciplinary approach to the study of sport management that is intended to build upon each student’s interests. Through areas of specialized coursework and doctoral seminars taught by graduate sport management faculty members, the program offers flexibility for students to analyze a wide variety of opportunities and interests within the discipline of sport management (i.e., organizational management, finance, legal aspects, and marketing of sports). The Ph.D. in Sport Management program at Troy University serves two primary populations: the sport practitioner and the future sport management educator. Thus, the graduate will be prepared to apply research to the sport industry, contribute to the advancement and dissemination of scholarly research, and/or educate future sport managers. As such, the Sport Management Ph.D. program at Troy University is designed to address the challenge by industry and educational institutions to train high quality academicians with a sport management background. Students will be offered the chance to develop and produce original theoretical-specific knowledge that is germane to the sport industry and academy. Such research-oriented endeavors will permit the doctoral students to be in the middle of new advances in sport management.

Careers in Sport Management

TROY's Sport Management program prepares graduates for a broad range of sport management-related positions including higher education, research, professional or amateur athletics and professional sport industry.

Faculty Profiles

Dr. Win (Gi-Yong) Koo

Frequently asked questions.

Official scores from nationally standardized aptitude examinations, such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Miller’s Analogy Test (MAT), General Management Admissions Test (GMAT), or Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) are not required for admissions consideration; however, official scores may be submitted at the time of application by those students who feel the results of their examinations will enhance their admissions application. 

• Troy University Graduate School Application Form
• One official transcript per each institution of higher education ever attended
• References should be able to address the applicant’s readiness to enroll in a doctoral program. It is recommended that such individuals be previous undergraduate or graduate professors, advisors or others who can substantiate the applicant’s academic preparation for admittance to a doctoral program.
• Details of your rationale for pursuing a Ph.D. in Sport Management.
• Details regarding your career and research interests.
• Identify 1-2 TROY Sport Management doctoral faculty members that you are interested in working with. A list of doctoral directive faculty members and their curriculum vitae indicating their research areas may be viewed at the HSTM website .
• The goal of the writing sample is to measure the applicant’s ability to write clearly and succinctly in an academic fashion. The writing sample may include a thesis completed by the student, a significant research or case study class project, preferably written at the graduate level. It is expected that the applicant be either the first or second author if the submission was a group project. The paper must be double spaced, 12 point, Times New Roman font with 1 inch margins on all sides. Since the American Psychological Association (APA) style is followed in all written assignments in the Ph.D. program, it is recommended that the sample also be written in APA format. However, other writing styles, including but not limited to Chicago, Modern Language Association (MLA), Turbian, AMA Manual or other accepted research writing styles, will be considered. Note: The writing sample could also include an accepted or published research that the applicant was either the sole or co-author of a research project. The applicant must submit a pdf of the paper or a link as proof of publication.

Applications to the Ph.D. program may be submitted twice per academic year, once in fall and once is spring. The applicant must submit an application to the Troy University Graduate School. After all required documentation has been submitted, the applicant’s entire application packet will be reviewed for admission into the Doctoral Program. No pre-requisites will be required for admission other than the applicant must have attained a Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. In order to be given full consideration, all requested materials must be received by the deadlines listed below:

Application Deadlines: Fall Admission for U.S. citizens: June 1 Fall Admission for non U.S. citizens: April 1 Spring Admission for U.S. citizens: October 1 Spring Admission for non U.S. citizens: September 1

Consistent with other terminal degree programs at TROY, the Sport Management doctoral student will have a maximum time for degree completion of eight years, inclusive of completing dissertation requirements. However, it is important to note that a full-time student (i.e., taking 6 credits per term) may be able to complete coursework in two (2) years. Additionally, dissertation may require 1-2 years to fully complete.

As a result, students can finish the program in as little as three (3 years). To do so, the students must communicate with their major advisor on a regular basis.

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What Can a Ph.D. in Sport Management Do for Your Career?

As a sixth-degree black belt in Taekwondo, Dr. Win Koo achieved the status of master of martial arts in his native South Korea before becoming a grandmaster in the United States. However, it’s Dr. Koo’s academic talent rather than his martial arts skills that he calls on when he comes out fighting as the program coordinator on Troy University’s Ph.D. in Sport Management program.

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Ph.D. in Sport Management at KU

Program Overview

The Ph.D. in sport management at the University of Kansas prepares individuals for faculty, instructor, and research positions at the university level. Students enrolled full-time in the Ph.D. program typically complete the degree in three years. The program also welcomes professionals in the field to enroll part-time and complete the degree on an extended timeline. Doctoral students are able to participate in active research being conducted in the Amateur Sport Research Center.

Career Outcomes in Sport Management

A Ph.D. in sport management from KU is valuable in a number of fields. Those interested in academia as a career path can see the number of recent graduates who have gone onto become tenure-track faculty members at universities across the United States. Additionally, professionals in the field continue in their full-time positions (typically in athletics) while going through the program and use the degree for career advancement and knowledge development in the ever-competitive athletics marketplace. Potential position titles after graduation could include:

• Athletic director
• General manager
• Professional sports event coordinator
• Ticket sales manager
• Policy maker/analyst
• Researcher.

*This program is a doctor of philosophy degree in health, sport management, and exercise science with an emphasis in sport management.

Related programs

• Online master’s degree
• Bachelor’s degree
• Assistantships
• School scholarships
• Amateur Sport Research Center
• KU Sport Management Club

Thinking about sport management?

Brag points, graduate student life view as gallery page.

Vibrant Campus Environment

In the heart of the United States, the city of Lawrence revolves around the University and its students.

Professional Development

Doctoral students will leave KU with a professional and academic network of fellow faculty and staff.

Research Opportunities

Doctoral students at KU support faculty and research staff in conducting adding new information to the body of knowledge in a variety of fields.

Graduate Student Funding

The Office of Graduate Studies at KU provides both internal and external funding resources to support doctoral students.

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The Ohio State University

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Sport Management, Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology

Ohio State's PhD sport management program puts you in a position to become a leader in the field. You will have opportunities to customize your studies, master your research skills and get the encouragement to follow your passions, wherever they lie. This flexible program allows you to get involved with several types of research and get exposed to many different interdisciplinary areas at Ohio State. 

Program Features 

One-on-one, personalized support from internationally renowned faculty members, and guidance from those outside of sport management 

Create a big network of people inside and outside the university 

Inspire students through teaching 

Present at conferences and get recognized by experts when you publish in peer-reviewed journals 

Be completely immersed in a sports city 

Current Students Spotlight

Our students make essential contributions to the vibrant intellectual community of our program. Click below to learn more about some of our students’ interests and accomplishments.

Student profiles

Career Paths 

Funding Options 

Key to teaching, research and learning in the college, associateships provide students with professional experience and financial support. 

These financial awards are made by Ohio State to students based on academic merit through a university-wide competition. 

The college annually awards scholarships to its students to support their academic goals. 

Graduate program costs can depend on a variety of factors such as residency, number of credit hours, and number of semesters enrolled. The Graduate Admissions website provides an estimate of annual costs for Ohio residents, domestic non-residents, and international students. The Registrar’s Office provides more in-depth information about Tuition and Fees .

Degree Requirements

Prerequisites

Master’s degree. Test scores: GRE

Expected time to degree

Deadline to apply

for funding consideration; then rolling admissions until cohort filled

Applications for the next admissions cycle will open September 1

Program start

Autumn Semester 

View Sport Management (KINESIO-PH, PSN) Curriculum Sheet

Program handbook

Download here

Mode of Instruction

While some courses may be offered online, this degree requires in-person learning on the Columbus campus.

Prospective students are encouraged to complete an inquiry card so we can share information about virtual info sessions, opportunities to connect graduate students, program news and the admissions process.

Application checklist

View application checklist

Apply to Ohio State

Education & Human Development

Kinesiology & sport management.

The Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management

The Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management (KNSM) is one the largest academic department at Texas A&M University, generating over 90,000 credit hours and 200,000 (modified) weighted student credit hours each year.

As one of four departments in the School of Education and Human Development, KNSM is currently home to over 3,000 undergraduate students, 246 master’s students, 70 doctoral students (3,921 total), 179 minor students, 103 faculty members, 32 staff members and 90 funded graduate assistants.

Divisions of Kinesiology & Sport Management

The department is comprised of three divisions: Kinesiology ,  Sport Management  and the  Physical Education Activity Program . Each division offers various degrees  and  outreach programs promoting continuing education for students and the community.

Former Student Highlight

Kourtney martin.

During her time as a Group Fitness Instructor at Texas A&M Rec Sports, she was presented with the opportunity to instruct WELLNESS WORKS! fitness sessions to faculty and staff at Texas A&M. She went on to complete her graduate internship with WELLNESS WORKS! before being named Employee Wellness Coordinator in 2017.

Bachelor’s →

Master’s →

Emphasis Areas

Sport management.

• Motor Behavior
• Basic Exercise Physiology
• Applied Exercise Physiology
• Athletic Training
• Sports Physiology
• Motor Neuroscience
• Clinical Exercise Physiology
• Sport Pedagogy
• Exercise Physiology

Ph.D. in Kinesiology, Emphasis in:

Ph.d. in kinesiology: emphasis in sport management.

For nearly 30 years, Texas A&M University has been preparing Ph.D. students to excel in the scholarship of sport. We offer a Ph.D. in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sport Management where faculty and students study sport management in ways that impact individuals, organizations and communities both locally and globally.

Using an appropriate array of theoretical, methodological and practical bases, our aim is to expose graduate students to a wide variety of perspectives and methods, then train them to understand and apply their knowledge base to critical areas of inquiry within sport management.

Prerequisites

Please refer to the Texas A&M University Catalog for more course information.

Competency in the content of the course is required rather than the particular course. The Office of Graduate Studies in the Department of Kinesiology & Sport Management in consultation with the graduate committee chair or temporary advisor will be happy to review transcripts of potential graduate students.

Requirements

Research experience requirement.

Prior to scheduling the dissertation proposal meeting, each student will:

• Have presented, as sole or first author, at least one presentation at a state, regional, or national conference; and
• Will be an author on at least one research paper submitted to a peer-reviewed national or international journal.

In addition, dissertations will not be signed by the department head until the student has submitted as first author a manuscript (or manuscripts) of the study to a national or international refereed journal (or journals).

Minimum Hour Requirement

The Ph.D. requires a minimum of 67 hours beyond a masters or 96 hours beyond a baccalaureate degree .

Depending on the preparation and experience, doctoral students may be required to complete undergraduate or graduate leveling work in addition to the minimum Ph.D. requirements.

Program Details

Degree: Ph.D. in Kinesiology emphasis: Sport Management Credit Hours: 67 hours Delivery: Traditional

For the tuition calculator: You will choose “Graduate” at the top in the maroon and select “Education and Human Development” in the College or School drop-down menu. A full-time graduate student takes 9 hours.

TUITION & FEES

For a better understanding of your total cost of attendance (COA), please visit our Cost and Tuition Rates page . This webpage will provide you with an opportunity to review estimated COA information for undergraduate, graduate and professional students, as well as other resources such as the tuition calculator and billing and fee explanations.

Core Curriculum

Kinesiology PhD in Sport Management Curriculum

Joshua Russell

Academic advisor iii.

View Directory Profile

Our faculty represent globally noted scholars in the areas of:

• Diversity, social justice, and gender equity
• Sport development,
• Legal aspects of sport and sport for development
• Organizational behavior

Each faculty member engages with students to develop lines of inquiry that will both prepare them for future careers in the academy and contribute to the growing body of sport management knowledge.

The Center for Sport Management Research and Education , along with the Laboratory for Diversity in Sport and the Laboratory for the Study of Intercollegiate Athletics also provide opportunities for students to engage in studies that will impact sport management theory and practice.

The broad collective knowledge base of faculty and access to world-class opportunities on and off campus, combined with individual mentorship for each student makes Texas A&M one of the strongest and most attractive universities for training and inspiring scholars in sport management.

Dr. Paul Keiper

Clinical associate professor and chair, sport management.

Dr. Marlene Dixon

Department head.

Dr. Gregg Bennett

Dr. Paul Batista

Associate professor.

Dr. Natasha Brison

Assistant professor.

Dr. Shane Hudson

Clinical professor.

Dr. Scott Waltemyer

Clinical assistant professor, dr. john singer.

Dr. Jim Guinn

Instructional assistant professor.

Dr. Hyun-Woo Lee

Dr. Brian McCullough

Dr. Calvin Nite

Dr. Wendi Zimmer

Jon Heidtke

Professor of the practice.

Dr. Minjung Kim

Saurabh Singh

Associate director.

Dr. Mark LaSota

Becky Geyer

Frequently Asked Questions

• PHD Sport Management 5

PHD Sport Management

Will there be any scholarship opportunities.

The Kinesiology and Sport Management Department provides competitive Graduate Assistantship positions ($2000 per month stipend plus benefits and tuition) and grant opportunities. In addition some scholarships are also available.

I still have further questions—who can I contact to help me answer those?

The Graduate Advising Office is located on the first floor of the Gilchrist Building. Our office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Graduate Advisor: Joshua Russell

• Office: Gibb Gilchrist Building

You can email us general questions at [email protected] .

I live out of state. Do you accept out-of-state applicants?

Yes, we accept in-state and out-of-state applicants.

Is there any opportunity for financial assistance?

Yes, there are opportunities for financial assistance. Please visit the Funding Your Education page for more information.

Is the GRE required?

No, the GRE is not required.

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Sport Administration

Why study sport administration.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Sport Administration program at the University of Cincinnati is dedicated to preparing students for successful careers in the professoriate, higher education, and in the sports industry. Our program offers a flexible curriculum allowing students to customize their coursework and experiences to match their career and research goals. With our strategic location, distinguished faculty expertise, and university resources, we are the ideal hub for cultivating future leaders, scholars, and practitioners in sport administration. Join our program and become part of a vibrant community of scholars dedicated to advancing sport scholarship and practice!

Admission Requirements

• Master's Degree in Sport Administration or a related field (with a cumulative GPA of a 3.00 or higher)
• Three (3) reference names
• One (1) letter of recommendation
• Applicants will choose from a list of topics.
• Applicant will then research that topic and support with 4-6 sources.
• Applicant will write a 2-3 page paper (roughly 1,000 words), must cite in APA, and include a reference page.
• Why UC? What are their career goals related to completing this degree? Which faculty member are they wanting as an advisor?.

Our program will support student career goals that range from faculty, administrative, practitioner/athletics, and alt-academic careers. We will provide resources in our seminar classes, particularly our SMGT 9040: Professional Development and Career Exploration course, that will inform students of their options and resources across a wealth of career outlets.

We also have a dedicated Doctoral Sport Administration Group that will house regular meetings to discuss theory, teaching, research, service, career ideas, conferences, interviewing, negotiation, and other topics designed to help students be successful during and after they’ve completed our program.

The Sport Administration PhD program graduates are well-equipped for a wide range of career opportunities in academia, higher education, and the sport industry. With advanced research and analytical skills, graduates can pursue careers as professors, researchers, consultants, and executives in sports organizations, athletic departments, and related industries. Whatever your career goals may be, the PhD in Sport Administration program at the University of Cincinnati provides the foundation for achieving success and making a meaningful impact. 

Please contact Dr. Matt Hum l , sport administration doctoral program coordinator, for questions related to advising.

Here at the University of Cincinnati, our program offers unique strengths that set it apart from other Sport Administration PhD programs. As one of the few programs located within a large metropolitan area, our students have access to a wealth of resources both on and off campus, including professional, intercollegiate, interscholastic, recreational, and leisure programs within proximity to UC. With a proven track record of prestigious research fellowships, best article awards, teaching accolades, and grant funding, our faculty provide invaluable mentorship and research opportunities to our students. 

Join us in our commitment to diversity and inclusion! We are dedicated to increasing representation within our faculty ranks. This is an exciting opportunity to connect with our esteemed faculty members, learn more about our program, and take the first step toward achieving your career goals in the sports industry. We believe that a diverse community of scholars is essential for advancing the field of sport administration, and we look forward to welcoming you into our program. 

For international admissions requirements, please visit our website .

• Guide: Sport Administration PhD Curriculum

Application Deadlines

Early Admission

General Admission

December 1 - All accepted students start the following fall semester.

Contact Information

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• Social Science

Program Code: 18DOC-SPAD-PHD

PhD in Sport Management

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Students in Isenberg’s PhD program in sport management are interested in the convergence of sport and business.

From uncovering the unique characteristics of sport monopolies to understanding brand management as it relates to fan behavior, students find their research niche at Isenberg as they become leading academics and scholars the field.

Message from the Coordinator

The sport industry has rapidly developed into a thriving business, with impacts across society, driving demand for sport business-trained professionals, and pioneering academic research. There are exceptional opportunities for aspiring academics with a passion for sport.

Isenberg has been ahead of this curve, crafting a doctoral program—one of only a handful in the country—that prepares students to meet this demand. By merging the Mark H. McCormack Department of Sport Management, a leader in the field for 40 years, with Isenberg, we can simultaneously provide students with PhD-level training in sport and business management.

We’re proud that our distinguished program also offers:

• Renowned faculty  with diverse research interests who regularly publish scholarly work in top-tier sport journals
• A  supportive and collaborative environment  that extends beyond the classroom
• Low student-to-faculty ratio , providing individual attention to doctoral students
• Customization  that encourages doctoral students to pursue their research interests
• Strong ties to sport industry leaders  who can be utilized for research

Our graduates enjoy marketability as both published researchers and seasoned educators. We welcome applicants who are dedicated learners and inquisitive thinkers interested in making real contributions to this exciting and still emerging field.

Elizabeth B. Delia PhD Coordinator & Associate Professor

About the Program

Isenberg’s PhD in sport management is a full-time, residential program that prepares students for careers in academia. Students receive broad training in research methods and learn to apply advanced business understanding to sport subject matter. With small class sizes, students enjoy individualized instruction from faculty. Valuable teaching opportunities prime students to become educators at leading institutions.

Students generally complete a PhD in Sport Management within 4-5 years. Students must pass both a qualifying and comprehensive examination, and complete three years of teaching at Isenberg. During the final years students research, write, and defend a dissertation.

Students must take 48 credits of coursework, which includes classes in theory and research methods, research electives, and minor classes.

Examples of courses:

• Sport Marketing
• Sport Consumer Behavior
• Sport Organizational Theory & Behavior
• Sport Finance
• Sport Economics
• Sport Leadership
• Sport Sociology

Isenberg has a strong focus on research. Faculty members work alongside doctoral students on a variety of projects, publishing research in top tier sport management journals. Recent projects include: 

• The intersection of fandom and health
• Experiences of fandom in women's sport 
• Sexism in sport organizations 
• How sport fans experience emotional support from each other 
• Identity covering of marginalized individuals in the workplace
• The role of nostalgia in sport fandom 
• Motives and points of attachment for esport consumers 

Sport Management Doctoral Candidates

McCormack Department of Sport Management

Testimonials from recent graduates.

PhD in Kinesiology (Sport Management and Policy)

Students in the Ph.D. program in Sport Management and Policy are passionate about investigating a variety of managerial, business, and societal topics in the context of sport. The program is a full-time on-campus program which focuses on research and prepares students for a career as a professor at leading colleges and universities across the globe.

The program typically takes four years to complete and students focus on developing their research skills over the entirety of their stay in the program. During the first two years, students take coursework in research methodology, statistics, sport management, and their research specialization area. The degree program structure allows students the ability to design a unique curriculum that fits their specific area of research interest. At the end of the second year, students are required to complete a written and oral comprehensive exam. In the final two years of the program, students focus on writing a dissertation. Students complete a written and oral defense of the dissertation to finalize the program.

Students in the program work directly with a faculty member to develop their research skills in a specific area of interest.

Areas of Research Specialization:

• Sport Marketing
• Sport Consumer Behavior
• Sport Policy and Governance
• Sport Organizational Theory and Behavior
• Sport Economics
• Sport Finance
• Sport Analytics
• Sport Leadership

It is recommended that prospective students contact individual University of Georgia Sport Management and Policy faculty members via email to assess whether admissions availability exists with a given faculty member.

Faculty in the Ph.D. program in Sport Management and Policy program maintain a strong focus on research. Ph.D. students are expected to work with their faculty mentor to develop research projects which are publishable in top peer-reviewed sport management journals or in high quality parent-discipline journals in the specific area of research interest.

Our faculty have expertise in a range of subjects, with faculty members who serve as advisors to students in the sport management emphasis:

• Dr. Thomas Baker Co-Director, Sport, Economics, and Law Lab
• Dr. Rose Chepyator-Thomson Director, Cultural Studies in Physical Activity Lab
• Dr. Clay Collins Assistant Professor
• Dr. Becca Leopkey Associate Professor
• Dr. Steven Salaga Co-Director, Sport, Economics, and Law Lab
• Dr. James Zhang Director, International Center for Sport Management

How to Apply

Admission to the Ph.D. program in Sport Management and Policy is highly competitive. Preferred applicants will have achieved an exemplary level of success in their bachelor’s and master’s degrees from regionally accredited colleges and universities. Preferred applicants are highly-motivated and are high-achievers with strong university GPAs and standardized test scores. Satisfactory Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required for all applicants, along with a statement of purpose, a current CV, and contact information for three references. Prospective students must apply through the University of Georgia Graduate School who handles all admissions paperwork. The Graduate School website contains important details about the application process, orientation, and many other useful links to guide you through the process of attending UGA at the graduate level.

Start A Graduate School Application

Prospective Graduate Student Application Checklist

The following should be uploaded to the Graduate School’s application:

• Unofficial transcripts from each institution of higher education attended
• Statement of Purpose should summarize your career goals and how the degree program would help you attain those identified goals.
• If applying to a MS-thesis or Ph.D. program, ensure you describe your research interests and how your interests fit with a specific faculty member within the Department of Kinesiology.
• A CV or resume
• Contact information for three references
• Scores can be sent to UGA’s Graduate School as a designated score recipient using code 5813.

Deadline To Apply

Log Into Existing Application

Additional Resources

Please use our online form if you have any questions for the department. Please be as specific as possible so that we may quickly assist you.

The College’s programs are taught by dedicated faculty who are experts in a range of areas and are passionate about helping students succeed both in their programs and professionally.

Meet the Faculty

Most graduate students at UGA are not assigned to a faculty advisor until after admittance. A close working relationship with your advisor is paramount to progressing through your program of study.

Almost all in-state students begin their studies at UGA paying limited tuition or fees. Please note that these amounts are subject to change and are meant to give prospective students an idea of the costs associated with a degree at the University of Georgia College of Education.

Students may qualify for a variety of assistantships, scholarships, and other financial awards to help offset the cost of tuition, housing, and other expenses.

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Because we have graduate students from around the world who apply to our program, you will be a part of a diverse group of learners and thinkers whose ideas and perspectives will enhance your own experience.

Doctoral students also have opportunities to attend and present at national conferences, and to join national-level student organizations. Our department organizes networking sessions, top-level speakers and opportunities for scholarly exchange throughout the academic year.

You will take courses in the Ramsey Student Center for Physical Activities, the country’s largest on-campus recreational facility.

See for yourself how much UGA College of Education has to offer! Schedule a tour of campus to learn more about the UGA student experience.

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Department of Educational Leadership

Sport Management Program

Doctoral degree, the ph.d. in sport management is a concentration within the department's learning, leadership, and education policy program ( llep ), our mission, the sport management program is designed to provide an educational experience that includes an effective blend of classroom, research and field experiences in an effort to provide each student the opportunity to gain disciplinary knowledge and to develop the necessary skills to be successful in any area of the sport industry., our mission is to graduate scholar-practitioners, and researchers, who have the knowledge, skills, and values to lead the sport industry in the 21st century and who envision sport as a vehicle for positive social outcomes..

The Sport Management Concentration in the Learning, Leadership, and Education Policy (LLEP) Ph.D. prepares individuals to:

• Apply lenses of social justice and organizational change to engage in scholarship, and work in and with complex institutions of higher education and sport organizations
• Critically examine important questions in sport using rigorous research methodologies and methods
• Construct theoretical models based on sound empirical research to guide practice and policy
• Appreciate the role supportive learning systems and environments play in higher education and sport organizations

Sport Management Faculty

SAMPLE PLAN OF STUDY

LLEP Core Courses (15 credits)

• EDLR 6313 — Educational Policy and Politics
• EDLR 5204 — Organizational Learning
• EDLR 5201 — Influences on Adult Learning
• EDLR 6467 — Social Justice Leadership, Equity, and Change
• EDLR 6050 — Proposal/Prospectus Development I

Sport Management Concentration Courses  (9 credits minimum)

• EDLR 6300 — Organizational Theory in Sport
• EDLR 6310 — Organizational Behavior in Sport
• EDLR 6315 — Current Research in Sport Management

Research Courses (12 credits minimum) (Can be used to meet Graduate School 6-credit minimum Related Area requirement)

• EPSY 5605 — Quantitative Methods in Research I
• EPSY 5607 — Quantitative Methods in Research II
• EPSY 5613 — Multivariate Analysis in Educational Research
• EPSY 6601 — Methods and Techniques of Educational Research
• EPSY 5601 — Principles & Methods in Educational Research
• EPSY 5610 — Applied Regression Analysis for the Education Sciences
• EPSY 5613 — Multivariate Analysis in Education
• EPSY 5621 — Construction of Evaluative Instruments
• EDCI 5824 — Educational Ethnography
• EDCI 6000 — Qualitative Methods of Educational Research
• EDCI 6005 — Advanced Methods of Qualitative Research
• EDCI 6052 — Advanced Qualitative Methods
• Other research courses as needed

Cognate Area(s)  (9 credits)

• Courses to be taken from outside the Dept. of Educational Leadership Courses may be taken, with the consent of the major advisor and the student’s advisory committee from management, marketing, sociology, psychology, anthropology, educational leadership, management and finance, among others

Graduate School Required Doctoral Dissertation Research credits  (15 credits minimum)

• GRAD 6950 — Doctoral Dissertation Research

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School of Kinesiology

PhD in Kinesiology

Sport management.

The Sport Management PhD concentration at the Louisiana State University is offered by the School of Kinesiology as a degree program which focuses on developing a variety of academic skills to help students become successful in academic and/or scholarly endeavors. Students accepted into the PhD program will receive training toward careers in academia or professional positions of similar or related career fields. Specifically, students will be provided the opportunity to receive and demonstrate critical thinking and research skills through an interdisciplinary approach which centers on the student’s research interests and career ambitions. Building on a foundation of sport management courses, independent studies, and mentoring opportunities with the program’s faculty members, students will, through elective coursework (i.e., cognate area) explore a wide variety of management issues related to the field of sport. Such interests may include areas related to Organizational Behavior and Theory, Facility Management, Law and Legal Applications, Finance and Accounting, Economics, History, and Social Issues to name a few. Finally, unique among graduate programs, LSU offers real opportunities to teach lecture courses in our undergraduate Sport Administration program to help prepare PhD students and candidates for careers in academia. Courses available for doctoral students and candidates at LSU include the basic core of most undergraduate and graduate curriculums (e.g., marketing and promotions, law and ethics, finance, introduction to sport industry, social issues, etc.). Overall, the PhD opportunity at LSU allows students the flexibility to carve their niche within the sport industry to better serve the interest of the academy and their own natural curiosity.

Accreditation

The PhD in Kinesiology with a specialization in Sport Management graduate program is accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA). The program is designed to help students become successful in academic and/or scholarly endeavors. Of the 34 sport management doctoral programs in the United States, only three have achieved accreditation at this point from COSMA .

For more information about the 2022–2023 student achievement data, operational effectiveness goals and program information profile.

Students must submit an application to the Graduate School . Students will be evaluated on these six areas regarding their application package:

• Cumulative Undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA);
• GRE and/or GMAT score;
• 3 Letters of Recommendation;
• Letter of Intent/Interest;
• Research Statement;

PhD applicants should contact the faculty members before applying to understand the current research interests of the faculty and to communicate their own potential area of interest.

Course Requirements

Minimum Total* 77 Credit Hours

Research and Statistics 26 Credit Hours

Cognate Area** 15 Credit Hours

**Electives and Cognate: Electives and the selection of the Cognate specialization will be chosen on the basis of agreement between the student and the student’s advisor. Courses required for the Cognate specialization will be based on agreement between the student and the student’s Cognate professor. Each of these agreements is subject to approval by the student’s PhD committee. *At least 27 credit hours at the 7000 level or above, exclusive of any type of independent study, is required.

***Students should consult with faculty advisor(s) as to the coursework plan will prepare them to meet their goals.

Graduates of Sport Management PhD Program

Dr. Marcella Otto (Original Placement: Northern Illinois University)

Dr. Adam Pfleegor (Original Placement: Mississippi State University) 

Dr. Dylan Williams (Original Placement: University of Alabama)

Dr. Patrick Tutka (Original Placement: Niagara University)

Dr. Khirey Walker (Original Placement: Ball State University)

Dr. Jeremy Foreman (Original Placement: University of Louisiana- Lafayette)

Dr. Benjamin Downs (Original Placement: Ball University)

Dr. Yoseph Mamo (Original Placement: Tennessee State University)

Dr. Seungmin Kang (Original Placement: North Dakota State University)

Current PhD Students

Tiffany Demiris (4th Year)

2014 MS; Temple University, Sport and Recreation Management

2011 BS; New Jersey Institute of Technology, Communication and Media

Interest : Tiffany is interested in Sport Facilities Development and Operations in both the collegiate and professional athletic realms. Her interests also lay in the historical aspects of the said facilities and in particular the financing of stadia. 

Nathan Baer (3rd Year)

2020 MS; Northern Illinois University, Sport Management

2018 BS; North Central University, Psychology and German

Interest : Nathan's primary research interests include sport organizational behavior and human-resource development. Additionally, he explores youth sport development as a minor area of study.

Jeff White (3rd Year)

2020 MS; Louisiana State University, Kinesiology/Sport Management

2011 BS; University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Political Science

Interest : Jeff's research interest involve an emphasis on the application of HRM practices and specifically, internal marketing in relation to leadership and organizational culture, and their collective influence on job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and organizational citizenship behavior.

Mandy Barefoot (2nd Year)

2019 MS; Louisiana State University, Kinesiology/Sport Management

2018 BS; Post University, Sport Management (minor in Marketing)

Interest : Mandy's professional focus in ticket sales leadership and general management influences her research interest in organizational behavior and culture, factors that influence employee retention, and diversity issues in sport business offices.

Olga Khokhryakova (1st Year)

2021 MS; University of Arkansas, Community Health Promotion

2014 MS; Higher School of Economics University, Moscow, History

2012 BS; Higher School of Economics University, Moscow, Journalism

Interest : Olga’s primary research interest is focused on the role of social entrepreneurship and innovation in the field of sport for development. She is particularly interested in studying entrepreneurship during the formative stages of sport for development organizations. Olga is also interested in studying organizational capacity building in underrepresented regions. 

King Saah (1st Year)

2017 MS; Temple University, Globalization and Development Communication

2012 BA; Cabrini College, Graphic Design

Interest : King’s primary research interest is focused on leadership in the field of sport for development. He is interested in the role of different leadership styles as well as leadership development. Additionally, King’s secondary research interest involves studying funding models and fundraising in sport for development. 

Sport Management Research

Chad Seifried Phone: 225-578-4632

Program Area Faculty

CHAD SEIFRIED

MICHAEL MARTINEZ

PER SVENSSON

Tyreal Qian

Claire Zvosec

Read about our faculty, research, student testimonials, and more!

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Sport Administration

Doctor of Philosophy

Get your Ph.D. from one of the world’s premier training grounds for academic faculty and researchers in sport administration.

• Programs at the University of Northern Colorado
• Sport and Exercise Science
• Sport Administration PhD

World-renowned program, prestigious degree

UNC has one of the world’s oldest and most highly respected sport administration Ph.D. programs. Our groundbreaking sport administration program has been training exceptional researchers and teachers since the 1980s. You’ll get superior preparation for a faculty career, while building first-hand experience in applied research that has real influence within the sports industry.

UNC offers you broad freedom to pursue independent research, with strong guidance and mentoring from your faculty advisor. Because of our strong international reputation, you’ll meet fellow students from around the world. Our graduates have an outstanding track record in the academic job market, with faculty appointments throughout the United States and abroad.

Degree Details

Credits required:, location/delivery:.

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Degree Option

Ph.d. in sport and exercise science: sport administration.

UNC’s doctoral degree program requires 64 credits of coursework, including a set of core research courses that cover statistics, qualitative research and research methods. The program meets the professional guidelines set forth by the North American Society for Sport Management and the National Association for Sport and Physical Education.

Take the next step! Explore courses, contact information and admission requirements.

Degree Requirements

Greeley Campus Program

Your Future in Academia

Our Ph.D. in sport administration is a research degree, designed for students who seek careers as college or university professors. In addition to building academic expertise in sport administration, you will develop excellent teaching skills, drawing on UNC’s traditional strength as an educator-training institution. You will enter the job market with well-rounded faculty skills that encompass research, academic publishing, curriculum development and classroom instruction. Alumni of our doctoral program in sport administration have a stellar record of faculty job placements.

Consider a Ph.D. in Sport Administration if you want to:

• Pursue an academic career as a faculty member in sport administration
• Produce applied research that has relevance and influence within the sport industry
• Excel as a college-level teacher
• Excel as a university-level researcher
• Belong to a global alumni network that’s highly engaged in sport administration all over the world

You’ll learn:

• Quantitative and qualitative research methods
• Statistical analysis
• Marketing and promotions with a focus on consumer behavior and consumption
• Economics of sports organizations, including industry-specific factors such as fan loyalty, ticket pricing, communications, stadium facilities, parking / concessions and family outreach
• Organizational behavior and management
• Legal and ethical aspects of the sports industry
• International sports institutions and structures

Sample courses:

• Marketing and Promotions
• Consumer Behavior
• Financial Management for Sport Organizations
• Event and Facility Management
• Legal Aspects of Sport
• Sport Public Relations and Information Systems

Beyond the Classroom

UNC’s on-campus Sports Marketing Research Institute provides a unique outlet that enables you to gain hands-on experience in applied research. Working on behalf of sports industry clients who seek management assistance, you will have opportunities to solve real-world problems related to sport administration and management. Clients may seek help with pricing, public relations, sponsorship, licensing, marketing, customer satisfaction or other elements of sport administration.

Where can your degree take you?

• University faculty appointment in sport administration or a related discipline
• Research and publishing in sports marketing, finance, sponsorship and other specialties
• Consulting for teams, leagues and other sports organizations

Ready for what's next? Here's what you need to know.

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Graduate Academic Programs

Doctoral degree program (phd), human performance major, emphasis: sport management, description of program, degree requirements, special opportunities.

The doctoral sport management program at Indiana University was founded in response to a growing demand for researchers and professors in sport management. This doctoral program has produced several scholars who are professors at universities across the United States and around the world from South Korea to Australia. The Ph.D. program is focused on developing in doctoral students the research, critical thinking, and teaching skills necessary for them to be successful in academia. Students in the doctoral program are generally interested in pursuing professorial or administrative careers in the academic field of sport management. The coursework in the Ph.D. program provides an interdisciplinary approach to the study of sport management intended to build upon the each student’s interest and thorough foundation in sport. Through elective coursework and doctoral seminars taught by graduate sport management faculty members, the program allows flexibility for students to explore a wide variety of opportunities and interests within the field of sport management (i.e., business, communication, history). Admission into the program is highly competitive, and courses are research intensive. For more information about this program, please visit the program webpage or contact the sport management doctoral program coordinator, Dr. Antonio Williams, at [email protected] or the director of the sport management undergraduate and graduate programs, Dr. Paul M. Pedersen, at [email protected] .

Courses required for this degree are prescribed by an advisory committee for each individual student. Degree requirements include:

• A minimum of 90 graduate-level credits beyond the bachelor’s degree are required.
• A minimum 3.0 GPA is required for graduation.
• A minimum grade of C is required in each course used to satisfy the major, minor, and elective requirements of the course prescription.
• A minimum grade of B is required in each course used to satisfy the research skills requirement of the course prescription.

Public Health Foundations Requirement for the Ph.D. in Human Performance degree in Sport Management

All Ph.D. degree students in the School of Public Health-Bloomington, who have not completed an MPH degree, are required to complete the following requirement:

• Public Health Foundations Requirement (0 credits) All School of Public Health graduate students must complete the Public Health Foundations online course no later than the end of their first semester of graduate study. Complete details and registration information for this course can be found at the following website: https://iu.instructure.com/enroll/MNG3L6

Common Course Prescription Components

The elements of the course prescription for all Ph.D. degree students in the School of Public Health are arranged as follows:

• Research Skills (9 credits minimum). A minimum of 9 credits of coursework providing required skills to conduct research, such as advanced courses in biostatistics. These credits count toward the 90 credits for the degree. Courses counted in this area require a minimum grade of B.
• Major Area of Study (30 credits minimum). A minimum of 30 credits in the major area of study. These courses must be taken within the School of Public Health-Bloomington. Courses transferred from previous graduate work outside the School of Public Health-Bloomington, if within the major area of study, can be used to fulfill the major areas of study requirement, contingent upon the committee’s approval.
• Minor Area of Study (9 credits minimum). A minimum of 9 credits of coursework in a designated area outside the department in which the major is being pursued.
• Electives (0–28 credits). Elective credits may range between 0 and 28. An optional second minor may be included in the elective credit hours.
• Dissertation (20–30 credits)

Doctoral students are selected to work on a myriad of ongoing research projects at the discretion of their program advisors.

The Ph.D. in Sport Management prepares students for research and teaching careers in academia.

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Sport Management

Pursue your future in professional sport management at the world's top program. The Mark H. McCormack Department of Sport Management is an innovative leader and educator in the sport management industry and one of the few sport management programs based in a professional business school. We offer theory and experiential learning in equal measure from faculty members recognized around the world for their research and industry experience. Graduates of our widely respected programs also have access to our immense and celebrated network of alumni and industry professionals.

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Sports Degrees » Sport Programs » Doctorate in Sports Degrees

Doctorate in Sports Degrees

A Doctorate, or PhD in Sports Management (or related field), can elevate your credentials and expertise in a specific area by showing completion of education at the highest level. While a PhD is a more rare degree program than an undergraduate or graduate one, there are still 50+ universities across the United States and beyond to choose from that offer a Doctorate in Sports Management, either as a stand-alone degree or as a specialization.

There are 26 different states in the U.S. that offer a PhD in a Sports Management related field. In this guide, you will find specific information on some of the top Doctor programs in Sports, both on campus and online.

Consider a sponsored online program currently accepting applications.

Click for more 100% online sports programs that are taking applications for 2024.

Sport Management as a Concentration at the Doctorate Degree Level

While a PhD in Sports Management alone is an option, like at Louisiana State University, another common setup you will see as you research programs is for Sports Management to be listed as a concentration underneath a broader PhD program umbrella.

At Ohio State University, the Doctorate degree offered is in Philosophy with a specialization in Sport Management. At Indiana University, the Doctorate degree listed is in Human Performance.

5 of the Top Online Doctorates in Sport Management Updated for 2024

#1 troy university, phd in sport management.

Troy's Ph.D. program in sport management was the first to be offered online in the country. This program focusing on enhancing your critical thinking and research-based skills required in the contemporary sport industry. Troy boasts a highly regarded faculty that includes the man referred to as the “Father of Modern Sport Management,” professor Packianathan Chelladurai. Website

#2 Concordia University

Tuition: $9,100.

Concordia is an interdisciplinary degree program designed for students who aim to pursue academic, clinical, leadership, or research roles in the fields of health promotion, exercise science, kinesiology, and human performance. An online degree with classes beginning every eight weeks, a tuition guarantee, and small class sizes provides maximum flexibility, even for the working professional. Website

#3 University of Houston

Phd in kinesiology.

UH focuses on four areas of kinesiology: motor behavior, exercise physiology, sport and fitness administration, and obesity studies. A unique guiding philosophy of this program is that students and advisors work closely together to develop a course of study that meets the student's professional goals. As part of the application process, prospective students are required to identify their field of study as well as potential professors with whom they share common scientific interests who will support their admission. Website

#4 East Tennessee State University

Doctor of education in global sport leadership.

ETSU's 60 credit Doctorate of Education in Global Sport Leadership is unique for two reasons. Though attained 100% online, this program has a requirement to attend an international sport event. This program does not have a traditional dissertation. Instead is a Doctoral Capstone Project, which provides the opportunity to display learning gained throughout the entire program into one, seamless project experience. Website

#5 Northcentral University

Phd. ed. in sport and athletic management.

Northcentral's Phd. Ed. in Sport and Athletic Management includes 20 courses with lectures that do not follow a strict class schedule and no group assignments giving a much more independent learning environment. The faculty is 100% educated at the doctoral level so you can be assured you are receiving instruction and advice from faculty who have been where you are. Website

View more featured 100% online sports degree programs that are taking applications for 2024.

12 Common Courses For Sports Management Doctorate Programs

It's helpful to have a clear understanding of what you want to do with your degree after successful completion in order to select a curriculum that best suits your career goals and aspirations. With this in mind, pay close attention to some of the example course offerings within each program overview. Does one sample of courses stick out to you as more closely aligned with your vision than another?

Introduction to Sport Management

Provides an overview of the basic organizational and business structure of the sport, fitness, and leisure industries. Areas of coverage include professional, Olympic, and intercollegiate, as well as the exercise/fitness promotion business sector. This course is intended to provide a foundation for upper level courses.

Organizational Behavior in Sport

Sport finance.

An introduction to the principles of finance and how they can be apply to the sports industry. Covers such issues as financial statements, time value of money, investment valuations, risk, and budget management. This is particularly crucial to facility and team management careers.

Sport Marketing

Applying fundamental concepts in marketing management to managerial decision making in the sport industry including customer acquisition and orientation, consumer (or fan) behavior analysis, market segmentation strategies, market research methods, brand management, and the marketing mix. Final projects in this class typically involve the development of a comprehensive strategic marketing plan as part of a team to simulate the corporate environment.

Sports & Media

Studies the relationships that exist between the media and sports in America, including the role newspapers, magazines, radio, and television play as commercial enterprises in the coverage and production of sporting events. Economic and legal issues as they pertain to the administration of sports programs are also of particular interest.

Society & Sport

Complex social issues are analyzed through the lens of sport, giving way to a thought-provoking understanding of the importance and value of different cultures within their greater communities. Cultural components are explored including gender, race, ethnicity, religion, and socioeconomic class. Sport is examined through the paradigm of different cultures within the U.S. and throughout the world.

Sport Psychology

Studies the behavioral, affective, and cognitive reactions to sport settings by athletes and fans. Also examines techniques and methods for reaching peak performance in athletes by using the context of applied, clinical, educational and experimental sport psychology.

Facility Management

Analyzes the process of designing, managing, and selecting sites for various sport facilities. Focuses on event planning and management for sport and special events and explores the beneficial economic impacts of sport facilities and events on cities and regions.

Sports Sponsorship & Promotions

Provides both a theoretical and applied understanding of the values and limits to sponsorship-linked marketing. Various areas of sponsorships exist including contract negotiations, branding, product placement, and advertising. This course takes an integrated marketing communications perspective and treats sponsorship as just one contributing factor to an overall communications strategy by a team or organization.

Sport Organization Strategy

Studying the links between the organization, its strategy and the overall environment. This class synthesizes core sports management theories and principles from core courses in the functional areas of marketing, management, sponsorship, and finance to provide a total enterprise perspective on strategy. Courses in strategy typically rely heavily on client-specific issues and case studies to achieve learning objectives.

Legal Issues in Sport

Course overview of legal aspects affecting sport, recreation, and fitness industries. Can include employment contracts, leases, waivers, tort liability for coaches, administrators, employees, and independent contractors; 14th Amendment Due Process and Equal Protection; product liability; and statutory regulation including Title IX, ADA, Anti-Trust, and IRS code.

Sports Economics & Public Policy

Course provides an introduction to the economics of sports and its incorporation of public policy. Much of modern sport is organized along commercial business lines and is subject both to the laws of economics but also the regulatory framework imposed upon it by local, state, and federal governments.

5 of the Top On-Campus Programs

#1 indiana university – doctor of human performance – sport management.

• Location – Bloomington, Indiana
• Annual Tuition Cost – In-State: $10,500 / Out-of-State: $30,600
• Program Overview – recommended for students looking to work in the academic field of sports management. 90 credits, 20-30 credits of dissertation work
• Courses Offered – Epidemiology, Foundations of Public Health, Statistics in Public Health, electives in a variety of areas such as Business and Communication

#2 Louisiana State University – Doctor of Sport Management

• Location – Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• Annual Tuition Cost – In-State: $12,500 / Out-of-State: $29,400
• Program Overview – with a strong focus on sport management courses, LSU’s program relies heavily on independent studies and mentorship. 77 credits, 9 credits of dissertation work
• Courses Offered – Administrative Problems in Kinesiology, Social Issues in Sport, Organizational Behavior in Sport, Facilities Management

#3 University of Connecticut – Doctor of Philosophy – Sports Management

• Location – Storrs Mansfield, Connecticut
• Per Credit Tuition Cost – In-State: $525 / Out-of-State: $1,300
• Program Overview – as part of UConn’s Department of Educational Leadership, this degree focuses more on the social justice and organizational changes within the arena of sports management through research and theory. 45 credits, 15 credits of dissertation work
• Courses Offered – Educational Policies and Procedures, Qualitative Methods, Current Research in Sport Management, Organizational Learning

#4 Florida State University – Doctor of Philosophy – Sport Management

• Location – Tallahassee, Florida
• Per Credit Tuition Cost – In-State: $480 / Out-of-State: $1,100
• Program Overview – very sports-focused with deep dives in the areas of business, management, marketing and sports research. 56 credits, 24 credits of dissertation work
• Courses Offered – Globalization, Sport Marketing, Sport Media Culture Studies, Sport Marketing, Management in Sport

#5 Ohio State University – Doctor of Kinesiology – Sport Management

• Location – Columbus, Ohio
• Annual Tuition Cost – In-State: $12,800 / Out-of-State: $37,300
• Program Overview – this degree program is comprehensive of the physical nature of sport and the body mixed with a comprehensive overview of the wider world of sport and its effect on human nature. 57 credits, 6 credits of dissertation work
• Courses Offered – Women in Sport History, Sport and Sexuality, Behavioral Methods, Advanced Physiology

Careers and Work Beyond your Doctorate

Now is a very exciting time to be educated and consequently working in sports. Sports is a global language understood and shared by so many people! Equally as wide and diverse are the many career path options available to you with completion of a post-graduate degree in the area of Sports Management. These are just a few areas to consider after successfully defending your dissertation, but the sky is the limit!

Corporate Careers

Sport organizations such as the United States Golf Association or the United States Tennis Association that oversee the growth and administration of their respective sports across the country at the elite amateur level require marketing professionals, tournament directors, sponsorship liaisons, rules officials, and sports information directors.

Professional Sports

Team management requires a lot of diverse backgrounds from facilities management to equipment experts to marketing and promotional specialists.

Collegiate Athletics

A degree in sport management can afford you opportunities either on or off university campuses. The National Collegiate Athletics Association has a centralized headquarters employing compliance directors, marketing managers, regional directors, and sport-specific and championship oversights. At the conference level, each individual conference (such as the American Athletic Conference, the Big 10, or the Southeastern Conference) has many of the same job titles as the NCAA headquarters but they operate to serve a smaller number of institutions and can therefore cater their attention to the specific needs of their member affiliates.

On-campus jobs can vary from the top down. There is typically one Vice President for Athletics with many Associate or Senior Athletics Directors under him or her who oversee different departments such as Athletic Training, Marketing and Communications, Compliance, etc. At the middle-management level sport management degrees can help you land jobs as a development officer, sports information director, compliance officer, or director of operations for one or more teams.

Coaching or Recruitment

Perhaps one of the most practical applications of an advanced degree in sport management is as a coach or recruitment specialist. There are several agencies here in the United States and also abroad that exist to help educate, promote, and secure scholarships for their perspective student-athlete clients. Coaching, of course, is the purest form of sport management! Engaging with student-athletes, developing their skills, and helping them to achieve success on and off the field of play while managing all of the behind-the-scenes administrative work like uniforms, equipment, travel, and budget are all skills that can be enhanced by a sports management degree.

Sports Degrees by Level

• Bachelors degrees in sports
• Online Bachelors in Sports Management
• Online Masters in Sports Management
• Doctorate degrees in sports

Sport Program Areas

• Athletic Administration Degrees
• Exercise Science Degrees
• Kinesiology Degrees
• Coaching Degrees
• Health and Wellness Degrees
• Sports Industry Management
• Sports Analytics Degrees
• Sports Marketing Degrees
• Sports Psychology Degrees
• Recreation Management Degrees

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Why Columbia?

Earn a degree from one of the top universities in the world.

Expand your network through direct access to industry events, gatherings, panels, and speakers, drawing on the abundant resources of our faculty, Columbia University, and New York City – the center of the Sports Universe.

Learn from successful industry practitioners and leaders in all areas of the sports industry.

Acquire practical, leading-edge, market-influenced strategies and skills through a best-in-class curriculum in areas including digital sports media, sports analytics, business intelligence, sports entrepreneurship and innovation, global sports management, sports marketing, athlete activism & social justice, finance, sponsorship sales and activation, negotiations, facility and event management, sports law and ethics, and intercollegiate athletics.

Your Story. 

Read how our network of faculty, students, and alumni are forging diverse career paths and changing the game across the sports industry. 

New York City: The center of the sports universe.

Columbia University is home to the only sports management graduate program in the Ivy League. The Master of Science in Sports Management features a leading-edge, market- influenced  curriculum along with unparalleled access to sports industry leaders and experts. The program takes advantage of Columbia’s New York City setting by providing extensive industry networking, internship, and employment opportunities across a wide variety of sports.

Featured Faculty, Students & Alumni

Impact story: cameron morris morris is pursuing a sports management master’s degree to get his foot in the door and jump-start his career. student student erika dy: "you cannot take enough classes here." dy enrolled in the sports management program for a deeper educational dive into the industry she was already working in. alumni how alum lyle adams merged his tech career with his passion for sports today, he is the ceo of spry, a digital platform for the ncaa and student-athletes to work through nil rights. alumni “a network of a lifetime:” javonty hunter credits sports management & hbcu fellowship with helping to kick start his career the sports management alum is now translating his degree and sports finance internships into a career in wealth management. student jackson donahue: from d1 athlete to the business side of sports jackson donahue wants to equip himself with the right level of knowledge as he starts his career. student leda strong: using sports as a vehicle for change leda strong is looking to move the needle on social justice and wants to work at the intersection of sports and social good. all impact stories podcast.

Subscribe to The CUSP Show — the Columbia University Sports Management Podcast — with faculty members and hosts Joe Favorito and Tom Richardson as they discuss a wide array of topics with thought leaders from across the sports industry. The show is produced by the Columbia University Sports Management program's staff.

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Sports management student summer brown named a 2024 campbell award winner the campbell award is given to graduating students who exemplify leadership and the columbia spirit. student an inside look at real madrid and spain’s most iconic sports properties students in the sports management program traveled to madrid for spring break as part of the program’s collaboration with universidad europea real madrid. student this former athlete is working toward a career in sports management after the pitcher’s mound, mo’ne davis makes the most of her time at columbia’s school of professional studies. view all news speak with the program.

Learn more about Sports Management at Columbia University's School of Professional Studies or contact the program admissions counselor.

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• MS in Sports Business

Master's (MS) in Sports Business

Study on-site.

The Master’s (MS) in Sports Business offered by the NYU SPS Preston Robert Tisch Institute for Global Sport is a 36-credit, sports business master’s program that integrates business theory and sports management insights and techniques to prepare you for a wide range of sports business jobs—from sports administration and sports marketing to sports public relations and sports law. Students from across the US and around the world choose the MS in Sports Business, which was ranked #16 globally in the 2020 SportsBusiness Postgraduate Rankings , because it is based in NYC—the sports capital of the world—yet provides a distinctly global perspective. In addition, they know that earning their Master’s in Sports Business degree at NYU , opens the door to limitless opportunity.

Degree Advantage

• Ranked #16 globally in the 2020 SportsBusiness Postgraduate Rankings
• Curriculum  that provides a comprehensive understanding of the many facets of sports business
• Focus areas that offer numerous career paths
• Electives that afford the opportunity to explore emerging sports business industry topics
• Study abroad opportunities in global sports cities
• Internships at sports teams, leagues, sports media outlets, and sports marketing firms
• Unsurpassed professional networking opportunities
• Ability to earn your degree full- or part-time
• Can be completed in as little as 12 months

VIEW FULL CURRICULUM AND DEGREE REQUIREMENTS >

Explore graduate opportunities at nyu sps.

Join an upcoming online session to learn more about our graduate degree programs including the MS in Sports Business. As an attendee of an Explore Graduate Opportunities at NYU SPS session, you will meet members of our team and have the opportunity to ask questions about the program and application process.

6:00 PM until 7:30 PM EDT  

Graduate Instant Decision Day

Ready to complete and submit your application? During the event, you will have the opportunity to meet with Admissions Officers to discuss your complete application and receive a decision.

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM EDT

Participants must submit a complete application by May 16 to receive a decision during the event.

Who Should Earn the Master’s in Sports Business?

If you have a passion for sports and a keen interest in the related business and promotional functions that support it, the MS in Sports Business can provide the knowledge and skills to prepare you for the momentous changes and growth this industry is experiencing. Those interested in pursuing careers in sports media, sports law, sports marketing and PR, sports operations and leadership, sports tech, or sports analytics and research, will find a wealth of opportunities to gain the expertise needed to succeed.

MS IN SPORTS BUSINESS DEGREE OVERVIEW

Learn from sports business industry professionals.

Tisch Institute faculty members are highly accomplished professionals with years of experience in their areas of expertise. They are deeply committed to your success and share their knowledge, insights, and industry connections to ensure that you are well prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Their research and analysis focuses on a wide range of topics, enriching classroom discussion and enhancing every aspect of your studies.

Expand Your Horizons Through Study Abroad

The Tisch Institute affords students the opportunity to travel the world and gain a deeper understanding of the cultural, financial, political, and social forces that are  driving the growth of the sports industry as a key influencer and as a catalyst for change. Tisch Institute study abroad opportunities are incredibly informative and amazingly fun! You’ll meet people from all walks of life who share your passion for sports, and you will learn about the complex business operations behind the games, matches, teams, and leagues.

Gain Professional Connections Critical for Your Career

The MS in Sports Business offers incredible networking opportunities with sports business executives, sports media influencers and marketers, and experts in sports law, among other key sectors. The Tisch Institute’s advisory board includes Val Ackerman (left) commissioner, Big East Conference; Gary Bettman , commissioner, NHL; Bruce Buck , chairman, Chelsea FC; Gregory Carey , managing director, Goldman Sachs; Rob Manfred , Commissioner, MLB and Leon Wagner , chairman and CEO, LW Partners, who often guest lecture and/or serve as panelists for Tisch Institute events.

Job Opportunities and Internships

Through the Tisch Institute for Global Sport and the NYU Wasserman Center for Career Development at NYU SPS students in the MS in Sports Business program can build their skills and their connections when they participate in internships with sports teams and leagues, sports media outlets, and legal operations. Internships provide the hands-on experience that employers seek. Some internships turn into permanent employment. The Tisch Institute has partnerships with a range of sports organizations, teams, leagues, and media outlets, many of which provide internships and job opportunities for students.

• Brooklyn Nets • Chelsea FC • Egg Strategy • ESPN • Fox Sports

• HYPE Sports • Madison Square Garden • Major League Baseball • Major League Soccer • NBC Sports Group

• National Hockey League • New York Jets • Sports and Democratie • Street Soccer USA

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What types of jobs can i get with a master’s in sports business.

There are many jobs available in the field of sports business. Below you will find a list of the types of jobs recent alumni from the Master’s (MS) in Sports Business have obtained upon graduation:

• Premium Sales Associate - New York Jets
• Statistics and Player Participation Quality Assurance Associate - National Football League
• Business Development Manager Latin America - FC Bayern München NY Office
• Manager, Player Marketing at Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association
• Head of Business Development - Americas at FC Barcelona
• Commercial and Marketing Director - Club Tigres (Mexico)
• Community Relations Coordinator at Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment (BSE) Global
• Global Programs Manager - Games Partnerships at Facebook
• Account Executive at IMG Sports Marketing
• Brand Consulting at Creative Artists Agency (CAA)

How does a Master’s (MS) in Sports Business degree differ from an MBA in Sports Management?

The MS in Sports Business differs from an MBA in Sports Management because it provides the opportunity to truly focus on the study of sports business. This degree, the Master’s (MS) in Sports Business, is a 36-credit intensive experience based upon a curriculum that is 100% focused on the field of sports business. Conversely, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Sports Management is a degree that is focused on a core of general management courses with a concentration (3-4 courses) offering limited topics in the field of sport management.

Do I need a master’s degree to pursue a career in sports business?

A Master’s (MS) in Sports Business from NYU provides you with access to cutting-edge training and development through the Preston Robert Tisch Institute for Global Sport. Additionally, you will have access to unsurpassed networking and alumni engagement opportunities as you pursue a career in the sports industry. In combination with our faculty members who are experts in their fields and the resources of NYU, the Master’s (MS) in Sports Business is a gamechanger for professionals who seek a competitive advantage in the ever-changing sports job market.

Are sports business and sports administration different?

While the terms sports business and sports administration can be used interchangeably, the major differentiator in relation to the Master’s (MS) in Sports Business is the focus of the curriculum. Unlike many graduate degrees in sports administration, the program at NYU SPS has an assortment of courses focused on specialized topics, such as Integrated Marketing Communication, Global Sport Business, Sports Media, Sports Analytics, Sports Technology, and eSports Management that position you for success in a number of fields rather than focusing more generally.

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Sport Management, MS

Educating industry professionals since 1991, USF has established itself as one of the leading sport management master's programs in the world. Our mission is to develop responsible, ethical, and inclusive leaders for the sport industry, who have the current and future technical and management skills required to build winning sport organizations that benefit society. Our locations in San Francisco and Orange County give you broad access to opportunity, and our long track record gives you an inside advantage.

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Apply Now for Summer 2024

The Summer 2024 application is open (San Francisco and SoCal): Round 4 application date is May 15, 2024. Round 4 decisions will be released by June 15th.

Sport Management Program Highlights

• A Legacy of Sport Management— Our track record of educating industry professionals since 1991 gives you an insider's edge in the world of sports. Tap a network of over 2,500 alumni who are leaders in the industry as you spend 1,000 hours of internship experience with professional teams, universities, and agencies worldwide.
• Locations in San Francisco and Orange County— Seek internships and jobs from Sacramento to San Diego. With our full-time faculty teaching at both campuses, you can seamlessly transfer from one campus to another. Earn a Master of Science in Sport Management degree in 23 months with classes one evening a week.
• Leaders of the Sports Industry— Our professors are TV hosts, sports broadcasters, athletic directors, and front-office executives. You'll learn by doing, not just by listening, and our professors, guest speakers, staff, alumni, and fellow students give you referrals to key people for insight on career strategies, organizations of interest, and new opportunities.

8 Tips for a Successful Career in the Sport Industry

Whether you are working for ESPN, the Golden State Warriors, or in University athletics, this guide will help you understand norms in the sports industry and keys to advance your career.

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Being able to get hands-on training from the industry directly, all while applying what you learn each week in class, was really important. The networking and the alumni pool also made me choose USF.”

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Sports Management Program Advisory Board Adds Another All-Star

As an undergraduate student, Schanwald sought out the University of Maryland’s Russ Potts, the first sports marketing director in the history of collegiate athletics. During his sophomore year, he walked into Potts’ office seeking two things—career guidance and a job. Potts expressed that he couldn’t pay him, but Schanwald offered to work for free. In the end, he got everything he wanted and more.

“My decision to work there for free led to everything in my career that followed. It was the greatest decision I ever made. My education was primarily working in the athletic department for Russ Potts in the sports marketing office. Russ, a trailblazer and a legend in this industry, became like a second father, mentor and cheerleader for me,” says Schanwald.

Schanwald, former executive vice president of business operations with the Chicago Bulls, spent over 28 years building the organization into a world-class brand through the Michael Jordan era and beyond. After Jordan’s departure, the team compiled the worst six-year win/loss record in NBA history for a non-expansion team while leading the NBA in cumulative attendance. Schanwald took pride in the fact “that we were able to keep the building full and lead the league in total attendance over that six-year stretch.”

Now, Schanwald is bringing his expertise to the Sports Management Program Advisory Board. The board includes a number of alumni who are leaders in the industry from college sports, the WNBA, the NHL, the NFL, MLB and ESPN. The 12-credit program represents a partnership between the Robert H. Smith School of Business, the School of Public Health's Department of Kinesiology, the Philip Merrill College of Journalism's Shirley Povich Center for Sports Journalism and Maryland Athletics.

“Steve's wealth of expertise in building the Chicago Bulls to become the world's greatest sports franchise is unparalleled. His passion and experience in the field of Sports Management will undoubtedly elevate our program to be the best in the nation. We eagerly welcome him to our sports management advisory board,” says Dean Prabhudev Konana .

Schanwald looks forward to “making a contribution to the future success of this university, which gave me my start, and to its students.” He recalls the mentors like Potts and others who helped him along the way. By paying his mentors’ contributions forward, Schanwald is passing on the same guidance and support he received to the next generation of sports industry professionals.

“Now today, I can look on top of the mountain and see some people standing there that I had a small role in helping get there,” he says.

The Sports Management Program aims to develop undergraduate leaders with the skills, foundational knowledge and educational opportunities to pursue careers and professional opportunities in the sports industry. The program will also give students opportunities to participate in specialized programming such as site visits, sports industry career fairs, networking nights and sporting events.

• Prabhudev Konana
• Sports Management Program
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• Office of Alumni Relations

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Greg Muraski Media Relations Manager 301-405-5283   301-892-0973 Mobile [email protected]  

About the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business

The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. One of 12 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and flex MBA, executive MBA, online MBA, business master’s, PhD and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs in learning locations in North America and Asia.