Graduate study in Sport Management leads to the Master of Science. The Master of Science in Sport Management Degree requires a minimum of 36 hours of academic credit and a written/oral comprehensive examination. Participants applying to the Sport Management degree program may be selected based upon their leadership potential, preparation, employment history, and knowledge of current professional practices.

An applicant for graduate Sport Management study is expected to hold the bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The applicant’s preparation must be appropriate to the desired program and must meet the requirements of the specific degree program pursued. Each prospective graduate Sport Management student must submit an application to the College of Graduate Studies and receive a letter of admission before registering for courses.

Phase I: Admission to Program

• Submit completed application
• A minimum of a 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 Scale
• Meet with advisor to complete program cards and plan of study
• Submit program cards to graduate Dean’s office

Phase II: Admission to Candidacy

• Complete a minimum of 12 hours of course work
• Maintain a 3.0 average or above in all content and core courses
• Meet with advisor to complete and sign candidacy form and review plan of study

Phase III: Midpoint

• Maintain 3.0 G.P.A
• Complete a minimum of 15 hours of course work

Phase IV: Near Completion

• Meet with advisor one semester prior to graduation to complete, sign and submit candidacy form to Dean’s Office

Phase V: Program Completion

• Meet with Advisor during last semester to complete, sign and submit the Comprehensive Examination Application for the Oral and Written Examination
• Meet with Advisor during last semester to complete, sign and submit the Graduation Application
• Complete Candidate exit survey

Phase VI: Graduate Follow-Up

• Graduate follow-up survey
• Employee follow-up survey

Culminating Examination

Comprehensive Examination Description – The oral and written comprehensive examination is designed to test comprehension of the total field of study and is not limited to specific information covered formally in classes.  The examination requires that a student demonstrate in writing the ability to apply, to analyze, and to synthesize information.  The examination is made up of 5 sections:

Section 1 - Administration

Management theory, personnel management, risk management and liability, public relations, marketing, finance/fund raising, budgeting and facility design.

Section 2 - Research Methodology

Types of research, current research published, literature review, instrumentation, and internal validity.

Section 3 - Problem Solving

Administration and professional problems.

Section 4 - Professional Issues

Professional association (mission, goals, code of ethics, professional development, professional preparation, current professional and legal issues) (e.g., gender equity, affirmative action, Americans with Disabilities).

Section 5 - Philosophy/Ethics

Philosophical schools of thought, philosophical and ethical issues concerning the field.  Comprehensive Exam – Students take the examination after completing 30-36 credits.

Each student enrolled must complete a minimum of 36 semester hours, including all required core courses. These courses include Investigations and Research, in which students complete an independent research project. In order to complete the degree, students must pass a written and/or oral comprehensive examination. The Graduate Faculty members in the Sport Management program write the questions and evaluate candidates’ answers. The examination must be successfully completed as a whole.  It is possible to pass the examination in sections.  If a student is unsuccessful in any part on the first attempt, the student will be given a second opportunity.  If unsuccessful in the second attempt, the student will be dismissed from the program.  Comprehensive Exam Schedule – Comprehensive examinations are administered twice a year on dates to be determined by the Graduate Coordinator and/or Department Chairperson. Students must apply for candidacy and complete a Program Card during the semester prior to graduation. Students must apply for the comprehensive examination and graduation at the beginning of their last semester.  

The number of required course credit hours beyond the Baccalaureate: 30. The number of elective course credit hours: 6. Total course credit hours for completion of the degree: 36.

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All students must complete an internship. A manual will provide details of this class.