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Master of Science in Sports Management

 Graduate Catalog | Master's

This degree is designed for those who are interested in sports management, coaching, and administration. The core curriculum includes the social contexts of sport in historical and modern society, fundamentals of the sports industry, and specific focuses in sports law, marketing, promotion, public relations, finance, and economics. Students are provided with an opportunity to concentrate in an area of specific interest, to include sports administration for the aspiring collegiate, community, or high school athletic official; coaching theory and strategy for those interested in leading and coaching teams; management for those interested in general sports management opportunities and business administration for those interested in running the front office.

Degree Program Objectives
In addition to the institutional and degree level learning outcomes objectives, the Master of Science in Sports Management also seeks the following specific learning outcomes of its graduates.  With reference to each of the respective areas of sports management, graduates in this degree program will be able to:

  • Apply qualitative and quantitative research practices to sports management, issues and problems including the development and assessment of research proposals; analyze and communicate the findings from data; and summarize and communicate conclusions.
  • Evaluate cultural and economic dynamics that have impacted the emergence and development of sports and the sports industry in contemporary society.
  • Analyze economic decision making as it relates to sports in contemporary society.
  • Apply advanced finance theory and concepts to sports and sports-related enterprises.
  • Apply marketing and public relations strategies to sports-related enterprises.
  • Discuss the context of sports in contemporary society and business through an analysis of the historical and cultural evolution of the sports industry and enterprise.
  • Analyze and apply relevant business, legal, and ethical issues to the field of sports management.

Degree Program Requirements
Core Courses (21 semester hours)
  • RC595 / SPMT600 - Research Methods in Sports and Health Sciences
  • DM600 / SPMT601 - History, Culture, and Social Contexts of Sport
  • DM691 / SPMT607 - The Sports Industry
  • DM692 / LSTD601 - Sports Law
  • DM693 / SPMT609 - Sports Marketing, Promotion, and Public Relations
  • DM694 / SPMT610 - Sports Finance
  • DM695 / SPMT611 - Economics of Sport
Major Courses (Select 12 semester hours)

Students may choose to focus their study in one concentration or opt for the general program. Students pursuing a concentration should select all their major courses from the appropriate concentration list. Students seeking a general degree may choose four courses from the general program list.

Concentration in Sports Administration   
Concentration Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration the student will be able to:

  • Analyze and discuss the complexities and issues of academic sports administration from either a collegiate, interscholastic, or recreational context.
  • Assess and develop your leadership and management styles as a sports administrator.
  • Assess and discuss the role of stakeholders in the sports industry including associations, the community, and recreation administration and discuss all related regulations and guidelines.
  • Develop, design, and assess a comprehensive sports event management plan to include functional plans, training plans, legal, financial, accounting, public relationships, human resources, promotions and leadership.

Concentration Requirements
12 semester hours

  • DM696 / SPMT612 - Sports Event Management [Required]
  • DM697 / SPMT613 - Sports Entrepreneurship [Required]

Choose 2 courses (6 semester hrs) from the list below

  • DM601 / SPMT602 - Collegiate Sports Administration
  • DM602 / SPMT603 - High School Sports Administration
  • DM603 / SPMT604 - Community Sports and Recreation Administration

Concentration in Coaching Theory and Strategy
Concentration Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration the student will be able to:

  • Analyze and discuss the complexities and issues of academic sports administration from a collegiate or interscholastic context.
  • Assess the strengths, qualities and weaknesses of a successful coach, including an analysis of the leadership style and multiple roles required of coaches in contemporary sports.
  • Select, predict, and evaluate current ethical, management, and controversial issues in coaching today.
  • Compare and contrast the roles and responsibilities of a coach and assistant coaches and discuss the levels of coaching relevant to these roles.  

Concentration Requirements
12 semester hours

  • DM604 / SPMT605 - Coaching Leadership
  • DM698 / SPMT614 - Coaching Theory, Methods, and Issues
  • DM605 / SPMT606 - Techniques in Coaching Strategy

AND choose one (1) course from the list below

  • DM601 / SPMT602 - Collegiate Sports Administration
  • DM602 / SPMT603 - High School Sports Administration
Graduate Electives (select 3 semester hours)

From other courses not taken to meet required, core, or major requirements.


End of Program Requirement - Select either Comprehensive Exam OR Practicum
  • DM702 / SPMT698 - Separate Comprehensive Examination - [0 semester hours] - Taken once all other degree requirements have been met.
  • DM705 / SPMT699 - Sports Management Practicum and Integration Project [3 semester hours] - The Practicum and Integration Project will satisfy the Elective requirement.

Total hours: 36 semester hours



 Graduate Catalog | Master's

American Public University System (APUS) is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association and nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission, Distance Education and Training Council.

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