phd in management of sports

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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?

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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.

• Future Students
• International Students
• Military & Veterans
• Parents & Family
• Community & Outreach

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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.

Helpful Links

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.

INTERESTED IN APPLYING TO TROY?

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

——-

#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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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.

Applications are accepted in a rolling-basis year-round. However, all students who want to be considered for University or KNSM funding (e.g., GAT, GAR)  need to apply by the priority deadline . Completed applications are forwarded to the respective division faculty for evaluation. Appropriate academic qualifications are determined by the accepting faculty member and divisional admissions committee. Deadlines for priority review (PhD applicants):

APPLICATION DEADLINES

• Fall (September) start:  December 1

For more information, please email:  [email protected]

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.

Graduate Committee Faculty Members

Prospective students are recommended to contact one of the Graduate Faculty Committee members for approval prior to submitting their application.

Min Jung Kim

Assistant Professor

Hyun-Woo Lee

Paul J. Batista, J.D.

Associate Professor

Brian McCullough

John Singer

Associate Professor of Sport Management

Gregg Bennett

Marlene Dixon

Department Head and Professor

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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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

PhD in Sport Management

• Concentrations
• Newsletters

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.

Tuition Rates   Browse Financial Aid

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.

Schedule A Visit

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Sport and Entertainment Management, Ph.D.

The University of South Carolina's Ph.D. program in Sport and Entertainment Management prepares students to conduct both theoretical and applied research within the broadening domain of sport and entertainment. Beyond research, students develop the tools needed to be effective teachers and mentors, as well as valuable resources for industry professionals.

Ph.D. Program Highlights

• One of the largest faculties in sport and entertainment management in the world:  Our faculty includes 20 tenured and tenure-track faculty members, and an abundance of lecturers and adjuncts with close ties to the industry.
• Award-winning and widely-published research:  We have been recognized by the Research Fellows of the North American Society of Sport Management, as well as the Sport Marketing Association, and Sport and Recreation Law Association. Explore our faculty and staff directory bios to review our body of work.
• Hosts of the Sport Entertainment & Venues Tomorrow (SEVT) Conference: Sport Entertainment & Venues Tomorrow is a dynamic industry conference that brings together sport and entertainment industry leaders, students and educators from across the country to discuss and analyze the sport, entertainment and venues industry of tomorrow.
• Home of the College Sport Research Institute:  The institute hosts the annual CSRI Conference each spring, and publishes the annual report on Adjusted Graduation Gaps among NCAA Division-1 football, men's and women's basketball, and baseball and softball programs.

Among the Best

USC is one of the top five sport science schools and departments in the country and has been rated No. 1 multiple times by Shanghai Rankings. Our Department of Sport and Entertainment Management is a big reason why.

Career Success

As one of our Ph.D. students , you'll work closely with faculty on research, grants, and consulting projects. Projects often involve leading organizations within the sport, entertainment, and venue industries.

USC Graduate School

Apply to the USC Graduate School and join a support network of academics and practitioners while your research positions you at the epicenter of new developments in the sport and entertainment management field.

Faculty Areas of Expertise

• Consumer behavior
• Gender equity
• Entertainment management
• Facility management
• Facility sustainability
• HR management
• Intercollegiate athletics
• Mega-events
• Social media
• Sponsorship
• Sport economics
• Sport finance
• Sport marketing
• Sport media
• Sport sociology
• Ticket pricing

Conferences

Ph.D. students regularly collaborate with our faculty and present their research findings at major conferences throughout the United States. The USC Department of Sport and Entertainment Management also hosts two major conferences each year with Sport Entertainment & Venues Tomorrow in the fall and the College Sport Research Institute in the spring.

Sport Entertainment & Venues Tomorrow

Sport Entertainment & Venues Tomorrow is a dynamic industry conference that brings together sport and entertainment industry leaders, students and educators from across the country to discuss and analyze the sport, entertainment and venues industry of tomorrow.

College Sport Research Institute

The College Sport Research Institute's mission is to encourage and support interdisciplinary and inter-university college sport research, serve as the research consortium for college sport researchers from across the United States, and disseminate college sport research results to academics, college practitioners, and the general public.

Admissions Process

Based on a three-year period of residential study beyond completion of a master's degree in sport and entertainment management or a related field, the Ph.D. program requires a minimum of 60 credit hours beyond the master's degree. All applications for the program must be submitted online through the  Graduate School . Applications will be reviewed and voted on individually by the department's graduate faculty based on:

• The applicant's academic record
• GMAT or GRE scores (and TOEFL/IELTS scores for international students)
• Sufficient preparation to enter graduate study
• Professional experience
• Willingness of departmental faculty to work with the student
• Letters of recommendation
• The applicant's statement of career objectives
• Personal and/or phone interview
• Students must have a departmental faculty member who is willing to serve as their dissertation committee chair prior to admission.

Additional information and details on degree requirements can be found at the academic bulletin .

Assistantships and Fellowships

Assistantships and fellowships are awarded to graduate students on a competitive basis. A fellowship makes you a vital part of the college through teaching, research and other meaningful educational experiences. Stipend rates are competitive, tuition reductions are included and assistance is provided for research conferences. Visit the Graduate School to  learn more about assistantships .

Get in Touch

Khalid Ballouli, Ph.D.

Ph.D. Program Director and Associate Professor Department of Sport and Entertainment Management

[email protected] 803-777-2560 Close-Hipp 764

Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.

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

Lead at an Elite Level

PhD Leadership: Sports Leadership

•   NEXT START DATE: July 1, 2024
•   APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 24, 2024
•   DEGREE COMPLETION TIME: 3 YEARS (ESTIMATED)
•   DELIVERY FORMAT: 100% ONLINE

Apply Now More Info FAQ

Pursuing your PhD Leadership: Sports Leadership is a serious endeavor, requiring an uncompromising desire to push your knowledge beyond many of your peers.

We are here for it.

Our 100% online PhD program is set up for your success.

Take the Next Step in Your Sports Career Development

When Toronto Raptors Head Coach Nick Nurse wanted to increase his knowledge of sports leadership, he came to CUC.

The PhD Leadership: Sports Leadership program at Concordia University Chicago, in conjunction with Sports Management Worldwide , fit his busy schedule – just like it will fit yours. And while you may not coach a team to an NBA Championship, you will reach new heights in your sports career.

Many of our students are actively working in the NFL, NHL, NBA, MLS, MLB, and minor leagues as they pursue their doctorate online. These pillars of the sports community aren’t interested in giving up their career to pursue a degree. Instead, they’ve married both concepts – allowing them to apply their new knowledge to the workplace in real-time.

• The program is offered 100% online
• Interdisciplinary degree programs
• Nationally recognized faculty
• No residency or on-site visit requirements
• Concordia Tuition Guarantee
• Fall, Spring, and Summer start dates available
• $711 per credit hour, plus the cost of books

• Application for admission: apply online
• Writing sample that demonstrates your ability to write in a scholarly manner at a level typical of graduate work. A paper from your master's program would be most appropriate. This sample should approach, but not exceed, five pages in length.
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of application, including statement of career goals and research interests.
• Transcripts: provide one official, sealed transcript from each institution through which a degree was earned.
• International transcripts: any foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a Concordia-approved international credentialing service, such as WES (World Education Services) or ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators).
• Two letters of recommendation. Letters should be from individuals able to comment on the applicant's academic proficiency, personal character, competence, and effectiveness in professional work.
• Concordia University Chicago
• College of Graduate and Innovative Programs
• Addison Hall, Office 158
• 7400 Augusta Street
• River Forest, Illinois 60305-1499
• Application documents for the PhD Sports Leadership program may also be emailed to [email protected] or faxed to (708) 209-3454.

• Master's Degree in Health Science, Exercise Science, or related field with a minimum of 3.0 GPA on 4.0 scale.
• No GRE required.

PhD Sports Leadership Curriculum

Understanding the Costs of an PhD Leadership: Sports Leadership

• Only 1.68% of the U.S. population over age 25 has their doctorate degree. Let that sink in a moment. Just 1.68%!
• A PhD is the differentiator you’ve been looking for, a way to stand out in the competitive sports landscape and show that you have taken your career preparation seriously. By receiving your Doctorate, you are showing a dedication to you craft that not many others can boast.
• Concordia University Chicago is committed to providing students with a high-quality education at a reasonable cost. Our Doctoral degree program costs an unheard of $695/credit hour, which is 1/3 the cost of competitors programs. Because our programs are online we can save on many operational costs – allowing us to pass those benefits on to you.
• Our PhD Leadership: Sports Leadership program is a win for your career and your wallet.

What Can You Do With a PhD Leadership: Sports Leadership?

The sports industry needs more business leaders – you can fill that need.

As a student in the PhD Leadership: Sports Leadership program, you will be trained to use the latest technology and research tools to develop forward-thinking explorations and analysis of the sports industry – whether it be in organizational management, health and wellness, public health, economics of sport, legal issues in sports, sports leadership, or something else yet to be considered.

With required coursework in sports administration, various aspects of sports leadership and strategic forecasting and planning you will be qualified to lead any sports organization as they develop into the future. Electives can take you down many paths — legal, financial, economics, diversity, promotion – allowing you to customize your education in the direction you want to take flight.

After completing your final dissertation, you will be trained to craft research to help yourself and others better understand and evaluate logical steps toward thoughtful business decision making. You will become the asset that sports organizations need, qualified to lead and manage teams through the intricacies of the sports business landscape.

This degree program will qualify you for roles in:

• University Faculty
• Education, Health, and Human Performance Research
• University Leadership Positions
• Education Administration
• Non-profit and Private Sector Liaisons
• Entrepreneurs
• Training and Development
• Sports Agency
• Player Personnel
• Business Operations
• Media, PR, and Communications
• Community Relations
• Front Office Management
• Sports Marketing
• Athletic Director
• Sports Information Director
• Compliance Officer
• NCAA Academic Advisor
• Director of Fundraising and Development
• Professor of Sports Management

Lucky for you, you’ll also learn from Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, who is one of the most connected men in the sports industry and is dedicated to helping you find the right career opportunities after you complete the program.

Our online PhD Leadership: Sports Leadership program will open doors for your sports career – make your move today and invest in yourself!

Let’s Get Started

STEP 1 OF 2

Tuition Guarantee

CU Chicago's tuition guarantee program is an important way we help keep tuition affordable and predictable, so you know what the total cost of your education will be. We guarantee your tuition will remain the same and never increase while earning your degree.*

Accelerated Program

Complete your Doctorate courses in as little as 3 years .

100% Online

All of our graduate Sports Leadership programs are completely online and do not require any campus visit.

Transfer - Friendly

Up to 50% of the required course work may be transferred from another institution. Coursework from another institution will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by graduate admission office.

• EdD, Kinesiology. University of Northern Colorado
• MEd, Health and Physical Education. Springfield College
• BS, Health and Physical Education. Fort Hays State University
• PhD, Educational Psychology. University of Iowa
• MA, Guidance and Counseling. University of South Florida
• BA, English and History. University of Tampa
• BS, Advertising and Marketing Specialization. University of Florida
• PhD, Administration & Supervision, Concentration in Church Organizational Leadership. Fordham University
• Professional Diploma, Pastoral Counseling. Fordham University
• MA, Theology. St. John’s University
• MA, Clinical Psychology. St. John’s University
• BA, Psychology. St. John’s University
• PhD, Organizational Leadership Concordia University Chicago, Organizational Leadership
• EdD, Educational Leadership Northcentral University, Educational Leadership
• MEd, School Supervision and Administration Bank Street College of Education
• MS, Reading, State University of New York at Albany
• BA, State University of New York at Albany
• PhD Leadership in Higher Education
• MS Education, Queens College
• BA Physical Education
• EdD Educational Leadership, Northcentral University
• MA Educational Policy and Leadership, The Ohio State University
• BGS, Literature, Science and Art, The University of Michigan
• PhD — Motor Learning/Orthopedic Sports Medicine, The University of Toledo
• MS – Strength Training and Athletic Conditioning, The Ohio State University
• MBA — Healthcare Administration, Baker College, Flint Michigan, MI
• BA – Physical Education, The Ohio State University
• A native of Rochester New York, Michael Heifferon completed his Bachelor of Education and Master of Science at The Ohio State University. He earned his Doctorate of Science from The University of Toledo and Masters in Business Administration from Baker College. Over the past 29 years as an athletic trainer, Michael has worked with the New York Yankees, The Ohio State University, The United States Olympic Committee and United States Anti-Doping Agency. Additionally, during that period of time Michael was selected to participate as a Doping Control Officer for the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games and the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.
• Additionally, from 1992 until present Michael has remained a health care administrator with a career in strengthening and leading all areas of operations within ambulatory, orthopedic, primary care, occupational, pain management and sports medicine practices. His diverse healthcare management experience includes achieving bottom line objectives, improving organization communication, and negotiator with success in securing advantageous contracts with strategic business partners, professional staff, insurance providers, and vendors. Other areas of interest and strengths include marketing, financial budgets, joint ventures, benchmarking and strategic planning and implementation.
• MBA, Marketing, University of New Orleans
• MS, Agricultural Economics
• BS, Agricultural Economics

Interested in Learning More?

•   NEXT START DATE: AUGUST 24, 2020
•   COURSE LENGTH: 8 WEEKS
•   DEADLINE: AUGUST 14, 2020

Apply Now Call (503) 719-7805

When Toronto Raptors Head Coach Nick Nurse wanted to increase his knowledge of sports leadership, he came to CUC. The PhD Leadership: Sports Leadership program at Concordia University Chicago, in conjunction with Sports Management Worldwide , fit his busy schedule – just like it will fit yours. And while you may not coach a team to an NBA Championship, you will reach new heights in your sports career. ...

• Game Day Operations
• NCAA Academic Advising
• Ticket Operations
• Fund raising & Development
• Sports Management Education
• Fan & Event Management

CU Chicago's tuition guarantee program is an important way we help keep tuition affordable and predictable, so you know what the total cost of your education will be. We guarantee your tuition will remain the same and never Increase while earning your degree.*

Transfer Friendly

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.

Explore our programs

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2024 Best Online PhD in Sports Management [Doctorate Degree Guide]

If you have experience in management or in sports and athletics organizations, getting an online PhD in Sports Management can enable you to hone your knowledge and skills in this dynamic management niche.

At the PhD level, you can acquire skills for tracking research and innovation in your area of specialization.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

You can also engage other professionals as you explore leadership methods related to managing complex sports organizations in a competitive and global business environment.

Universities Offering Online Doctorate in Sports Management Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

A.T. Still University

A.T Still University offers a Doctor of Athletic Training program. Students may add 2 of the following 4 tracks to the degree: Orthopaedics, Rehabilitation, Leadership and Education, or Sport Neurology and Concussions. To graduate, 69 credit hours must be completed. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.75 or higher and a recommendation to be eligible.

A.T. Still University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

California University of Pennsylvania

The California University of Pennsylvania offers an online program for a Doctorate of Health Science and Exercise Leadership. Students must complete 48 credit hours and a dissertation to graduate. Applicants must have a master’s degree with a GPA of 3.5 or higher and submit official transcripts and 2 letters of recommendation to be eligible for the program.

The California University of Pennsylvania is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Concordia University – Chicago

Concordia University—Chicago offers a Ph.D. in Sports Leadership. The online program requires students to complete 67 credit hours, including a dissertation. To be eligible for the program, applicants must submit a resume, letter of application, official transcripts, and 2 letters of recommendation.

Concordia University Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Drexel University

Drexel University offers an online program for a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Management. Students may choose to add one of 11 different concentration options to their degree. To graduate, students must complete 75 credit hours. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a master’s degree with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

East Tennessee State University

East Tennessee State University offers a Doctorate in Global Sport Leadership. Students must complete 60 credit hours and a capstone project to graduate. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a master’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and need to submit a personal essay, 3 letters of recommendation, and official transcripts.

East Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University offers a Ph.D. in Psychology with a focus on Performance Psychology through Qualitative Research. Students must complete 60 credit hours to graduate. All classes are 8 weeks long and offered online. Applicants must apply online with official admission forms and transcripts.

Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Indiana State University

Indiana State University offers an online program for a Doctorate in Athletic Training. Students must complete 57 credit hours to graduate. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher to be eligible for the program. An online application must be submitted with a resume, a cover letter, and official transcripts. Applicants must also complete an interview.

Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Liberty University

Liberty University offers a Ph.D. in Exercise and Sport Science. Students must complete 60 credit hours to graduate. Each class is 8 weeks long and offered online. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Moravian University

Moravian University offers a Doctor of Athletic Training. Students are able to complete all classes online. To graduate, students must complete two week-long residencies and 60 credit hours. Applicants must have an AT State License, be currently practicing, and have 5 years of full-time experience.

Moravian University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

National University

National University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Education with a specialization in Sports and Athletic Management. The program requires the completion of 20 courses for a total of 60 credit hours. It can typically be completed in 45 months.

National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences. Students may choose to add a variety of different concentrations to their degree.

Options include Athletic Training, Health Promotion and Wellness, Integrated Health Sciences, Healthcare Professions Education, Healthcare Leadership and Administration, and more. Applicants must have a master’s degree with a GPA of 3.4 or higher and a year of clinical practice.

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Saint Thomas University

Saint Thomas University offers a Doctor of Business Administration in Sports Administration. Students must complete 90 credit hours and a doctoral research project to graduate. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Official transcripts must be submitted with the application.

St. Thomas University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Temple University

Temple University offers a Doctor of Athletic Training. Students must complete 36 credit hours and a capstone project within 2 years to graduate. Those interested in the program must submit an online application with 3 letters of recommendation, a personal statement, official transcripts, and a resume. Applicants must also complete an interview. Temple University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University offers a Ph.D. in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Sport Management. To graduate, students must complete 67 credit hours and a final dissertation. To be eligible for the program, applicants must submit official transcripts, GRE scores, 3 letters of recommendation, and an academic writing sample.

Texas A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Texas Woman’s University

Texas Woman’s University offers a Ph.D. in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Sport Management. To graduate, students must complete 96 credit hours, including a mentorship and a minor in a field of interest. Applicants must have a master’s degree with a GPA of 3.5 or higher and submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.

Texas Woman’s University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The United States Sports Academy

The United States Sports Academy offers a Doctor of Education in Sports Management. The program can typically be completed in 4 years, with one year dedicated to a doctoral dissertation. Applicants must submit an online application with official transcripts, GRE, MAT, or GMAT scores, 3 references, and a qualifying essay.

The United States Sports Academy is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Troy University

Troy University offers a Ph.D. in Sports Management. Students must complete a dissertation and maintain a cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0 to graduate. Those interested in the program must submit official university transcripts, 3 letters of reference, a statement of intent, an academic writing sample, and MAT, GMAT, LSAT, or GRE scores.

Troy University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of Idaho

The University of Idaho offers a Doctor of Athletic Training. The program requires 66 credit hours to graduate and typically takes 2 years to complete. Those interested in the program must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, certification from the Board of Certification in Athletic Training, and state licensure.

The University of Idaho is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

University of North Carolina – Greensboro

The University of North Carolina—Greensboro offers a Doctor of Education in Kinesiology. The program can typically be completed in 4 years and requires students to complete a dissertation and 42 credit hours to graduate. Applicants must submit official transcripts, a personal statement, GRE test scores, a resume, and 3 letters of recommendation.

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of St. Augustine

The University of St. Augustine offers a Doctor of Education with a specialization in Athletic Training. To graduate, students must complete 60 credit hours. An accelerated program is offered for students willing to finish a dissertation. Applicants must submit an online application with official transcripts, 2 references, and a writing assessment.

The University of St. Augustine is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

Online PhD in Sports Management Programs

Today there are many online programs at accredited schools that offer the chance to earn a PhD, EdD, or DBA in the field of sports management. This kind of management degree could have unique advantages for some professionals.

For starters, you could learn many valuable management and leadership skills and concepts. Doctoral training in sports management is also specifically designed for leadership roles in the sports sector. A terminal degree could help give you a competitive edge as well as increased earning potential.

A sports management PhD program can be quite versatile, offering opportunities to specialize in various subfields, such as:

• Human resources management
• Global organizational leadership
• Marketing and public relations
• Sports physiology

Many programs emphasize courses to help you advance your management skills, but there are also programs with concentrations related to coaching, sports physiology, and sports medicine.

Online Sports Management PhD Degree Specializations and Concentrations

Here’s a look at just some of the PhD-level sports management areas of specialization that guide research topics, course designs, and career pathways:

• Global Sports Leadership . This concentration is designed to help you develop executive leadership skills and learn about operational challenges and principles for global sports management. This concentration can help you understand international sports governing bodies, international regulatory frameworks, and concepts in global financial management.
• Human Resource Management . Sports organizations are human capital intensive and often engage a range of wage and salaried workers for diverse functions. This means there’s a need for skilled human resource managers to manage HR policy, labor relations and contract negotiations, and personnel training and supervision.
• Sports Marketing . Marketing for a sports organization, team, or franchise requires specialized marketing, advertising, and public relations knowledge and skills. A marketing concentration can help you learn about marketing metrics and campaign testing, branding concepts, audience profiling, and content and social media marketing strategies.
• Sports Performance . This concentration focuses on topics in both science and management. It prepares doctoral candidates for advanced research or senior management roles in the sports performance and athletic training sectors.
• Sport Physiology . Whether you want to manage coaching and training operations or research, teach, or consult in the sports physiology field, this concentration involves advanced topics in biometry and biomechanics, kinesiology, exercise science, and related sports medicine topics.

The field of sports management may seem specialized already, but even a sports management PhD track has room for more specialization based on your experience, aptitudes, and career goals.

Types of Sports Management Doctoral Programs

While a PhD degree program will typically be designed to emphasize advanced academic research, other doctoral degrees may have more components focused on practical leadership and business applications.

One thing these various doctoral degrees have in common is that they are all terminal degrees, so they all confer a similar level of academic status to graduates.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

A PhD program generally emphasizes the highest levels of research and academic investigation and knowledge. It also typically requires a dissertation. Many professionals seeking opportunities in academia, research, or academic publishing opt for a PhD track.

Doctor of Education (EdD)

An EdD track is more likely to offer components related to organizational psychology, sports psychology, and sports performance. It will generally emphasize more practical leadership and organizational development skills.

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

If you’re seeking the most business-oriented curriculum designs, you may want to check out sports management DBA programs.

A DBA track tends to emphasize managerial skills, business analytics, and finance and marketing specializations. It is also more likely to offer a practical capstone project in lieu of a dissertation requirement.

Sports and Athletic Management Careers & Salaries

Most sports management doctoral programs online offer training that can be applied to jobs and careers in multiple industry sectors.

These industries include sports business management, athletic administration, coaching education, sports medicine consulting, sports marketing, sports physiology, and even sports psychology research or services. 

­­According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , many careers where you might apply advanced training in sports management, operations, and medicine are projected for above-average job growth over the next ten years.

Sports management careers can span business, academia, and health science opportunities. Some PhD in Sport Management programs emphasize management, business, and organizational leadership skills. Others may provide more courses in health-related aspects of sports management, such as sports physiology, biomechanics, and sports medicine.

Picking a sports management doctoral program with a concentration and coursework that align with your ideal career direction is a strategic first step.

Sports Management PhD Curriculum & Courses

Courses and curriculum pathways will vary by program, but here’s a sample of the kinds of courses you might see as you compare online sports management PhD programs:

• Organizational Leadership : You’ll learn about competencies and leadership methods for complex business structures and organizational systems.
• Sports Financial Management : You’ll learn about critical accounting topics and regulations related to sports finance, budgeting, financial analysis and forecasting, capital investments, and profit sharing.
• Facilities and Logistics Analysis : This course covers methods and best practices for the management of administrative challenges related to large facility use, lease, and ownership.
• Organizational Psychology for Sports Management : You’ll learn about best practices for managing and leading large organizations, with a focus on organizational growth, development, team building, and organizational restructuring and reform challenges.
• Sports Medicine and Physiology : You’ll learn about advanced concepts in the fields of sports medicine, sports physiology, and exercise science as they relate to coaching, improving athletic performance, and managing a successful sports organization.
• Global Sports Marketing : You’ll learn strategies for leading large marketing operations and media campaigns, and you’ll learn concepts related to audience research and profiling as well as global marketing and advertising.
• Global Sports Management : This course is a study of advanced topics in the effective management of finances, media, communications, and human resources in the context of global operations and international regulatory frameworks.
• Human Resources Leadership : You’ll study topics in contractual law, labor relations, the development of HR policy, and effective HR training and development methods and structures.
• Sports Psychology : You’ll learn about methods, objectives, and practices in the sports psychology field. You’ll also explore how sports organizations and athletic training specialists apply sports psychology concepts to support athletes and teams.
• Research Design and Methods : This course covers fundamental research design concepts and principles that can help you complete valid research and effectively gather and evaluate research sources in your areas of professional or academic specialization.

Doctoral programs in sports management offer unique course designs that you won’t find in a traditional science or business degree program.

How to Choose an Online Sports Management Doctoral Degree Program

When comparing online sports management doctoral programs, here are some factors to look for that can help you find the best program for your goals and interests:

• Areas of specialization . The emphases of sports management degree programs will vary from school to school. Comparing program designs and available specializations can help you find a program that’s best aligned with your own professional interests and career objectives.
• Learning options . In addition to traditional classes, some programs offer other learning formats, such as research seminars, research methodology courses, and symposiums. Even some online programs may offer or require labs or supervised field study. Some doctoral programs have dissertation requirements, while others offer the option of a capstone project instead.
• Career support and guidance . As you compare programs, you may want to see what rate of success graduates have when it comes to getting jobs in the sports sector. You can also look for PhD programs that offer more robust internship channels or other job recruitment support.

Other program considerations include tuition rates and admissions requirements. Knowing which factors are most important to you can help you discern the online sports management PhD programs that are best aligned with your learning preferences and professional goals.

Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements for applying to a doctoral program in sports management will vary depending on the school, program, and specialization you’re pursuing.  Here are some common admissions requirements, though, for a PhD program:

• GRE or GMAT scores (only some schools require them)
• Masters degree
• Satisfactory college GPA
• Relevant professional experience
• Letters of recommendation

Some online programs offer less stringent admissions requirements. You may even find some programs that allow you to apply without a masters or with a lower GPA. So, it can help to see what’s out there and to learn more about different schools’ specific requirements.

Online Doctoral Programs in Sports Management Accreditation

While it’s helpful to compare schools and programs when choosing which schools to apply to, it’s beneficial to stick with regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation typically offers the best assurances for getting rigorous academic preparation in your doctoral degree program.

Accreditation can also impact your ability to transfer course credits to another program. Earning your degree at an accredited institution can also be a precondition for some forms of financial aid and for satisfying professional licensing requirements.

Organizations such as the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) have more information about accreditation and finding accredited schools. 

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Covering the upfront costs for an advanced degree can be challenging, so many professionals apply for financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help them cover any financial gaps.

Common forms of financial aid include federal and state grants, employer-based tuition assistance programs, scholarships, and student loans. O ffers and terms for financial aid packages can vary, so it’s beneficial to review all offers carefully.

Thinking you’re going to apply for financial aid? Submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) could be a beneficial first step.

Is There a PhD in Sports Management?

Yes, you can earn a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Sports Management. A masters in sports management, sports physiology, business administration, or a related field could be a solid foundation for doctoral studies in sports management.

Getting a PhD is a way to research advanced topics, learn and apply research methods in your area of specialization, or deepen your leadership and management competencies and skills. Some professionals pursue doctoral study in order to open more doors to consulting jobs, senior executive roles, or academic teaching and research positions.

What Can You Do with a Doctorate Degree in Sports Management?

A doctoral program in sports management can help you develop advanced and specialized knowledge in your area of concentration and research.

Most professionals seeking a doctorate in sports management already have experience in the field and want to qualify for more challenging leadership or consulting roles. What you can do with a doctorate in sports management depends on many factors, including your specialty area and work experience.

Sports management experts can pursue opportunities in a range of leadership and executive roles, including human resources management, athletic training and athletic administration, and sports marketing. The field of sports management can also include positions like administrative services and facilities manager, public relations or marketing manager, management analyst, and human resources manager.

A PhD can also help you qualify for positions in research and academia. For instance, most postsecondary teachers hold a PhD in their respective fields.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Sports Management Online?

Getting a PhD generally takes 3 to 5 years to complete with full-time enrollment. With dissertation requirements and other individual study interests in play, though, time to completion can vary by school, program, and individual.

If you choose a program that offers a more accelerated sports management degree doctoral track with no dissertation requirement, you might be able to finish in 3 years if you attend full-time.

What’s the Difference Between a PhD in Sports Administration vs. Sports Management?

Sports administration careers typically focus more on analyzing and directing operational systems and managing employees and facilities.

Careers with a sports management degree might involve skills related to organizational development or expansion, entrepreneurial leadership, and senior consulting, marketing, and labor relations roles.

Programs in administration and management can have many overlapping curriculum components. It’s helpful to evaluate course offerings in order to choose a program that’s aligned with your professional goals.

Is a Doctorate in Sports Management Worth It?

Yes, a doctorate in sports management is worth it for many students. Knowledge is power, as they say, and a doctoral education can indeed be a powerful driver of change and success in competitive business environments.

The business environment of sports management involves organizational, financial, marketing, and regulatory challenges. The advanced training of a sports management doctoral program can give you necessary insights and leadership skill sets for this competitive field.

Professionals with a PhD might move into consulting roles, senior roles in management, or roles in research or academia. Sports management programs also teach skills related to marketing, financial management, and HR management—fields that are forecast for exceptional job growth, according to the Bureau for Labor Statistics.

Getting Your PhD in Sports Management Online

Getting a PhD can help boost your professional growth in the sports management arena. A terminal degree in this growing field can offer advanced knowledge and training related to best practices and cutting-edge insights.

There are a number of sports management PhD programs available at fully accredited schools, including programs with flexible and convenient online learning options.

If this kind of career move sounds intriguing, why not get started today?

PhD in Exercise and Sport Science Peak Performance Awaits: Climb to Success

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Pursue Your Passion for Human Performance with Liberty’s PhD in Health Sciences – Exercise and Sport Science Degree Online

Are you an allied health professional seeking a terminal degree? Do you want to further your career in research, academia, sports science, occupational performance, or exercise physiology? If so, Liberty’s online Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Sciences – Exercise and Sport Science can help. Through this program, you can enrich your knowledge of human performance and pursue new opportunities as a professor, scientist, scholar, or industry leader.

Maybe you enjoy working in clinical settings, or perhaps you are passionate about sharing your love of exercise science with the next generation of college students. Either way, our sport science degree online can help you pursue leadership roles in a variety of health-related settings. In addition to exploring advanced health sciences topics, you’ll learn about important aspects of sports performance so you can help athletes achieve peak performance. The knowledge you gain in this program can also help you work with a wide range of clients — not just athletes — who want to accomplish certain fitness and wellness goals.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that employment in healthcare professions will grow 15% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all industries.* With our health sciences PhD, you can become equipped to address challenges in this rapidly growing field. Partner with us and earn a degree that can help you thrive in a variety of career paths.

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, at Healthcare Occupations (viewed online April 26, 2021). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

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• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Why Choose Liberty’s PhD in Health Sciences – Sport and Exercise Science Degree Online?

At Liberty, your success is our success. We want to help you become an ethical, skilled professional who can make a difference in the healthcare field. Whether you’re passionate about working directly with patients and clients or passing on your knowledge to the next generation of allied health professionals, our doctoral degree in sports science can help you pursue rewarding job opportunities.

Liberty’s degree in exercise science is offered 100% online, so you can earn your degree from the comfort of home. You can easily access your course materials whenever you need them and achieve your academic goals without putting your life on hold. Most importantly, you can stay invested in the things that matter — like your family, job, and community — while taking the next step in your academic journey.

Throughout this program, you’ll study under professors who are experts in sports science, strength training, kinesiology, and other related fields. With their guidance, you can strengthen your skill set and prepare to help meet the need for allied health personnel and faculty. Our courses integrate ethical principles with industry best practices, so you can learn how to lead with integrity in your chosen career path.

What Will You Study in Our PhD in Health Sciences – Exercise and Sport Science Degree Online?

This program is broken down into 4 main parts: core courses, research and statistics, a dissertation, and the exercise and sport science specialization. Throughout the core courses, you’ll study healthcare delivery systems, leadership, risk management, and evidence-based practice as they relate to the field of health sciences. You’ll also explore effective methods for teaching and evaluation, so you can prepare to teach at the college level.

Our research courses cover important qualitative and quantitative research methods that are frequently used in the health sciences discipline. The dissertation process provides an opportunity for you to conduct original research and contribute to the base of knowledge in your field. Completing a dissertation can also help you prepare to disseminate research in a variety of human performance-related settings.

Within the exercise and sport science specialization, you can strengthen your effectiveness as a strength training and conditioning coach, military performance specialist, emergency services and occupational performance specialist, sports scientist, or exercise physiologist. You’ll explore a variety of relevant topics, including sports performance and conditioning, occupational and environmental physiology, assessment and programming, the effects of performance-enhancing substances, and biomechanics. Throughout the program, you can enhance your skill set and learn how to help athletes and other clients achieve their fitness goals.

Potential Career Opportunities

Depending on your previously obtained certifications and licenses, some of the roles you could pursue after earning this degree include:

• Exercise physiologist
• Human performance specialist
• Nutritional consultant
• Sports scientist
• Strength training and conditioning coach

Featured Courses

• EXSC 665 – Physiology of Sport Performance and Conditioning
• EXSC 670 – Physiological Interactions of Performance Enhancing Substances
• EXSC 680 – Occupational and Environmental Physiology
• EXSC 750 – Advanced Sport Biomechanics

Degree Information

• This program falls under the School of Health Sciences .
• View the Graduate Health Sciences Course Guides (login required) .

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Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour ( learn more ) .

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Admission Information for Liberty’s Doctorate in Exercise Science

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

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Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want – at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work toward your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession – for less.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any networking opportunities in this degree.

You’ll have the opportunity to network with leaders in sports science and human performance from across the country while pursuing your online degree in exercise science.

What resources will be available to me in this program?

As an online Liberty student, you can access a wealth of resources through our top-notch research portal.

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Sport Management (Masters of Science)

The Masters of Science in Sport Management (MSM) is an online graduate program consisting of 30 total credit hours.  Nine credits of coursework make up the core that all MSM students are required to take.  The remaining 21 credits will be filled by elective courses.  In addition to electives, students also have the option to earn the 12-credit Intercollegiate Athletic Administration (IAA) graduate certificate and focus on a growing area within sport management related to intercollegiate athletics.  This degree is designed to help students develop a deeper understanding of the sport management discipline by applying theory and practice to the constantly evolving sports industry.  They will gain an understanding of sport management concepts and solve problems often found in sport management organizations – at the professional, college, and community levels.

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Numbers are the name of the game

Statistics have always been part of sports. But the digital age has altered the playing field, as organizations seek out those with the skills to use statistics as a tool for success. Combine sports marketing skills with the analysis and management of data when you earn a master’s in Applied Data Science with a specialization in Sports Analytics at IU Indianapolis.

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Sports Analytics Specialization

Succeed with a winning combination.

Analytics is a crucial part of decision-making in amateur and professional athletics . Teams rely on those with the knowledge to interpret data and relate it to the world of athletics. (Nikhil Morar—pictured above—earned his Applied Data Science master's degree with a specialization in Sports Analytics from our program, and became Manager of Business Analytics & Strategy for the Los Angeles Lakers basketball franchise.)

Indianapolis boasts 10 professional sports teams. The city is home to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the National Federation of State High School Associations, and is widely considered the Capital of Amateur Sports.

By teaming up, the Luddy School in Indianapolis and the Department of Tourism, Event, and Sport Management  draw on a unique mix of resources to offer B.S./M.S. in this exciting field.

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I was able to use machine learning and descriptive statistics to create actionable scouting reports focused on finding strategies that will give a team a better chance of winning. Rishi Chandran, M.S. '23 & Basketball Operations Seasonal Assistant with the Cleveland Cavaliers

Careers in Sports Analytics

Our sports analytics alumni work for some of the greatest teams in the NBA. On game day, it's all about the numbers!

Nikhil Morar

Manager of Business Analytics & Strategy for the Los Angeles Lakers

“Sports organizations need analytics experts who can turn data about their customers and teams into revenue-generating strategies."

Gabriel Wachowski

Research and Innovation Analyst for the Milwaukee Bucks

"Overall, the job has been absolutely incredible. I definitely feel like having my master’s was extremely important to being ready for the job that I have. My classes at IUPUI and my internship (with the Indiana Pacers) were both instrumental to where I am today."

A skill set tailored to sports

Students who earn a Master of Science in Applied Data Science with a specialization in Sports Analytics learn core skills in data analysis, data management and infrastructure, and client–server application development, and ethical and professional management of data projects.

Earn additional competencies in sports sales, the management of massive, high-throughput data stores, cloud computing, and the data life cycle.

Degree requirements

The plan of study is 30 credit hours. It includes six core courses and four specialization/ elective courses. Transfer students may be able to transfer in approved graduate courses from an accredited institution.

F-1 students can only take one online course per semester. They must take a minimum of 8 credit hours per semester; the exception being in their final semester. These limitations apply to fall and spring semesters but not summer sessions.

Core Courses (18 credits)

• INFO-H 501 Introduction to Data Science Programming
• LIS-S 511 Database Design
• INFO-H 510 Statistics for Data Science
• INFO-H 515 Statistical Learning  (Prerequisite: Graduate Statistics course)
• INFO-H 516 Cloud Computing for Data Science  (Prerequisites: Graduate Database course)
• INFO-H 517 Visualization Design, Analysis, and Evaluation  (Prerequisite: Programming experience)

Students may test out of LIS-S 511. Students do not receive credit toward their required 30 credit hours by testing out of a course. However, they may instead replace the course with a specialization course or approved elective.

Specialization + Elective Courses (12 credits)

Specialization Courses

• TESM-T 562 Economics of Event Tourism (Fall)
• TESM-T 582 Applied Sport Event Research (Spring)
• TESM-T 598 Master’s Consulting Project (Summer)

Elective Courses

• INFO-B 505 Informatics Project Management
• INFO-H 518 Deep Learning Neural Networks
• INFO-H 519 Natural Language Processing with Deep Learning  
• INFO-H 695 Thesis/Project in Applied Data Science (MS Thesis students only)
• INFO-I 575 Informatics Research Design
• INFO-I 595 Professional Internship
• INFO-I 698 Research in Informatics (Independent Study)
• INFO-P 502 Modeling Crisis
• NEWM-N 510 Web Database Development

Thesis or Project

The Thesis/Project is available to highly motivated students ready to carry out publishable research. Students must prepare a prospectus and gain a commitment from a  primary faculty advisor  with research interests in data science by the end of the first semester. By the end of the second semester, students must complete a course on research design and methods (e.g.,  INFO-I 575 or  LIS-S 506 ).

The thesis or project must be completed in two semesters or in a semester and summer. Thesis students register for a total of 6 credits and project students register for a total of 3–6 credits of  INFO-H 695 Thesis/Project in Data Science . Students are required to prepare and defend a research proposal with a timeline of deliverables in addition to the thesis or project.

Plan of study for fall admissions

Fall year 1, spring year 1.

• INFO-H 515 Statistical Learning
• INFO-H 516 Cloud Computing for Data Science
• INFO-H 517 Visualization Design, Analysis, and Evaluation
• Sports Analytics Specialization or Elective Course

Summer Year 1 (Optional)

Fall year 2.

• Sports Analytics Specialization or Elective Course (If not taken in Summer)

Plan of study for spring admissions

Spring year 2, ready to get started.

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B.A. in Sports Management

The b.a. in sports management prepares the next generation of sports industry professionals by equipping them with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and ethical frameworks necessary to create inclusive and equitable sports environments..

The Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management curriculum focuses on the diversity, equity and inclusion, well-being, mental health, business, and intended as well as unintended impact of sports on marginalized groups and the larger society. Students can specialize in one of four concentration areas: health and well-being, leadership and equity, coaching, or an individualized track. Our students and social justice centered program assists students in developing knowledge and skills that contribute to a holistic approach to sport and wellness, emphasizing health and fostering inclusive environments. 

The flexible and individualized curriculum employs multiple experiential learning strategies that include an emphasis on real-world projects in the classroom along with 6 credit hours of required field placements ensuring that our students are well-prepared for the diverse workplace and overall success after graduation. Our curriculum offers courses in a variety of modalities (in-person, hybrid, and online) to provide the flexibility our students need. 

The Sports Management program is rooted in strong academics, active learning through community engagement, and field placement internships. Our graduates are prepared to work in a variety of fields and with diverse populations at the interscholastic, intercollegiate, and professional level, as coaches, athletic administrators, scouts, and managers.  Students can also pursue advanced degrees in fields such as social work, sports medicine, kinesiology, physical therapy, and business.

What will I learn?

The overall goals of the Sport Management program are to prepare students to:

• Understand the psychosocial impact and processes associated with sports participation and the societal contributions of sports to the diverse community.
• Navigate the legal aspects of the sports industry and how they relate to intramural, recreational, interscholastic, and intercollegiate athletics.
• Develop strong written and oral communication abilities, tailored for diverse stakeholders including athletes, sponsors, media, and fans.
• Apply sport management and leadership theories and practices in diverse sporting contexts to promote a collaborative environment in sport settings.

Concentrations

Students must declare one of the following concentrations: Coaching, Health, Leadership, or Individualized and complete the requirements as outlined.   All students take a common core of courses that provides them with a strong foundation in sports management theory and practice focusing on ethical-decision making and reflective practices.  

Students in the coaching track will develop competencies including program planning, child and/or adolescent development, principles in coaching, and officiating. Students leave with the requisite skill set to help optimally develop and support a diverse group of athletes. 

Students in the health track develop skills in health competencies and critical-thinking, health communication, nutrition science, and systems-approaches to support a holistic approach to sports management. 

Students in the leadership track develop skills in effective communication, organizational development, and management skills to support and lead inclusive sports environments. 

Individualized

Students in the individualized track work with their advisor to develop a tailor-made, individualized curriculum that supports each student's unique interests and skill development. Suggested areas of focus for this track include social work, human anatomy and physiology, pre-med, finance, public relations, marketing, and communications.

Contact Information

CEHHS Office for Student Success 2150 Social Science Building (SSB) [email protected] 313-593-5090

Certificates & Licensures

Certificates provides credentialed expertise in a field of study, demonstrating to employers that you have in-demand skills.

Program director: Terra Hamblin | [email protected]   Application deadlines: Rolling; For Fall 2021, apply by August 1 Credits: 18 Program info:   Addiction Treatment website

Additional program-specific admission requirements:

• Undergraduate degree in a Social Science

Associate Dean for graduate programs:   Stephanie DeBoor |  [email protected] Application deadlines: March 1 (Fall) | Oct 1 (Spring) Credits: 30 Program info:   Adult Gerontology Acute Care website

• Overall GPA 3.0 or better
• Must have graduated from a CCNE, NLN, or ACEN accredited MSN program
• Possess an unencumbered RN License and/or eligibility for licensure in Nevada
• 3 Ps (Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Physical/Health Assessment). The 3Ps will be reviewed by the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs and/or the specialty Track Leader. Students may have to repeat any or all of the 3Ps pending review.
• Letter of intent
• Curriculum Vitae/resume
• Three letters of recommendation

Associate Dean for graduate programs: Stephanie DeBoor | [email protected] Application deadlines: March 1 (Fall) | Oct 1 (Spring) Credits: 15 Program info: Clinical Nurse Leader website

• Must have graduated from a CCNE or NLN accredited MSN program
• Possess an unencumbered RN License and eligible for licensure in Nevada

Program Director: Weston Morrow | [email protected] Application deadlines: July 15 (Fall) | Dec 15 (Spring) Credits: 18 Program info: Criminal Justice catalog listing

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited university with an overall GPA of 3.0

Program Contact: Shamik Sengupta | [email protected] Application deadlines: July 31 (Fall) | Dec 10 (Spring) Credits: 12 Program info: Cybersecurity website | Cybersecurity faculty

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited academic institution
• Transcripts (separate from the official transcripts required by the Graduate School)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of purpose is recommended

Program Contact: Jennifer Mortensen | [email protected] Application deadlines: May 15 (Fall) Credits: 29 (21 if practical experience is applicable) Program info: Early Childhood Education Teacher Licensure website

• Undergraduate degree in Human Development and Family Science (or related field)
• Undergraduate pre-requisites: EDES 300, EDU 205, EDU 207, HDFS 201, HDFS 250, HDFS 431b, HDFS 435
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better

Additional program-specific admission recommendations:

• Candidate Professional Behaviors and Dispositions Form
• Personal essay
• At least one letter of recommendation
• Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (CORE) Reading (score > 155), Writing (score > 161), and Mathematics (score > 149) score sheet (or California Basic Educational Skills score sheet).

Program director: Julie Pennington | [email protected] Application deadlines:  March 15 (Fall) | Oct 15 (Spring) Program info: College of Education  | COEHD Graduate Assistantships

• Education Disposition Statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• A one-page statement of purpose addressing the following question: How will the Reading Specialist Certificate enhance your ability to support the literacy development of K-12 students

To align with state requirements for Reading Specialist Endorsement, our Certificate Program also requires:

• A master’s degree completed, or in process
• Three years of verified teaching experience in state-approved schools
• A valid elementary or secondary teaching license

Program contact:  Jess Gallo | [email protected] Application deadlines: Aug 1 (Fall) | Oct 15 (Spring) Credits: 28-31 Program info: Secondary Education Licensure website

• Earned bachelor’s degree with and overall GPA of 2.75 or better
• Signed disposition sheet (NCATE set of beliefs in place in the College of Education)
• An essay of three to five pages
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• The candidates needs to meet pre-professional Praxis I testing requirements.

Program Contact: David Rondel | [email protected] Application deadlines: Rolling; For this coming Fall, apply by August 1 Credits: 12 Program info: Ethics, Law and Politics website

• Writing sample

Associate Dean for graduate programs: Stephanie DeBoor | [email protected] Application deadlines: March 1 (Fall) | Oct 1 (Spring) Credits: 17-33 Program info: Family Nurse Practitioner website

• Possess an unencumbered RN license and be eligible for licensure in Nevada

Program Director:  Deborah Boehm |  [email protected] Application deadlines: May 1 (Fall) | Nov 1 (Spring) Credits: 12 Program info: Gender, Race and Identity Certificate website | GRI faculty

• Statement of purpose

A Certificate in Geographic Information Systems and Science (GIS) is offered through the Department of Geography. Students obtaining the GIS Certificate will learn the tools, methods, and software necessary to manage and analyze spatial data and information and conduct appropriate analysis. This certificate is recommended for students interested in employment in either the public or private sector as a GIS or Remote Sensing Analyst, Cartographer, Planner, or students interested in pursuing graduate studies in Geography or a related field where use of geospatial science and technologies are included.

• Undergraduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems and Science (GIS), Course Catalog

Program Contact: Miles Greiner | [email protected] Application deadlines: Fall: Aug 16 | Spring: Jan 11 Credits: 9 Program info: Nuclear Packaging website

• An earned baccalaureate degree in mechanical, materials, nuclear or a closely-related engineering field, or a baccalaureate degree and background in project management related to packaging of nuclear and other radioactive materials.

Associate Dean for graduate programs: Stephanie DeBoor | [email protected] Application deadlines: March 1 (Fall and Summer) | Oct 1 (Spring) Credits: 17 Program info: Nursing Education website

• Must have graduated from a CCNE or NLN accredited MSN program with a 3.0 or better

Associate Dean for graduate programs: Stephanie DeBoor | [email protected] Application deadlines: March 1 (Fall and Summer) Credits: 15 Program info: Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

• Successful completion of a Master’s of Science in Nursing from a CCNE or NLN academic institution with a GPA of 3.0 or better
• Current unrestricted/unencumbered licensure as an RN in Nevada and be eligible for licensure in Nevada

Associate Dean for graduate programs: Stephanie DeBoor | [email protected] Application deadlines: March 1 (Fall) Credits: 23-38 Program info: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner website

• Must have graduated from a CCNE or NLN accredited BSN program with a GPA of 3.0 or better
• APRN Track only: Must have graduated from an accredited MSN program and hold national certification and licensure as an APRN
• Possess an unencumbered RN License and be eligible for licensure in Nevada
• An interview may be required

Program Contact:  Praveen Kumar Durgampudi|  [email protected] Application deadlines: Rolling Credits: 10 Program info: Public Health Management and Analysis catalog listing | Online public health certificates website

• A bachelor's degree

Program Contact:  Praveen Kumar Durgampudi | [email protected] Application deadlines: Rolling Credits: 10 Program info:   Public Health Management catalog listing | Online public health certificates website

Program Contact: Praveen Kumar Durgampudi |  [email protected] Application deadlines: Rolling Credits: 10 Program info: Public Health Program Development catalog listing | Online public health certificates website

Program Contact: Victor Vasquez | [email protected] Application deadlines: Aug 16 (Fall) | Jan 10 (Spring) Credits: 12 Program info: Renewable Energy website

• Undergraduate degree in engineering, business management, liberal arts or a related field
• Personal Statement

Program Contact: Jennifer Lanterman | [email protected] Application deadlines: March 1 (Fall) | Nov 1 (Spring) Credits: 12 Program info: Social Justice website

• Undergraduate degree

Program Director: Cary Groth  |  [email protected] Application deadlines: June 1 (Fall only) Program info: Sports Management Executive Certificate Website

• Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution (an official copy of the transcripts should be submitted to the Graduate School)
• Recommended Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75
• A copy of your current resume
• A letter of recommendation

Request more information about sports management

Program Contact: Edward (Ned) Schoolman | [email protected] Application deadlines: Rolling Credits: 12 Program info: Study of History website

• A Bachelor's degree in a humanities or social science; a bachelor's degree in Education; or Teaching Credential
• Students pursuing the graduate certificate of Studies in History must satisfy all of the graduate school requirements for admission as a Graduate Special
• Read the History department bulletin

Program Contact: Rod Case | [email protected] Application deadlines: Rolling Program info: TESOL website Credits: 15

• An overall undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or better on a 4-point scale
• Letters of recommendation from one professional qualified to judge your aptitude for teaching
• A statement of your personal goals related to TESOL
• Transcripts of previous college work
• Students already admitted to a graduate program at the University must also submit approval for admission to the GC-TESOL from the Chair of their Advisory/Examining Committee in lieu of the letter of recommendation.
• Candidates who graduated from a non-US university and whose native language is not English must have a TOEFL score of at least 550 or 79 on the Internet Based TOEFL
• International students must have a J-1 visa or be concurrently enrolled in another graduate degree program in order to participate in the GC-TESOL

Program Contact: Miles Greiner | [email protected] Application deadlines: Fall: Aug 16 | Spring: Jan 11 Credits: 9 Program info: Transportation Security and Safeguard website

• An earned baccalaureate degree in mechanical, materials, nuclear or a closely-related engineering field, or a baccalaureate degree and background in project management related to packaging of nuclear and other radioactive materials

Rawls College of Business

Master of science in human resource management.

The Master of Science in Human Resource Management (MS-HRM) at Rawls College is a part-time lockstep program designed to meet the strong demand from companies and organizations for human resource professionals to recruit and retain talent in an increasingly tight labor market. The MS-HRM bridges theory with practice in all areas of staffing and performance management, human resource information systems, people analytics, compensation and benefits, leadership and ethics, and others while also providing the business context in which human resource management operates. This program is currently designated THECB Approval Pending.

program highlights

Flexible part-time format, 100% online.

Complete coursework from anywhere with our 100% online curriculum

Optional Synchronous Meetings

Attend synchronous meetings with instructors for more personalized instruction.

Designed for Working Professionals

Apply classroom knowledge directly to your work experience without the need for an internship.

Career-Defining Curriculum

The MS-HRM will help you prepare for professional careers in HRM through in-depth training in areas of HRM specialization with an emphasis on HR analytics. Throughout the program, you will gain an understanding of HRM issues and practices, examine ethical and legal HRM issues, enhance analytical reasoning and project management skills, develop strong communication and relationship management skills, and much more.

Core classes include foundational building blocks for today's business leaders:

Managing Organizational Behavior and Organizational Design

Human Resource Management

Negotiation and Conflict Management Skills

Human Resource Information Systems & Analytics

Employment Law & Labor Relations

Talent Acquisition & Management

Compensation & Benefits

International Human Resource Management

Individual Differences & Belongingness

Strategic Human Resource Management Capstone

program format

The Rawls College MS-HRM is a 30-credit-hour, 10-course program. The 100% online format is designed to be accessible for working professionals, allowing them to apply their classroom knowledge directly to their unique work experience. This is a part-time lockstep program designed to be completed in two years.

View sample degree programs »

Our management faculty members are passionate about helping you achieve your educational and professional goals. Our faculty integrates insights from their own research and professional experiences into the curriculum to ensure you can connect course topics to real-world scenarios.

Meet our faculty »

supporting your success

Rawls Career Management Center

Whether you are looking to switch careers or advance on your current path, the Rawls Career Management Center (CMC) is dedicated to supporting your success. The staff in the CMC can help you explore professions and industries, learn strategic career advancement techniques, and connect you with top employers.

Georgie G. Snyder Center for Business Communication

The Georgie G. Snyder Center for Business Communication (CBC) is dedicated to helping the Rawls College of Business community develop communication skills that lead to academic, professional, and personal success. Through consultations, workshops, microcredentials, and other services, we support Rawls students and faculty in “achieving excellence in business through excellence in communication.

Techsan Connection

The Techsan Connection is a free, online platform for Texas Tech alumni. Through the platform, alumni can apply to jobs, reconnect with fellow classmates, network with industry professionals and volunteer to mentor current students.

The admission process is the first step toward earning your degree. We will work closely with you to ensure your application process is personal, simple and successful.

Admission Requirements

Successful MS-HRM students come from all educational backgrounds but must have a bachelor's degree. Our program is designed to meet the needs of professionals looking to expand their skills within HRM.

A complete application consists of the following items to be received by the noted deadlines:

Unofficial Transcripts

Applicants must submit unofficial transcripts from any degree-awarding college or university, as well as any post-secondary institution attended.

Applicants must submit a detailed current resume, indicating professional work experience—including start and end dates (month and year) for each position held. Provide accomplishments and skills acquired, including managerial experience.

Letter of Recommendation

Applicants are required to submit a letter of recommendation. The letter should provide specific examples and anecdotes that illustrate your professional and/or academic potential.

Applicants must write an essay outlining their personal experiences, career goals, past challenges, any other relevant information they'd like the admissions committee to consider.

Application Deadlines

This program is pending approval by The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). The initial application period will open once program is approved.

There's no better time to apply for the MS-HRM program. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

student resources

• Prospective Students
• Current Students

Program Questions

Junior Perez 806.834.4575

[email protected] 806.742.3184

Events@Rawls

Professional mba weekend classes.

Saturday, June 1, 2024 - Sun , June 2, 2024 (all day)

Where: Rawls College of Business

Saturday, June 29, 2024 - Sun , June 30, 2024 (all day)

Where: Center for Business Communications Room 139

Saturday, July 20, 2024 - Sun , July 21, 2024 (all day)

Contact TTU

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