What Will I Learn as a Sport Administration Graduate Student?

The expertise you’ll develop as a student in the Sport Administration master’s program will enable you to become a capable leader and decision maker in sports business. You’ll develop a deeper understanding of management, finance, leadership, ethics, communication and marketing, as well as policy and law practiced within the field.

Some of the sport administration skills you will acquire include:

• A comprehensive understanding of financial and managerial accounting concepts that emphasize understanding annual reports, financial analysis ratios, as well as methods for increasing for revenue and cost control.
• Close examination of legal issues relevant to the field such as negligence, constitutional law, employment law, as well as intellectual property law and contract law.
• An overview of the skills needed to plan and conduct health and sport sciences research.

What Can I Do with an Online MSSPAD?

Graduates of this program will qualify for a variety of sports administration jobs, or will be better prepared to take the next step in their sport admin careers. Some of the positions and fields graduates will be prepared for include:

• Athletic director
• Facility management
• Event management
• Sport marketing
• Athletic administration
• Corporate sponsorship

The 2019-2029 occupational outlook for administrative services and facilities managers is expected to grow 6% nationwide, which is faster than the average national occupation growth rate and have a median annual salary of $98,890 (bls.gov).

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Online MSSPAD Application Deadlines

Applications received after these dates will be considered on a case-by-case basis, as spots are available. Admission to the program is competitive and applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible.

How to Apply for the Online Master of Science in Sport Administration

1. Start your application for graduate admission
2. Submit $65 non-refundable application fee
3. Upload required materials^*
4. Request official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities. Transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s) by email: gradadm@louisville.edu (recommended) or mail: University of Louisville, Graduate School, 2211 S. Brook St., Louisville, KY 40292.
5. Create a financial plan

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Online Master of Science in Sport Administration Admissions Requirements and Materials

To be considered for admission, applicants must have:

• a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution
• a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)

*Required application packet materials include:

• a personal statement (500 words or less) explaining your interest in the program and long-term objectives
• two letters of recommendation
• current resume

Please note, faculty may require interviews as part of the admission process.

*Your Application Portal:
Once you have started the graduate application, you can check the status and review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and next steps after an admissions decision is made

Online MSSPAD International Student Requirements

The Master of Science in Sport Administration program is open to international students. If you live outside of the United States and intend to complete an online academic program from your home country, be sure to review these additional requirements for international students.

Note: students will not be issued a U.S. visa if admitted to the MSSPAD online program, since there are no campus attendance requirements.

Online MSSPAD Courses and Requirements

The online Master of Science in Sport Administration is a 36 credit hour program that requires 27 credit hours in core courses and 9 credit hours in electives (as approved by advisor). The program is 100% online. Courses are asynchronous, delivered in standard term length.

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Course Descriptions

Online MSSPAD Success Team

Featured Faculty

Online MSSPAD FAQs

• Is the program accredited?

  The MS program is fully accredited through the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA). Our program was the first in the country accredited at all three levels (undergraduate, master’s and doctoral).

• How many students are admitted to the program each year?

  Admission is quite competitive. We receive between 80 and 120 applications each year. We enroll 20-35 new students who are the most qualified each year.

• How are applications evaluated?

  The minimum guidelines for unconditional admission are an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 and a GRE score of 293. However, we review the entire application holistically and strongly consider the applicant's goals, recommendations, and related work experiences in addition to academic credentials.

• Do I need any specific undergraduate major to be admitted? Are there any prerequisites?

  We admit applicants from all undergraduate majors, with a few having undergraduate degrees in sport administration or sport management. You are not required to take any prerequisite courses before beginning the program.

• How long is the program?

  Most students can complete the program in 1.5 to 2 years. The length of the program typically depends on three factors:

  Academic pace – the number of classes taken. For an accelerated pace, you can take up to 12 hours per semester.

  Work schedule – whether you volunteer or work in the industry during the program.

  Internship choice – whether you complete the required internship while taking classes, during the summer, or at the end of the program.

• What classes are required?

  The completion of the program requires 36 credit hours (including 3 hours of internship) where 27 credit hours represent core courses (these 9 courses are required for all students).

  The remaining 9 credit hours represent the elective courses. We offer multiple electives each semester across a number of interest areas. In addition, classes in other departments may be taken as electives if approved by your academic advisor. This flexibility allows you to customize the program to meet your needs.

• When are the classes scheduled?

  All required courses are delivered online and offered during either fall or spring semesters. Additional courses may be offered during summer sessions.

• Can I transfer credits?

  Yes. You can transfer up to 6 graduate credits from an accredited university. See the Graduate School Transfer of Credit Policy for more information.

• Is there an exit requirement for the program?

  Students must complete one of the following: written examination, research project, or thesis.