Sport Management - Graduate Program
Lead the Game. Earn Your Edge.
Step up to a leadership role in a fast-growing field.
The Master of Science in Sport Management is an innovative one-year program that blends academic rigor with hands-on learning to equip you with the strategic, analytical, and critical thinking skills needed to thrive in the rapidly growing world of sport. The program opens new doors for advanced leadership, higher earning potential, and broader career impact.
The program is designed for students from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds, from athletic departments and nonprofit programs to professional clubs and recreation-focused businesses. It reflects the D&E mission to “prepare and inspire students for success and for thoughtful engagement in the world,” bringing that commitment to a new level of professional and academic rigor. The one-year format means you can earn your advanced degree and enter or re-enter the workforce faster, with a meaningful return on investment. Research indicates that a graduate-level credential in sport management can improve earning potential by 20–30 percent.
Graduate Programs (M.S.)
Master of Science in Sport Management
The M.S. in Sport Management is a one-year, 30-credit-hour degree program. The program is designed for students from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds who are ready to step into leadership roles in sport and recreation. The program is intentionally small and competitive, accepting only 15 students per cohort.
Courses
What We Offer
- Legal Issues in Sport
- Global Marketing and Publicity
- Sport Finance
- Fundraising and Development
- Moral and Ethical Issues in Sport
- Sport Salesmanship and Sport Sponsorship
- Foundations of Athletic Administration/NCAA Compliance and Current Issues
- Event and Facility Management
- Sport Management Internship
Facilities
Graduate sport management students have access to D&E’s full range of sport science facilities, including:
- McDonnell Center for Health, Physical Education and Athletics — D&E’s main indoor athletic facility, housing the athletic training suite, two therapeutic whirlpools, three electrical stimulation units, and Game Ready cold-and-compression therapy
- Robbins-Madden Fitness Center — cardiovascular equipment, CYBEX strength machines, Olympic benches and racks, and a complete free weight area
- George A. Myles Pool
- Partnership facilities — Randolph County Schools, Elkins-Randolph County YMCA, and additional regional athletic venues
Careers in Sport Management
The demand for sports professionals continues to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 30,000 coaching and scouting jobs will be created by 2029, with growth across the field outpacing many other industries. The global sports market is projected to grow into the billions by 2030.
The M.S. in Sport Management prepares graduates for leadership roles in a wide array of sport and recreation fields. With sport management at the crossroads of athletics and business, opportunities await those with the advanced skills to lead, from athletic departments and professional clubs to nonprofit programs and recreation-focused businesses.
Sport Operations and Administration
- Athletic Department Director/Associate Athletic Director
- League or Team Operations Manager
- Sport Program Director
- Facility and Venue Manager
- General manager of Professional or Collegiate Sports
Marketing and Fan Engagement
- Sport Marketing and Promotions Director
- Sponsorship and Partnership Manager
- Social Media and Digital Content Director for Sports Organizations
- Ticket Sales and Fan Development Manager
- Sport Brand Manager
Events and Recreation
- Tournament and Event Manager
- Community and Sports Programming Director
- Recreation and Wellness Program Director
- Ecotourism and Outdoor Recreation Manager
Business, Coaching, and Leadership
- Sport Business Entrepreneur
- Sporting Goods and Brand Manager
- Sport Agent/Athlete Representative
- Head Coach of Collegiate or Professional Sports Team
- Athletic Director at K–12 or Collegiate Levels
Why a Master of Sport Management at D&E
The M.S. in Sport Management at D&E offers the same small class sizes and close faculty relationships that define the undergraduate experience.
You’ll work directly with faculty who bring extensive knowledge, practical experience, and professional connections in the sports industry.
D&E’s one-year format is built for speed and impact. You’ll earn your graduate degree and return to the workforce faster than traditional two-year programs.
You’ll attain an advanced credential that research shows can increase earning potential by 20–30 percent. The program blends academic rigor with applied, hands-on learning to provide theoretical knowledge and strategic, analytical, and critical thinking skills. D&E’s strong alumni network and partnerships with local, state, and national sport organizations provide graduate students with real-world opportunities, from internships and applied projects to professional networking and employment connections before graduation.