Transform Your Love of Sports into Leadership off the Field
As someone who loves the excitement of athletic competition, you already know there’s more to the world of sports than what you see on the playing field. Winning championships and building legacies depend on the people who manage the multiple moving parts of any successful sports organization. IUP’s Sports Management MS will prepare you to take on the fast-paced business and management challenges in the sports management industry.
Put Your Passion to Work
With a master's in sports management, you'll be prepared for the many opportunities available in the sports industry. With the practical, industry-specific skills and the knowledge you'll gain, you'll be ready to function in a management capacity right out of the gate—and achieve success in any professional organization.
Imagine Your Future
This is an exciting time to work in sports management. Opportunities are available across a broad spectrum of positions, including:
- College and athletic departments
- Commercial sports facilities
- Community recreation organizations
- Golf courses
- Minor and major league sports franchises
The sports and entertainment industries are growing at a record pace. The rate of employment in these industries is projected to grow by 13 percent between 2021 and 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. The increasing popularity of sports and a strong public demand for more movies and television shows is driving employment growth in these fields.
Job openings increase 2021–31
Classes and Requirements
IUP’s Sports Management MS program is a rigorous course of study designed to prepare you to succeed. Your classes will position you for a wide variety of sports management roles:
- Coaching
- Facility management
- Fundraising
- Governance
- Sponsorships
- Sports marketing
Customize Your Education
You can choose from three sport science tracks, depending on the direction you're aiming for. And you have the option to select a 36-credit thesis curriculum or 36-credit non-thesis curriculum.
Each year, a number of assistantship opportunities are available. In these positions, you can work with sports professionals in the area and gain valuable hands-on experience outside of the classroom.
Full Academic Catalog Listing
The course catalog is the official reference for all our degree and course offerings. Check it out for a full listing of the classes available and requirements for this degree.
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Dual Master's Degrees, MS and MBA
Stand Out from the Crowd
You know a master’s degree will enhance your résumé. A second one will put a spotlight on your skills and experience.
At IUP, you can get two master’s degrees at the same time, through our graduate dual-enrollment program. By taking classes in complementary programs you can earn credits toward two degrees and graduate with both at the same time, saving you time and money. It’s a win-win for you—and for your career.
How Do I Apply?
Submit a separate application for each program you want to join.
On both applications, at the bottom of the Additional Information section, check “yes” when asked if you wish to obtain a dual graduate degree.
Submit the necessary supplemental items. You need to submit only one transcript for both of your applications. If equally applicable, you may also use your letters of recommendation for both programs. Two separate goal statements are encouraged.
Contact Richard Hsiao at hsiao@iup.edu or 724-357-0123 if you are interested in the program.
Choose your initial degree program:
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Master of Science in Sport Management (36cr)
By participating in dual enrollment, you save time and money. For the Master of Business Administration + Master of Science in Sport Management (51 credits) program, this is an estimated savings of 15 credits or roughly $8,000.
See Dual Degree Enrollment (above).
Master of Science in Sport Management (36cr)
If you want to pursue a career in athletics with a focus on front-office sports management, this combination of degrees will make you uniquely qualified for specialization in both fields. If this is your primary degree, you’ll take the classes listed below and 15 credits of MBA classes* for a total of 51 credits
- KHSS 602 - Sport Psychology
- KHSS 634 - Current Literature in Health, Fitness, and Sport
- KHSS 640 - Research Methods for Health, Sport, and Physical Activities
- KHSS 601 - Sport and Society
- KHSS 635 - Sports Leadership
- KHSS 637 - Sport Facilities Management
- KHSS 652 - Globalization of Sports Business
- KHSS 660 - Governance of Intercollegiate Athletics
- ELR 631 - Human Resource Management
- KHSS 795 - Thesis (6)
- KHSS 698 -
- Internship (3)
or - Electives (3-6)
- Internship (3)
*MBA Classes
- ACCT 607 - Management Accounting
- Choose One
- ECON 634 - Managerial Microeconomic Applications
or - FIN 630 - Financial Management
- ECON 634 - Managerial Microeconomic Applications
- Choose One
- MGMT 613 - Organizational Analysis
or - MGMT 637 - Operations Management
- MGMT 613 - Organizational Analysis
- MKTG 603 - Marketing Management
- MGMT 695 - Business Policy
Program Innovation, Real-World Success Elevate Each Class
The Kinesiology, Health, and Sport Science faculty members bring decades of real-world experience to the classroom. Prior to arriving at IUP, they coached athletic teams, operated fitness training centers, and learned first-hand the rigors of working with hospitals to rehabilitate injured athletes and cardiac patients.
Their excellent advisory assistance will help you choose a lasting career in coaching, fitness center management, corporate wellness, or other sports-industry sectors.
- Our professors continue to expand their scholarly achievements by presenting research at regional and national events.
- IUP professors have established innovative programs, such as the home school program and Special Needs Activity Program, which give you opportunities that enhance your résumé.
- Guidance is a key ingredient our professors bring to your graduate program, helping you make the right choices so you can excel as you complete your degree.
- Active participation in academic and professional circles allows our professors to build a network of potential internship sponsors.
Jordan Albright ’12, Sport Management
The ability to have sport management courses with a minor in business administration makes the curriculum well-rounded and offers great options post-IUP.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted into the Sports Management MS program, you must have the following:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.4 (on a 4.0 scale) if the bachelor’s degree was earned more than five years ago.
- Minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.6 (on a 4.0 scale) if the bachelor’s degree was earned five or fewer years ago.
International applicants are not required to submit GRE or GMAT scores, but they must have a minimum required TOEFL score of 540 (paper-based), 207 (computer-based), and 76 (internet-based). International graduate condition admission also is available.