What You Should Know About This Degree
Students pursuing an advanced degree in sports management have the option of obtaining an MS or MA in sports management or an MBA with a concentration in sports management. For those who want business skills that are applicable in fields beyond sports management, the MBA may be the better option, as it teaches a broader range of business and leadership skills. An MS or MA degree will teach those same skills, but specifically geared towards sports management.
For some career paths, earning a master’s degree will complete your education. However, for jobs such as sports lawyer, you will need to earn a law degree if you do not already have one. Individuals who have a bachelor’s degree in sports management can go directly to law school and prepare for a career as a sports lawyer that way.
Individuals who work as agents will need to obtain licensure from the professional sports league whose players they represent. Each league sets up its own rules for agent licensure. Additionally, some states have their own regulations for licensing sports agents.
Although not all programs require an internship, it’s beneficial to participate in a practical learning experience if possible. Beyond applying the knowledge you learn in class in a real-world setting, this will allow you to make connections that could lead to employment post-graduation.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching Master’s in Sports Management programs:
- Does this program offer the specialization that I want? As sports management is such a broad field, many programs offer students the option to specialize in an area such as communications, analytics, coaching, or marketing. Consider whether you want to concentrate on a specific area of sports management, and choose a program that will allow you to do so.
- Am I eligible for this program? Some programs may require students to have an undergraduate degree or coursework in sports management or a related field. If you do not meet these qualifications, you may be able to complete prerequisites prior to enrolling in the program.
As you research programs, review their application requirements and deadlines. Knowing what materials you need to apply and when to submit them will help make your admissions process easy and stress-free. You can find out this information online, or you can contact the school’s admissions department directly.
Also consider how you will finance your degree. If you are currently employed, find out if your employer offers any tuition benefits. You should also research scholarships, assistantships, and loans.