Master of Science in Sport Management
Program Overview
Location: 100% Online
App. Deadline: Aug. 1, Dec. 15
Pre-Requisites: None
Semester Hours: 30
Full-Time or Part-Time
Flexible program designed for working professionals
A Flexible Online Program for Working Professionals
Our M.S. in Sport Management is a fully online program offered by WCU’s College of Business, and includes a certificate in project management.
Our degree is designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the business of sports, whether you are already working in the sport industry or you are seeking to launch a new career. You’ll learn how to administer programs, manage people and organizations, and plan and execute special and ongoing projects.
The program is designed to maximize flexibility in scheduling. All courses are online and there are no pre-requisites. The program can be completed in one year on a full time schedule, and within two years on a part time schedule. There is no minimum course load required, but all graduate degrees must be completed within six years.
All sport management faculty hold terminal degrees in the field from accredited institutions, and each faculty member has professional experience working in the sport industry. In addition, faculty have been recognized for teaching excellence and have distinguished themselves in scholarship. Beyond the classroom, faculty members work in community service and are active in professional organizations.
Join us at one of our upcoming virtual Graduate School Open House events on Zoom! You'll have the opportunity to learn more
about Western Carolina University, understand the Graduate School application process,
and meet key program representatives.Virtual Open House
Wednesday, August 9: 5-6pm
Prospective graduate students must hold an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Applicants must apply online through the Graduate School at WCU. Completed applications should include:
- Official college/university transcripts (a 3.0 GPA is recommended)
- Resume
- A 500 word essay including professional aspirations and a discussion of a current issue in the sport management field that is related to the applicants career goals. Research used to support your response should be cited according to APA.
- Two letters of recommendation
While not required, applicants who wish to strengthen their applications may submit GRE or GMAT scores.
The M.S. in Sport Management requires 30 semester hours and includes a certificate in project management. Courses include:
Fall
SM 620 Sport Administration & Governance
SM 630 Economics & Financial Aspects of Sport
PMC 610 Project Initiation and Planning
PMC 620 Project Execution and Closeout
SM 684 Sport Management Capstone*
Spring
SM 640 Sport Marketing
SM 615 Critical Issues in Sport
PMC 630 The Project Manager and People Skills
PMC 640 Managing Project Teams
SM 684 Sport Management Capstone*
Summer
SM 676 Strategic Sport Communication
SM 684 Sport Management Capstone*
*SM 684 is offered every semester, but should only be completed once during the program, after at least 6 hours of coursework. Students will either complete an internship or capstone project.
Although tuition and fees tend to change from year to year, in state students are expected to be able to finish the M.S. in Sport Management for less than $10,000. Out of state and international students can expect to finish the program for less than $30,000. There are special rates for those who are out of state and using military benefits.
University Scholarships, the Graduate School and the College of Business have limited scholarship options for graduate students. University scholarship applications are due via an online portal in early February, while Graduate School and College of Business opportunities are communicated via email and are generally solicited between March and June, for the following academic year. The university offers a payment plan through an external vendor, and students can apply for federal loans through FAFSA.gov.
Contact Us
Application Deadlines:
August 1 – Fall Semester
- December 15 – Spring Semester
Deadlines are to submit an application, and materials must be uploaded (application fully complete) 2 weeks after the submission deadline.