What you will study
UCM’s MS in Sport Management will strengthen your skills in critical thinking, management,
communication and research as you explore how other disciplines intersect with sports.
Complete interdisciplinary online courses such as:
- Statistics in Sport Management: Apply the statistical skills you learn in class as you use statistical software to
manage, analyze and interpret real-world sports data.
- Organizational Leadership in Athletics and Sports: Gain an advanced understanding of leadership theories, models and concepts specific
to sports organizations. You’ll evaluate interviews, articles and videos to complete
a comprehensive written project.
- Introduction to Research in Sport Management: Sharpen the research skills you’ll need for sport management jobs. You’ll showcase
what you’ve learned by developing a research prospectus, which you can later use for
your thesis if you choose research instead of an internship.
With the support of our expert faculty, who have advanced sports management degrees
and a wealth of real-world experience, you can complete your online Sport Management
master’s degree in two years.
Excellence in Sport Management
- The Sport Management degree programs at the University of Central Missouri are accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA), located in Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
- Top 40: “Most Affordable Sports Management Degrees” (College Affordability Guide, 2022)
- #2: Best Value College for Sports Management in Missouri (College Factual, 2022)
- Best Sports Management Degree Programs - Best Master of Science Degree (Intelligent, 2022)
- Top 50: Sports Management Degree Programs (Intelligent, 2021)
- A Best Online Masters in Sports Management (Academic Influence, 2021)
- "Best State University” among Intelligent.com’s “Best Online Sports Management Degree Programs of 2021” for
our curriculum, graduation rate, reputation and more (Intelligent, 2021)
Unique learning opportunities in sports management
Recognized as one of the best sport management schools in the country, UCM ensures
that you’ll receive the personal attention of our world-class faculty in our small
online classes. You’ll also have access to a range of learning opportunities outside
of the virtual classroom:
Internships: For your master’s degree in Sport Management, you’ll choose between an internship
and a thesis. For those living close by, internships in sport management allow you
to take advantage of UCM’s connections and partnerships in proximity to the Kansas
City metro area, which is home to the Kansas City Royals, Sporting Kansas City, Kansas
City Current, Kansas City Monarchs, Springfield Cardinals and many more professional
sports teams. For those further away from Kansas City, internships are also available
with collegiate programs, recreational organizations, retail businesses or a sports
commission. Earn course credit while you gain job experience, build professional connections
and enhance your resume.
Conferences: Participate in UCM’s Employer Panel Event to learn about various industry aspects
from guest speakers and panelists. Conferences offer many opportunities for networking
and expanding your professional circle, which will benefit you when you’re ready to
apply for jobs in sport management.
What can you do with an online master’s degree in Sport Management from UCM?
Your MS in Sport Management from the University of Central Missouri will prepare and
position you to work in many advanced sport management jobs. Our graduates — who enjoy
a 99% job placement rate — have gone on to work in facility operations, college athletics,
coaching, athletic recruiting, event management, sports media, sales and business
development. UCM alumni currently work for many popular and respected organizations,
including:
- Professional sports teams: Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals,
Sporting Kansas City and Kansas City Mavericks
- Kansas Speedway
- UCM Athletics
- Other collegiate athletic and recreational sports programs
- Elementary, middle and high school athletics
Navigating the search for sport management jobs
As you work on your master’s degree in Sport Management, our faculty, who help make
us one of the best sport management schools, are available for personal career advising
and mentoring, even online. You’ll have all the necessary tools UCM offers to achieve
success. This includes a Handshake account, an account to connect you to potential
employers and a premium services membership for TeamWork Online — a trusted source
that major league teams use to fill internships in sport management. You’ll be able
to view sport management jobs and network with executives at virtual and in-person
events. When you’re ready to apply, UCM’s Career Services Center will help you build
your resume and practice for interviews.
As you consider your next steps to further your career in sport management, use the
interactive tool below to see the possibilities for your future.
Financial assistance options for your MS in Sport Management
An online Sport Management master’s degree can help you earn a higher salary — or
even your dream job. As one of the best sport management schools, the University of
Central Missouri offers comprehensive resources and support to help you finance your education. Apply for one of our loans, grants or employment opportunities. You may also qualify
to apply for various program scholarships.
Scholarships for UCM’s master’s degree in Sport Management online
UCM is fortunate to have the support of alumni and others who, like us, want to see
you succeed. The Lyle B. and Evelyn E. Beaver Scholarship in Recreation is just one
example of the gifts and awards available to new and current UCM students.
UCM and the Harmon College of Business and Professional Studies also make available
these merit scholarships:
- Outstanding Student Awards
- Business Student Organization Achievement Awards
- Outstanding Business Student Organization Award
Use the to discover more scholarship possibilities.
Learn From Expert Faculty
Educated and experienced sport management pros
Faculty for UCM’s online Sport Management master’s degree hold the most advanced sport
management degrees and valuable professional experience. They also have diverse research
backgrounds, so you can be confident in their support for your initiatives. Their
interests include sport psychology, leadership and coaching, event management, sport
analytics and more.
Meet the Faculty
Get Involved With Faculty for Research
Published research opportunities
Dr. Kim, UCM’s Sport Management program coordinator, places a high priority on completing
and publishing strong research. He works closely with students on research efforts,
and many have presented with him at annual Sport Marketing Association conferences.
As a UCM Sport Management student, you may also have the opportunity to work alongside
faculty and be published.
Hear What Employers Say
Feedback on Sport Management alumni
Sports organizations consistently share positive feedback about the UCM alumni they
employ. UCM is noted for our graduates’ communication and problem-solving skills,
work ethic and “can-do” attitude. It’s this level of success that helps us maintain
our high job placement rate for our Sport Management students. Experience the difference
UCM can make in your career.
Apply Today
Work with UCM Athletics
On-campus resources to enhance your learning
Even when you complete your MS in Sport Management online, you’ll have access to UCM’s
on-campus resources for convenient, hands-on learning. Our Athletics programs have
a rich tradition of success: You’ll have opportunities to learn and strengthen skills
in marketing, facility and event management, sports media and more to enhance your
resume.
Meet Shawn J.
Sport Management, MS ’11
“Pursuing a specialized master’s degree in Sport Management from UCM has allowed me
to expand my career goals. With this degree and what I learned, I have all the tools
necessary to be an athletic director. Without my advanced degree, I would not have
this opportunity!”
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Our Mission
We provide a flexible online learning environment. Our mission is to provide sport
management professionals with tools to lead at the next level in a wide variety of
sport management industry jobs. As an online program with a diverse and international
faculty, we strive to provide cutting-edge knowledge & research and serve the industry
at the regional, national, and international levels.
Learning Environment- What is the learning environment like?
All courses are not “open entry/open exit” courses; however, they are self-paced.
Our courses make it easier for students to balance time between coursework and their
personal or professional schedules. Course materials are delivered in several different
formats, including guided instructions, discussions, and capstone projects. You will
have exceptional educational experience through faculty mentorship and personalized
feedback – most responses will come in less than 24 hours.
Program of Study-What courses do I take?
Our online graduate program of study offers both internship and thesis options. Our
33 hour, year-round program of study provides flexibility for practicing professionals
as well as full-time graduate students - summer classes are an option. Students can
reasonably expect to graduate in just 3 or 4 semesters even those with undergraduate
degrees not related to the field. The courses reflect common competencies critical
for professional success at the next level. A mixture of required core courses and
electives allow students an ability to customize their program to fit their professional
needs/aspirations.
