This program is offered online.
Master of Arts in Sport Management
The Citadel’s Master of Arts in Sport Management is dedicated to developing principled leaders equipped to excel in the global sport business industry. Our mission is accomplished through a dynamic, advanced curriculum that blends academic rigor with practical, real-world experience, ensuring our students are well-prepared for the multifaceted challenges of this fast-paced field.
The core curriculum focuses on the foundational and advanced concepts of sport management, offering a comprehensive understanding of marketing, finance, and legal frameworks, alongside the business of sport agents and the sustainability of sport in our global society.
Whether your career aspirations lie with professional sports teams, event and facility management, parks and recreation departments, intercollegiate or scholastic sports, or even in the manufacturing and sales of sporting equipment, our graduate program provides the skills, knowledge, and leadership training necessary to thrive at the highest levels of the industry.
Admission Requirements
- Completion of the online graduate application along with the non-refundable application fee.
- Submission of official transcripts reflecting the baccalaureate degree and any graduate coursework delivered directly from the accredited college or university attended.
- Submit three letters of recommendation that address the student’s ability to undertake coursework at the graduate level.
- Submit a resume detailing previous academic and work experiences and a cover letter addressing academic and professional career goals.
Program Requirements
The program comprises 33 credit hours. Students must complete 21 credit hours from the seven core courses. Additionally, students may choose between completing a thesis or internships, each accounting for 6 credit hours. For the remaining 6 credit hours, students will select two approved elective courses (refer to the table of Approved Electives). Each course is specifically designed to accommodate individual student needs and interests while ensuring a strong grasp of key sport management principles. Throughout the program, students are expected to integrate research, apply contemporary technological and computer skills, and enhance both oral and written communication abilities. These competencies are developed and applied at every stage of the curriculum.
Curriculum
Core Required Courses (21 credits):
- SMGT-513 Sport Facility & Event Management
- SMGT-514 Principles and Practice of Sport Management
- SMGT-518 Sport Marketing
- SMGT-523 Sport Leadership and Organizational Behavior
- SMGT-555 Sport Law
- SMGT-556 Sport Finance
- SMGT-559 Research Methods in Sport Management
Program Portfolio (6 credits):
- SMGT-538 Internship in Sport Management Or
- HESS-598 Thesis I and HESS-599 Thesis II
*Total Minimum Credit Hours for Required Courses: (27 Credit Hours)
Approved Elective Courses (6 credits):
Each student must choose a minimum of two (2) courses (6 credit hours) from the following list of approved elective courses. Please see the Graduate College Catalog.
For more information, please contact the program coordinator, Dr. Ju Young (LJ) Lee at jlee21@citadel.edu or (843) 953-7935.
For 14 consecutive years (2012-2024) The Citadel has been named the #1 Public College in the South offering up to a master’s degree (U.S. News & World Report). The Citadel was also named the #1 College for Veterans in the South.
To learn more about the admissions process for this program, please email or call The Citadel Graduate College at (843) 953-5089.