Gain the Jayhawk Advantage in sport management
Crowd cheering with arms up at KU sporting event
Crowd cheering with arms up at KU sporting event
Gain the Jayhawk Advantage in sport management

Build a winning sport management career with KU

In sports, what happens in the management realm is just as crucial as what occurs on the field. Give yourself the tools to build your best career game with KU's renowned online master's program in sport management* and lead the charge in shaping the future of sports.

From strategic planning to effective leadership, KU's online program empowers you to navigate the complexities of the industry and emerge as a trailblazer in sport management.

*This program is a Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.) degree in health, sport management, and exercise science with an emphasis in sport management.

EXPLORE THE CURRICULUM

Key program details

  • 100% online (with in-person study abroad and mentorship opportunities)
  • No GRE required
  • 36 credits total: 12 courses; 8 weeks per course
  • Can be completed in two years
  • Cost per credit hour—$695

KU’s winning streak: By the numbers

#20
Best Education Schools1
#81
Top Public Schools2
93%
of alumni recommend the program3

The inside story: KU student perspectives

“The tradition of excellence surrounding KU athletics combined with the flexibility of an interactive online learning environment make the perfect combination for an education in sport management.”
—Chris L., M.S.E ’20
“Everyone can find some sort of career path with this degree. It helps with my career goals and makes me more marketable. The connections are infinite here!”
—Jose G., M.S.E ’25, Candidate
“Everybody here is super helpful, showing love, giving out resources, and giving great advice.”
Taylor A., M.S.E ’21
Discover your next step
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Download the program brochure

Turn your passion into a fulfilling career. Complete the form to get a program brochure for KU’s online Master’s in Sport Management program.

What sets KU ahead of the competition

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Guided success: The Jayhawk mentorship program

The Jayhawk mentorship program offers invaluable guidance to students. Each student is connected with an experienced professional in the field who can help provide personalized support and advice throughout the academic journey.

Learn More

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Game-changing alumni connections

With an expansive alumni network spanning various industries and regions, students benefit from vast opportunities for networking, mentorship, and career advancement before and after graduation. Alumni support is a cornerstone of the program, providing graduates with ongoing resources, connections, and assistance as they navigate their careers and professional development.

Visit the Alumni Page

Aerial shot of city skyline

A world-class Study Away program

KU’s exclusive Study Away program offers the chance to see sport marketing and the industry in a global setting. You'll meet diverse cultures and gain hands-on experience in international sports management. Previous study away locations include Hawaii and New Zealand.

Learn More

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Unbeatable value and national prestige

Earn an exceptional education and broaden your sport career prospects without breaking the bank. KU’s online master’s in sport management program equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the dynamic field of sports management, all for under $30K.

Learn More

Turn your sport dreams into career success with KU

Jayhawk alumni have made significant contributions to esteemed organizations including:

NFL logo

NBA Players Association logo

U.S. Air Force logo

Kansas City Chiefs logo

Big10 Association logo

Fidelity Investments logo

Dallas Stars logo

LA Clippers logo

From professional franchises to community-based initiatives, members of the KU sport management program play pivotal roles in shaping the sport management landscape.

Visit the Careers Page

KU sport management program roadmap: Chart your courses

Here's what students can expect along their academic journey:

  • Experiential learning opportunities: KU believes in learning by doing. The program integrates a range of experiential learning opportunities, including internships, industry projects, and hands-on simulations. These experiences allow students to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios, gaining invaluable insights into the complexities of sport management.
  • Hands-on experiences: From day one, students are immersed in hands-on learning experiences that challenge them to think critically and creatively. Through case studies, role-playing exercises, and collaborative projects, students gain practical skills that are directly applicable to their future careers in sport management.
  • Industry acumen and connections: Throughout the program, students have the opportunity to engage with industry professionals through guest lectures, networking events, and mentorship programs. These connections not only enhance students' understanding of the sports industry but also provide valuable insights into emerging trends and best practices.

View the Program Roadmap

Faculty spotlights

Brian Gordon

Brian S. Gordon, Ph.D., is a seasoned professor in the Department of Health, Sport, and Exercise Sciences, specializing in sport management. With a wealth of experience spanning over a decade, Dr. Gordon brings extensive knowledge from his roles at esteemed institutions like the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where he spearheaded the creation and direction of the online Sport Administration Master’s Program.

His expertise extends to consumer behavior and brand management within the sports industry, as evidenced by his prolific research contributions published in reputable journals. Dr. Gordon's passion lies in unraveling the intricacies of fan engagement, brand equity, and the psychology behind consumer decision-making in the context of sports. As an educator, he imparts his insights through a range of courses, equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in the competitive landscape of sport management.

Dr. Brian Gordon's expertise:

  • Sport marketing and brand management
  • Consumer behavior and psychology in sports
  • Fan engagement and loyalty
  • Online sport administration programs

Bomin Paek

Bomin Paek, an assistant professor at the School of Education and Human Sciences, is at the forefront of pioneering research in sports consumer well-being and digitalized consumption journeys. Armed with a master's degree in global sport management from Seoul National University and a rich background in kinesiology and exercise science, Paek brings a unique perspective to the realm of sports academia. Her work delves into sensory science research approaches for sports consumers, shedding light on the psychological and emotional aspects of online shopping experiences in the sports domain.

Paek's dedication to advancing knowledge in the field has earned her accolades, including the NHS Student Research Celebration Award. Through her teaching and research endeavors, she continues to push the boundaries of understanding in sports consumer behavior, leaving a lasting impact on the industry and academia alike.

Bomin Paek’s expertise:

  • Development of sport consumer well-being framework
  • Sensory science research approaches for sports consumers
  • Digitalized consumption journey and decision-making process in sport
$83.1 billion
Estimated North American sport industry market size4
$132,810
Mean wage estimated for agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes in 20235

Curriculum That Changes the Game

Learn how our interdisciplinary curriculum is uniquely designed to prepare you for the day-to-day operations in the world of sports.

What Is Studying Online Like at KU?

Our program is designed to fit the unique needs of our online students. With collaboration and networking opportunities woven into each course.

GET TO KNOW CANVAS STUDENT

Explore Your Future Career Options

Visit our Career Resources page to learn more about how our master's degree helps prime you to outperform the competition in today's congested job market and what we can do to help your job hunt after graduation.

EXPLORE OUR RESOURCES

IMPORTANT DATES

Jan
6
Application Deadline
January 6
Spring 2026 Term
Jan
20
Next Start
January 20
Spring 2026 Term

EVENTS

Check here for upcoming events

Sources
  1. Retrieved on June 27, 2024, from usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-education-schools/university-of-kansas-06075
  2. Retrieved on November 20, 2024, from usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities/top-public?schoolName=kansas&_sort=rank&_sortDirection=asc
  3. Based on a limited sample of self-reported data from alumni of the University of Kansas School of Education online Sport Management program from 2021-2024 graduating cohorts
  4. Retrieved on June 27, 2024, from statista.com/statistics/214960/revenue-of-the-north-american-sports-market/
  5. Retrieved on June 27, 2024, from bls.gov/oes/current/oes131011.htm