Turn game-day passion into career momentum
Make your move

Your playbook to the sports industry: KU’s online sports management master’s

Success in the sport industry is about more than on-the-field talent. Behind every institution is a team of professionals who can plan, lead, and deliver results behind the scenes. The University of Kansas online master’s in sport management* is built for that reality. This highly regarded program combines athletic prestige, extensive networks, and applied learning experiences to put you in the game. The experience is designed to help students build a market-ready portfolio, earn meaningful references, and translate course projects into real opportunities across professional teams, collegiate athletics, agencies, venues, and sport nonprofits.

*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.

Designed to fit your life

  • 100% online, designed for working professionals
  • 8-week focused courses; three starts per year
  • Portfolio aligned to NASSM competencies
  • Required, customizable internship
  • One-on-one alumni mentorship for every student
  • No GRE requirement

Where this degree can take you

Build experience and a portfolio that translates across the sport sector. Graduates pursue roles in:

  • Pro teams & leagues: marketing, partnerships, community impact/CSR, ticketing and service, game and event operations
  • Collegiate athletics: fan engagement, development, facilities and operations, student-athlete support
  • Agencies & brands: sponsorship activation, experiential, content and social strategy
  • Venues & events: event logistics, guest experience, operations coordination
  • Nonprofit & community sport: programming, outreach, fundraising
A female KU student is smiling while writing notes in a notebook.

Kick off your dream career in sport management

Through interactive learning, collaborative projects, one-on-one mentorship, and career programming, the University of Kansas master’s in sport management* will help you build relationships with classmates, expert faculty, and an alumni network that spans pro teams, collegiate athletics, agencies, and sport nonprofits.

Join us to experience:

  • North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM) aligned curriculum
  • Industry simulations and projects via Jayhawkville’s real-world scenarios
  • A required, customizable internship
  • One-on-one alumni mentorship and connections

*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.

Take the Next Step
By clicking "Get Program Brochure" and submitting this form, I agree to receive text messages, emails and other communication regarding educational programs and opportunities, and to be contacted by The University of Kansas and Everspring, its authorized representative. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Reply HELP for help and STOP to cancel. View our privacy policy and disclosures.
“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

Join the big leagues with KU

A male and female KU student review lessons on a laptop.

R1 research designation

Earn a master’s degree from the KU School of Education & Human Sciences, an AAU research university. Study with experienced faculty, align coursework to industry competencies, and carry a credential and name recognized across athletics.
Program Details
A from-behind shot of a female KU professor addressing her classroom.

Experience by design

Translate learning into experience. Complete 8-week courses built for working pros, assemble a portfolio aligned to NASSM competencies, and fulfill a required internship that connects coursework to real sport settings.
Curriculum
Two female KU alumni are talking with a male KU student sitting on a couch.

Meaningful connections

Build relationships that open doors. From one-on-one alumni mentorship to the Jayhawk Career Network, KU helps you meet the people who matter across professional teams, collegiate athletics, agencies, venues, and sport nonprofits—during the program and long after graduation.
Jayhawk Networking

Rock Chalk Jayhawk: Our reputation of excellence

For generations, KU has set the standard in athletics—home to champions, innovators, and the birthplace of basketball. That same tradition of excellence drives our online master’s in sport management, where the culture of sport meets the rigor of a world-class education.

#15
Best Education School1
93%
of alumni recommend the program2
12
NCAA Division I Championships across sports programs3,4,5,6,7
“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

Make your game plan

Jeremiah is a seasoned admissions outreach advisor (and fellow Jayhawk), here to help you explore the sport management master’s and share his wisdom for successful graduate experiences. Working one-on-one with you, he can help guide you through the application process and answer all of your questions.

Schedule a Call
Send an Email
Application Instructions
A headshot of Jeremiah, KU admissions outreach advisor.

Master the Business of Sports

Ready to transform your passion for sports into a rewarding career? Join the ranks of successful KU sport management alumni making their mark across the sports industry.

Start an application
Learn about the admissions process

Jan
6
Application Deadline
January 6
Spring 2026 Term
Jan
20
Next Start
January 20
Spring 2026 Term
Sources
  1. Retrieved on September 24, 2025, from usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-education-schools/university-of-kansas-06075
  2. 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
  3. Retrieved on October 22, 2025, from ncaa.com/history/basketball-men/d1 (1952, 1988, 2008, 2022)
  4. Retrieved on October 22, 2025, from ncaa.com/history/cross-country-men/d1 (1953)
  5. Retrieved on October 22, 2025, from ncaa.com/history/trackfield-indoor-men/d1 (1966, 1969, 1970)
  6. Retrieved on October 22, 2025, from ncaa.com/history/trackfield-outdoor-men/d1 (1959, 1960, 1970)
  7. Retrieved on October 22, 2025, from ncaa.com/history/trackfield-outdoor-women/d1 (2013)