Sports management degree requirements: Your complete guide to getting started

Professionals enter sport management from many angles. Some begin as athletes who want to move into administration. Others build careers in business, marketing, or communications and decide to apply their expertise to sports organizations. No matter your starting point, understanding sports management degree requirements is an important first step.

This guide explains the admission prerequisites for sports management programs, the academic requirements for earning a sports management degree, and the practical steps that take you from applicant to graduate.

What are sports management degree requirements?

Before applying, determine whether you’re eligible for acceptance into your desired program. The online master of sport management* at the University of Kansas targets motivated professionals who are ready for graduate-level study and leadership responsibility.

There is no GRE requirement to enroll in KU’s online program. Still, the following educational prerequisites apply:

• Bachelor’s degree: Applicants must hold a completed undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Experience in sport management is helpful but not mandatory
• Minimum GPA requirement: Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (based on a 4.0 scale) are preferred. If your GPA is below this threshold, contact an admissions outreach advisor to discuss your options
• Official transcripts: Students must submit transcripts from all previously attended institutions. Provide these documents before starting your second semester at KU, or you won’t be able to enroll in classes
• Proof of English proficiency: Non-native English-speaking applicants must be prepared to submit International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores to demonstrate English proficiency¹

Core courses and curriculum in sports management

Knowing what coursework you’ll complete is a big part of understanding sports management education requirements. KU’s online curriculum helps you develop expertise in the following areas:

• Sport facilities: A foundational course on trends in financing, programming, design, and construction of facilities sets the stage for your sports management degree
• Socio-cultural dimensions of sport: This topic covers the current literature on the impact of American social values and cultural patterns of sport and physical activity
• Sport marketing and sponsorship: Students examine branding, sponsorship, event marketing, fan engagement, and revenue generation. Courses emphasize local and global strategies and making data-informed decisions
• Sport finance and fundraising: Coursework covers budgeting, financial analysis, revenue streams, and fiscal responsibility in sport organizations. Students learn to interpret financial reports and evaluate economic impact
• Legal aspects of sport: This course explores the basic concepts of the American legal system and how they apply to collegiate and professional sports. Risk management and preventive law are the primary focuses, along with contract law, employment discrimination, liability issues, intellectual property law, and more
• Organizational behavior in sport: Students take an up-close look at the behavior and culture within sport organizations and learn to apply management and leadership theories that shape the work environment
• Ethics in sport: Students learn how to respond responsibly to moral dilemmas in sport settings and serve as role models for ethical conduct
• Internship: All students are required to complete an internship in a sport management setting. This can be done in any semester, either by itself or alongside other courses
• Capstone project: The final sports management degree requirement is to develop a business plan for a new or emerging sport organization based on the knowledge accumulated throughout the program

Together, these courses mirror what today’s sport leaders face in their day-to-day operations. Financial know-how, strong moral judgment, and knowledge of smart marketing strategies prepare graduates for sport management jobs in diverse roles.

You might become the athletic director at a college, the event operations director at a professional sports organization, a sales executive at a sport marketing agency, or the facility manager at a local recreation department. The opportunities are endless.

How to get a sports management degree

If you’re wondering how to get a sports management degree that advances your career without interrupting it, KU’s online program offers a clear path to success. The application process includes the following steps:

• Complete the online application form: Applicants provide personal information, academic history, and professional experience in a convenient online application
• Submit official transcripts: These confirm that you already have the required bachelor’s degree and GPA
• Upload a resume or CV: Professional experience in sports, athletics, or related industries is a plus. A strong resume demonstrates responsibility and commitment to the field
• Provide letters of recommendation: Admissions officers want to see two letters of recommendation that speak to your academic potential and professional character. References will receive an email with a link and instructions to complete their recommendation
• Write a personal statement: A written statement is your chance to explain why you would be a good fit for the online master of sport management program
• Pay the application fee: KU charges a $65 application fee for U.S. residents and $100 for international applicants

What students ask most about sports management programs

Do I need a specific undergraduate major and GPA to apply?

KU welcomes applicants from diverse academic backgrounds. Having a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a grade point average of 3.0 or higher means you’re eligible to apply. If your GPA is lower than this, you may still be considered based on professional experience and other strengths.

Are professional sports internships available?

KU supports pathways to pro sports internships with organizations such as the NBA, NFL, MLB, NASCAR, and ESPN.¹ Attending sports-specific career fairs and conferences is an effective way to connect with professionals and learn about internship opportunities.

How can I expand my professional network while studying online?

Even in an online program, you can build a strong network while completing your degree. Form meaningful professional connections by engaging with peers and faculty on LinkedIn, participating in formal networking events, connecting with alumni working in the sport industry, and attending in-person conferences.

Will this degree help me move into leadership roles?

Meeting all degree requirements for sports management prepares graduates for advancement in athletic departments, leagues, and sport organizations. It signals to employers that you have the advanced knowledge, leadership skills, and professional commitment needed to take on greater responsibility in this competitive industry.

Advance your career with KU’s online sport management program

If you’re ready to broaden your influence and qualify for more opportunities in sports, consider enrolling at the University of Kansas. Our online master of sport management offers you the flexibility to continue working while building advanced credentials.

We’ve designed our eight-week courses to fit the lives of ambitious professionals who are ready to take the next step. Contact an admissions outreach advisor today to learn how KU can help shape your future.

*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.