Master of Business Administration in Sports Management
Hours: 33 On-Campus
About
The MBA in Sports Management at Fort Hays State University merges business administration skills with specialized knowledge in health and sports. This program combines these disciplines and prepares graduates for leadership roles in various sports, health promotion, and recreation sectors.
Students will gain expertise in sports marketing, event management, and health organization leadership. In addition to business acumen in strategic management, and marketing, this interdisciplinary approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of the business and health aspects crucial for success in this rapidly evolving industry.
Why pursue a Master of Business Administration in Sports Management at Fort Hays State University?
FHSU’s MBA in Sports Management stands out because it incorporates specialized knowledge in business and health. Our faculty works diligently to offer tailored courses that align with current industry needs, providing students with the latest insights and strategies for navigating this dynamic industry. This interdisciplinary collaboration allows us to offer a rigorous and relevant curriculum. Whether you aim for a career in sports marketing, health organization management, or recreation leadership, our program will equip you with the strategic and analytical skills needed to excel.
Who is this program for?
The MBA in Sports Management at Fort Hays State University is designed for ambitious individuals seeking to blend business administration skills with specialized health and sports management knowledge. This program caters to professionals and students who aspire to leadership roles in various health, sports, and recreation fields. This program is ideal for:
- Individuals seeking leadership roles in health and sports management
- Professionals passionate about sports marketing, event management, and health promotion
- Students seeking to combine business acumen with health and sports expertise
- Recent graduates aspiring to contribute positively to community health and well-being
- Current managers looking to enhance their strategic and analytical skills
- Professionals aiming for career advancement or transition into health and sports management
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the MBA in Sports Management at Fort Hays State University will emerge as well-rounded professionals equipped with strategic, analytical, and ethical skills. The interdisciplinary curriculum combines business administration fundamentals with specialized health and sports management knowledge. This ensures that graduates are prepared to lead in various roles within the Sports Management field. Here are the key learning outcomes:
Integrate Core Business Knowledge
Graduates will be equipped with practical skills to apply strategic management, marketing, and financial analysis principles to health and sports management settings. They will understand how to align organizational goals with effective business strategies, ensuring sustainable growth and operational efficiency.
Develop Strategic Plans
Students will learn to formulate comprehensive marketing and promotion strategies for sports events, health programs, and recreation organizations. They can design impactful and ethical promotional campaigns by leveraging market research, consumer insights, and digital marketing techniques.
Lead in Diverse Teams
Graduates will be trained to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams and navigate the complex organizational structures of health and sports organizations. They will develop strong communication, leadership, and conflict-resolution skills, enabling them to foster inclusive and productive work environments. These skills are highly valued in the industry and can lead to various career opportunities.
Promote Ethical Practices
The program emphasizes ethical decision-making and sustainable health and sports management business practices. Graduates can implement ethical guidelines and foster community health and well-being through transparent and responsible leadership.
Real-World Applications
Our MBA in Sports Management prepares students for health and sports management leadership roles. The curriculum includes core business courses and specialized health and sports marketing, strategic management, and event planning subjects. Through real-world case studies and practical projects, students learn to apply business principles to the unique challenges of health and sports organizations.
Graduates emerge with the strategic, analytical, and ethical skills needed to excel in health and sports management. They can effectively lead marketing teams, oversee event management projects, and contribute to strategic planning for health and sports organizations. The interdisciplinary training ensures that students are equipped to address the rapidly changing demands of the industry.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
At Fort Hays State University, our MBA in Sports Management incorporates the latest advancements and trends in health management and sports marketing. Our faculty continually updates their courses to include current industry research, best practices, and emerging strategies. In specialized courses, students explore cutting-edge topics like health promotion strategies, sports event planning, and research methods.
The program emphasizes strategic thinking, digital marketing skills, and business practices. Students are encouraged to pursue electives that align with their career goals, ensuring they graduate with a comprehensive understanding of their chosen field. This approach allows them to stay ahead of the curve and adapt to the evolving health and sports management landscape.
Hands-on Activities
While hands-on activities within the MBA courses may be limited, the MBA in Sports Management encourages students to engage in research opportunities. Although not mandatory, students are also encouraged to pursue internship opportunities, which offer valuable industry insights and help in building professional networks.
Some MBA core courses also integrate real-world simulations and practical projects, allowing students to tackle business challenges in a controlled environment. This ensures that graduates are well-prepared to apply their skills in practical settings and effectively transition into leadership roles within health and sports management.
What You’ll Learn:
- Strategic management and leadership skills
- Sports marketing and event promotion strategies
- Financial analysis and budgeting for health organizations
- Research methods in Sports Management
- Ethical practices and business principles
How You’ll Learn:
- On-campus learning
- Apply knowledge through real-world projects and simulations
- Work in interdisciplinary teams on strategic planning assignments
- Gain practical insights through research
- Choose elective courses aligning with your career goals
Fort Hays State University’s MBA in Sports Management requires 33 credit hours, including core MBA courses and specialized electives. The core curriculum covers strategic management, marketing, and financial analysis, providing a solid foundation for leadership roles.
Specialized courses focus on health and sports management subjects like sports marketing, event planning, and health promotion strategies. This combination of core and specialized courses ensures graduates are well-rounded and ready for various career opportunities.
HHP 655G: Sports Planning and Promotion
This course provides an overview of techniques and strategies for meeting consumer needs in the sports industry, focusing on the uniqueness of sports marketing, industry segments, market research and segmentation, and data-driven marketing for developing sponsorship and endorsement packages.
HHP 855: Legal Issues in Health and Human Performance
This course focuses on tort law, constitutional law, and risk management in relation to sports and recreation professions.
HHP 860: Facilities in Health and Human Performance
This course covers the principles, terminology, and standards for the planning, construction, use, and maintenance of facilities in physical education and athletics.
Discover the full Master of Business Administration in Sports Management course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.Graduates of the MBA in Sports Management at Fort Hays State University are well-equipped for diverse leadership roles in health promotion, sports management, and recreation. Here are five promising career paths:
Health Promotion Specialist
Health promotion specialists design and lead programs that promote healthy lifestyles and improve community health. They work closely with healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community leaders to assess health needs and develop strategic interventions. Graduates excel in this role by applying their research, strategic planning, and marketing skills to deliver impactful health promotion campaigns.
Recreation Manager
Recreation managers oversee recreational programs, facilities, and community centers. They develop program schedules, plan activities, and manage budgets to provide enriching recreational experiences that contribute to community well-being. Graduates utilize their strategic management and financial analysis skills to optimize program operations and increase participation.
Sports Event Manager
Sports event managers are responsible for planning and executing sports events and tournaments. They handle budgeting, logistics, vendor coordination, and marketing to ensure successful event delivery. Graduates excel at managing complex projects, negotiating contracts, and creating memorable sports experiences that align with organizational goals.
Sports Facilities Director
Sports facilities directors manage the operations of sports venues, ensuring optimal facility utilization and event scheduling. They oversee budgeting, staffing, and maintenance to provide athletes and visitors with a safe and engaging environment. Graduates apply their strategic management and leadership skills to streamline operations and enhance the quality of sports facilities.
Sports Marketing Manager
Sports Marketing Managers create and implement marketing strategies to promote sports teams, events, and organizations. They analyze market trends, develop promotional campaigns, and manage partnerships with sponsors. Graduates leverage their marketing and strategic planning skills to enhance brand visibility and engage target audiences effectively.
MBA applications are accepted throughout the year, and admissions are made continually. It typically takes up to four weeks for an application to be processed. To ensure you're admitted for the upcoming semester, please submit your application at least 30 days before the start of classes. Applying early helps avoid any delays in your admission process. The FHSU Graduate School and MBA Committee will only review complete application packages, which must include the following:
- A paid graduate application
- Current resume
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate coursework (in English)
- Two (2) letters of recommendation (must be signed and on letterhead to be official)
- Personal statement from student indicating reasons for seeking a Master of Business Administration degree, including professional and/or career goals and pertinent past work experience.
- Other requirements as specified by the Fort Hays State University Graduate School - Apply through the FHSU Graduate School.
- Please do not include a photograph on any application materials. Applications with photographs will not be reviewed.
- All application materials should be sent to the FHSU Graduate School via email at gradschool@fhsu.edu or mail:
Graduate School
Fort Hays State University
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601
Questions regarding the application process can be directed to the FHSU Graduate School at 785-628-4236 or gradschool@fhsu.edu or Sarah Patterson, MBA Graduate Coordinator, at 785-628-5696 or gradcoordinator@fhsu.edu.
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $11,463.09* (on-campus)* during their time as a student.
*Estimated costs are based on calculating the GR resident/regional tuition rate for on-campus students or the FHSU Online GR tuition rate plus the tuition rate for the MBA by the number of hours needed (24 MBA and 9 graduate concentration courses) to complete this program. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related programs
The MBA in Sports Management offers a comprehensive curriculum. However, students interested in broadening their expertise may also consider related programs at Fort Hays State University.
- MPS in Sports Management
- M.S. in Health and Human Performance (Exercise Science)
- Certificate in Community Health
- Certificate in Community Health Promotion (Graduate Level)
FHSU offers tailored courses that align with the current industry’s needs, providing students with the latest insights and strategies for navigating this dynamic industry. This interdisciplinary collaboration allows us to offer a rigorous and relevant curriculum. Whether you aim for a career in sports marketing, health organization management, or recreation leadership, our program will equip you with the strategic and analytical skills needed to excel.
It includes core courses focused on business administration skills and specialized courses that delve into health and sports marketing, event management, and promotion strategies.
Career opportunities include sports marketing, health promotion, event management, and sports facilities management.
The time required to complete the MBA in Sports Management varies depending on the student's course load and schedule. Most students typically complete the MBA program in approximately 2 years. Alternatively, students have up to 8 years to finish the program, providing flexibility to accommodate various personal and professional commitments.
Through real-world case studies, simulations, and specialized projects.
Department Information
The Department of Health and Human Performance provides specialized, in-demand degrees that combine innovative, hands-on learning with access to state-of-the-art facilities. You will be supported by a dedicated faculty and staff who are committed to helping you address the needs of the community and make a meaningful impact beyond the campus.
We strive to prepare you for a fulfilling and rewarding career that aligns with your personal and professional goals. Our programs emphasize practical learning experiences, offer flexible academic options, and foster close-knit mentorship from our experienced faculty. With opportunities in diverse, high-growth fields such as professional sports, healthcare, and more, you will be equipped to pursue your career aspirations. Join our network of accomplished alumni and embark on a path that leads to both personal satisfaction and professional success.
While earning your degree is your primary goal, college offers much more than just attending classes. Get involved in extracurricular activities that help you develop leadership skills, learn more about your chosen career, and make a difference in your community.
- Phi Epsilon Kappa - Delta Theta Chapter: The Delta Theta chapter of Phi Epsilon Kappa, a national honor society, recognizes FHSU students pursuing careers in physical education, health, recreation, dance, human performance, exercise science, sports medicine, and sports management. Through Phi Epsilon Kappa, you will gain leadership skills by engaging in campus, community, and professional activities. To get involved, contact Mrs. Jessica Phelan.
- HHP Majors Club: The HHP Majors Club is ideal for students wanting to stay involved with departmental activities, meet classmates, and participate in university events. This club fosters a sense of community within the department. For more information, contact Mrs. Anita Walters.
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes: The Fellowship of Christian Athletes offers students the chance to combine their faith with their passion for athletics. This organization sponsors the national annual event, Fields of Faith, which allows FHSU students to worship and serve alongside the Hays community. All students interested in Christianity are welcome to join, regardless of their participation in FHSU athletics. To get involved, contact Mr. Drew Gannon.
- Shooting Sports Club: The Shooting Sports Club welcomes all students and faculty interested in shooting sports as a recreational or competitive activity. The club promotes responsible use and ownership of firearms and emphasizes community service. Members have earned national awards and have even appeared on ESPN-U. For more information, contact Dr. Duane Shepherd or visit the Shooting Sports website.
- Pre-Physical Therapy Club: The FHSU Pre-Physical Therapy Club is dedicated to providing meaningful experiences for students preparing for physical therapy school. This club brings together students interested in professional development to strengthen their applications for physical therapy programs and beyond. Membership is available to any FHSU student interested in pursuing a career in physical therapy or related fields. For more information, contact Dr. Luke Kriley or visit the Physical Therapy RSO website.
- Masters
- MBA
- On-Campus
- Online
