Master of Professional Studies (Sport Management)
Hours: 30 Online
About
The Master of Professional Studies (Sport Management) at Fort Hays State University offers a comprehensive and dynamic curriculum for individuals pursuing careers in sports administration, athletic leadership, and business management within the sports industry.
Through sports marketing, finance, and event management courses, students gain practical skills and strategic insights essential for success in the field. The program’s flexible structure allows students to tailor their studies with electives that align with their specific career goals, including intercollegiate athletics, sports entrepreneurship, and professional sports.
Why pursue a Master of Professional Studies (Sport Management) at Fort Hays State University?
The Master of Professional Studies (Sport Management) provides a flexible, career-focused curriculum that allows students to customize their studies through electives in sports marketing, athletic administration, and sports finance. Emphasizing hands-on learning, the program incorporates service-learning projects, internships, and research workshops to prepare graduates for the fast-paced and evolving sports industry.
In partnership with Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW), a global leader in online sports business education, students gain enhanced practical experience and industry networking opportunities. Through SMWW, they can collaborate with professional organizations across a wide range of sports, including basketball, baseball, football, hockey, soccer, golf, tennis, racing, MMA, rugby, and cricket, while exploring emerging sectors such as esports, cryptocurrency, and sports betting.
Students who complete any three SMWW courses earn six credit hours toward their master’s degree at FHSU, effectively integrating real-world experience with academic progress.
Who is this program for?
Designed for recent graduates and working professionals, this program prepares students to advance their careers in the sports industry. A flexible curriculum covering sports administration, marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship equips future leaders for roles in college athletics, professional sports, and the broader sports business sector.
- Sports administration professionals seeking career advancement
- Individuals interested in athletic administration and leadership
- Entrepreneurs exploring opportunities in the sports business
- Professionals transitioning into sports marketing or finance
- Recent graduates specializing in sports management
Real-World Applications
This program gives students practical, real-world experience through service-learning projects and internships. By collaborating directly with sports organizations, students gain firsthand insight into the operations of athletic departments, marketing agencies, and professional teams, building a strong understanding of the sports business landscape.
In addition, research projects allow students to analyze current marketing, finance, and event management trends. This applied learning approach equips graduates with the strategic knowledge and skills needed to tackle real-world challenges and thrive in a wide range of sports management roles.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Fort Hays State University integrates the latest advancements and trends in the sports industry into its curriculum. Through workshops and lectures by industry professionals, students explore emerging topics such as esports, sports analytics, and digital marketing strategies, ensuring they gain relevant, up-to-date knowledge.
Specialized courses, including Sports Finance and Sports Facility Management, offer in-depth insights into innovative budgeting and organizational practices. This forward-thinking curriculum equips students to lead and innovate in the rapidly evolving field of sports management.
Hands-on Activities
Students gain valuable hands-on experience through internships, research projects, and field exercises. Internships with sports organizations and athletic departments provide exposure to real-world challenges and opportunities, preparing students for leadership roles after graduation.
Participation in workshops and conferences further enhances learning by offering networking opportunities with industry professionals and platforms to present research. Field exercises and service-learning projects develop practical event management and sports marketing skills, giving students a competitive edge in the job market.
What You’ll Learn:
- Develop expertise in sports marketing and event management
- Understand financial strategies and operations in sports
- Gain knowledge of sports law and ethical decision-making
- Build leadership and organizational management skills
- Explore sports entrepreneurship and new business models
How You’ll Learn:
- Flexible, self-paced learning
- Gain practical knowledge through internships and fieldwork
- Analyze current sports industry trends and strategies
- Tailor the curriculum to align with career aspirations
- Learn from industry professionals and experienced faculty members
The core curriculum provides a solid foundation in essential sports management disciplines, giving students critical knowledge in marketing, finance, and ethical decision-making within the sports industry.
Concentration and elective courses allow students to tailor their studies to align with specific career goals. This flexible curriculum supports specialization in sports entrepreneurship, athletic leadership, or sports analytics, preparing students for success in their chosen fields.
HHP 655: Sport Planning and Promotion
This course covers techniques and strategies for meeting consumer needs in the sports industry, focusing on the uniqueness of sports marketing, industry segments, the role of market research and segmentation, and data-driven marketing for sponsorship and endorsement development.
HHP 800: Administration in Health and Human Performance
This course focuses on the administrative processes in physical education and athletics, emphasizing understanding current practices and their application across all levels of interscholastic and intercollegiate educational settings.
HHP 873: Culminating Experience
This independent learning experience enables students to apply knowledge from the core curriculum cohesively, tailored to their individual goals and objectives. The culminating experience may include, but is not limited to, a project, position paper, or real-world experience, such as organizing and developing a workshop and its related materials.
Discover the full Master of Professional Studies (Sport Management) course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.
Graduates are prepared for leadership roles across the sports industry, combining a strong foundation in marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship with practical experience. They pursue careers in sports administration, marketing, and professional organizations, entering the workforce with the skills and confidence to succeed. Promising career paths include:
Athletic Director
Athletic directors oversee all aspects of athletic departments in educational institutions, including managing budgets, coordinating sports programs, and supervising teams. They apply expertise in sports finance and administration to ensure efficient operations and drive the success of athletic programs.
Sports Marketing Manager
Sports marketing managers develop and implement marketing strategies for teams, agencies, or brands. They design campaigns and build partnerships that enhance brand visibility and engage fans effectively.
Sports Finance Manager
Sports finance managers oversee financial planning, budgeting, and investments for sports organizations. They ensure economic stability, guide strategic growth, and support the overall success of sports businesses.
Event Manager
Event managers plan, organize, and oversee sports events, from local tournaments to international competitions. They coordinate logistics, manage teams, and ensure events run smoothly and successfully.
Sports Entrepreneur
Sports entrepreneurs create and manage businesses in equipment, consulting, or media. They identify opportunities, develop innovative business models, and drive growth within the sports industry.
Prospective students must meet specific academic and professional requirements to enroll in the Master of Professional Studies (Sport Management) program at Fort Hays State University. The admissions process is designed to select motivated individuals prepared to succeed in the program and make meaningful contributions to the sports industry.
Acceptance into Graduate School
Applicants must meet Fort Hays State University’s general graduate admission criteria, which include submitting official transcripts from all prior undergraduate and graduate studies and maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 credit hours of their undergraduate degree.
Undergraduate Degree in a Related Field
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in sport management, sport administration, business, or a related discipline. Individuals with different academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply if they can demonstrate relevant professional experience in sport management.
Letters of Recommendation
Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation: one from a former professor or academic advisor familiar with their academic abilities, and one from a mentor or industry professional who can attest to their leadership skills and work ethic.
Personal Statement
Applicants must submit a personal statement (1–2 pages) outlining their career goals, motivation for the Master of Professional Studies (Sport Management), and how the program fits their aspirations. The statement should highlight experiences showing their passion for sports and readiness for graduate study.
Resume/CV
Applicants must submit a resume or CV highlighting relevant professional experience, internships, academic achievements, and certifications.
Application Process
Applicants must complete the online application through Fort Hays State University’s Graduate School, pay the application fee, and submit all required materials, including official transcripts, a personal statement, a resume or CV, and two letters of recommendation.
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 $3,139.02* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 9 credit hours at the FHSU Online Graduate tuition rate ($348.78/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. 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
Fort Hays State University offers a range of related programs that allow students to broaden their expertise in complementary fields. These programs enhance the Master of Professional Studies (Sport Management) by providing additional skills and knowledge to support diverse career goals:
- Master of Business Administration (Sports Management)
- M.S. in Health and Human Performance (Exercise Science)
- Master of Professional Studies (Public Health Administration)
- Master of Liberal Studies (Health Sciences)
- Certificate in Community Health Promotion (Graduate Level)
Pursue careers in sports administration, athletic leadership, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
The program offers elective courses like Sports Facility Management and Sports Analytics.
Flexible online delivery, hands-on internships, and courses taught by industry professionals.
The core and concentration courses cover sports finance, marketing, event management, and entrepreneurship.
Our Master of Professional Studies (Sport Management) is designed for working professionals with flexible online course options.
Students in this program can pursue internships, research projects, field exercises, and participation in sport management conferences.
Information about the Department of Health and Human Performance
The Department of Health and Human Performance at FHSU offers specialized, in-demand degree programs that combine innovative, hands-on learning with access to state-of-the-art facilities. Supported by a dedicated faculty and staff, students are encouraged to address community needs and make a meaningful impact beyond the campus.
The department is committed to preparing students for fulfilling and rewarding careers that align with their personal and professional goals. Emphasizing practical learning experiences, flexible academic options, and close mentorship from experienced faculty, the programs equip students to succeed in diverse, high-growth fields such as professional sports, healthcare, and more. By joining this community, students become part of a network of accomplished alumni and embark on a career path that fosters both personal satisfaction and professional achievement.
While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities. For more information about the following student organizations, please contact the Department of Health and Human Performance.
- 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 active involvement in campus, community, and professional activities, members develop valuable leadership skills and enhance their professional growth.
- HHP Majors Club: The HHP Majors Club offers students an excellent opportunity to stay engaged in departmental activities, connect with classmates, and take part in university events. The club fosters a strong sense of community within the Department of Health and Human Performance while encouraging involvement and collaboration among students.
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes: The Fellowship of Christian Athletes provides students with the opportunity to integrate their faith with a passion for athletics. This organization sponsors the national annual event Fields of Faith, where FHSU students worship and serve alongside members of the Hays community. FCA welcomes all students interested in Christianity, regardless of their involvement in FHSU athletics.
- Pre-Professional Healthcare Club: The FHSU Pre-Physical Therapy Club fosters a sense of community among students pursuing careers in fields such as Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Occupational Therapy, Pre-Athletic Training, Pre-Physician Assistant, and Pre-Chiropractic. The club supports professional development by offering resources and activities designed to strengthen students’ applications for graduate healthcare programs and future careers. Membership is open to any FHSU student interested in entering a professional healthcare or related field.
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