Program Overview

Introduction to the Sports Leadership Program

The Sports Leadership program at the University of Tulsa is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to succeed in the sports industry. The program is tailored to meet the needs of students who are passionate about sports and want to pursue a career in leadership, management, or administration.

Program Director

The program is directed by Greg Gardner, who brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of sports leadership.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

1. Identify their leadership styles and strengths and be able to improve their own leadership abilities.
2. Obtain knowledge, approaches, and techniques for managing legal and ethical issues in sport and sport leadership.
3. Apply best practices in risk management related to equipment and facilities use and accessibility.
4. Demonstrate abilities in planning, scheduling, and financial management of athletic and sports programs.
5. Foster diversity and improve the health of local and global communities through sport and athletics.

Admission

Candidates for admission to the Master of Science (M.S.) program in Sports Leadership must meet the requirements for admission to the Graduate School, including language proficiency.

Curriculum Requirements

The degree program requires completion of an academic core that will be combined with an in-depth, faculty-mentored, focal point. Focal coursework will be multidisciplinary and multi-college, providing students with the flexibility to identify and pursue a specific area of study beyond the core.

Core Courses (12 hours)

• ATRG 6053: Legal Issues in Sports Medicine
• ATRG 7513: Administration and Leadership in Athletic Training
• MBA 7023: Leading and Managing Organizations
• MBA 7053: Marketing Management
• MBA 7123: Human Resource Management

Electives (18 hours)

Students may choose from courses offered at the graduate level (6000-level or higher) by any departments as electives, subject to advisor approval as well as the approval of the department offering the course. Possible subject areas to consider for elective courses include but are not limited to:

• Athletic Training (ATRG)
• Health Care Delivery Science (HCDS)
• Management (MGT)
• Psychology (PSY)

Total: 30 hours

Thesis Option

Thesis options will be directed, as appropriate, by faculty mentors or other faculty within the focus area identified by the student. A full guide for pursuing a thesis option is available in the Academic Policies section of the Graduate Bulletin.