Program Overview

Introduction to the Sport Management Master's Degree

The College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences at Washington State University offers a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Sport Management. This graduate program is designed to prepare students for a variety of careers as managers/administrators in the sport industry and for further graduate study in sport management.

Program Mission and Description

The mission of the WSU Sport Management graduate program is to prepare students for a variety of careers as managers/administrators in the sport industry and for further graduate study in sport management, and to conduct research aimed at developing the body of knowledge in sport management. The program provides a balanced integration of practical experience, theory, research, and policy, with the goal of ensuring that sport is managed and delivered for the greater good of our global society.

Program Details

• The program offers a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Sport Management.
• Students choose between a thesis and non-thesis (comprehensive exam) option.
• The program prepares students to pursue doctoral or professional degrees.
• The Pullman-based degree helps graduates build or improve their skills and become successful sport managers.

Career Opportunities

• Intercollegiate athletics (in the areas of marketing, development, sales, sponsorship, sport information, administration, and compliance)
  • University and community recreation
  • Professional sport
  • Event management
  • Sport media
  • High school athletics

What We Do

• 100+ Undergraduate Sport Management students each semester doing professional internships within various sport fields.
• 300+ Students currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Sport Management.
• 30 Number of students in our upper-division courses.
• $24,575 Average scholarship funds awarded to Sport Management students over the last two years.
• $20,000+ Money raised by students each year through the program’s capstone event management course.
• $1,000,000 A transformational estate gift made to our scholarship fund by program pioneer and Title IX trailblazer Jo Washburn.

Learning Objectives

• Incorporate an understanding of ethical, legal, and socio-cultural issues in managerial decision making and policy determinations in sport
• Employ sound principles of strategic planning, financial management, risk management, and human resource management in sport
• Apply a fundamental knowledge and practical understanding of sport marketing, communication, and event management principles
• Utilize critical thinking and abstract reasoning skills in analyzing sport management issues and in managerial planning and decision making
• Demonstrate information literacy and oral, written, and group communication skills
• Develop research skills in sport management

Conclusion

The Sport Management Master's Degree at Washington State University is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for successful careers in the sport industry. With its balanced integration of practical experience, theory, research, and policy, the program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective sport managers and leaders.