Program Overview

Introduction to the Doctoral Program

The doctoral program in Sport Management is based on four thematic pillar areas: Legal & Policy Issues in Sport Management, Sport Marketing, Sport Media & Culture Studies, and other related fields. These pillars provide the broad context from which our research and course offerings are derived.

Program Components

The doctoral program includes several key components:

• A seminar series through which students work in-depth with content pertaining to the four pillar areas.
  • Through each seminar, students are immersed in both seminal and current research pertaining to the content areas.
  • The seminars are designed to ground students in critical knowledge and to foster the development of critical thinking skills.
• Research Tools: A distinguishing characteristic of the program is the breadth of training completed to become an active researcher.
  • Students learn about the philosophy of inquiry and are engaged in such a manner that they are prepared to explain their personal philosophy of inquiry and converse with others holding a different philosophy.
  • The emphasis on the philosophy of inquiry leads students to develop skills pertaining to the use of quantitative and/or qualitative tools.
• An instructional experience: Students have the opportunity to shadow mentor with faculty members to prepare them to teach undergraduate lecture courses.

Admission Requirements

To meet minimum University admission requirements, an applicant must have:

• For application to the master's degree program: A bachelor's degree with at least a 3.0 GPA.
  • An earned bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, or a comparable degree from an international institution, with a minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade point average (GPA) in all coursework attempted while registered as an upper-division undergraduate student working towards a bachelor's degree.
• For application to the doctoral degree program: A master's degree with at least a 3.0 GPA.
  • An earned master's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, or a comparable degree from an international institution, with a minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade point average (GPA) in all coursework attempted while registered as an upper-division undergraduate student working towards a bachelor's degree.
• English Proficiency: Required for all students whose first language is not English.
• Transcripts: Applicants must submit an official transcript from each college and/or university attended.

Department of Sport Management Admission Requirements

To meet the Department of Sport Management admission requirements, an applicant must have:

• Valid Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.
  • Successful applicants to the master's program should score at or above the 42nd percentile on the Verbal portion of the exam, at or above the 36th percentile on the Quantitative portion, and 4 or higher on the Analytical Writing portion.
  • Successful applicants to the doctoral program should score at or above the 50th percentile on the Verbal portion of the exam, at or above the 50th percentile on the Quantitative portion, and 4 or higher on the Analytical Writing portion.
• A statement of purpose explaining an individual's reasoning for pursuing a graduate degree in general, and interest in the Sport Management program specifically.
• A minimum of three letters of recommendation from individuals who are able to speak to an applicant's ability to complete graduate work.
• A current resume or vitae documenting an applicant's educational, employment, volunteer, and other notable activities.

Application Deadlines

• Master's program: June 1st (Fall admission only)
• Doctoral program: March 1st (Fall admission only)

Course/Degree Requirements

The program includes various course and degree requirements, which are outlined in the Graduate Handbook.

Tuition & Aid

Information about tuition and fees is available, as well as details on scholarship and aid opportunities for students.

Career Opportunities

The Doctoral degree in Sport Management has been designed to prepare individuals for employment in universities, in the sport industry, or various leadership positions in a variety of settings. Leadership positions may include private businesses, professional and college athletics, or administration in higher education. Sport Management as a field of study includes the delivery of sport, the place of sport in society, and the connection people form with sports and athletes. Students are provided the training and resources to conduct both theoretical and applied studies, and have the opportunity to take courses in several content areas.