The global sport market is expected to grow from a $388 billion in 2020 to $826 billion by 2030. The need for qualified and educated sport management professionals has never been greater.

Since 2011, the Sport Management Masters program has been fully online. A pioneer in sport management online education, the program has worked to meet the needs of working professionals, those interested in the field, and graduate assistants. In 2021, the program became the first 30-credit hour masters program at Indiana State University, allowing students to finish the program in as little as 12 months. Most students complete the degree within five semesters (including summer term) or less. All classes are taught by full-time faculty with both terminal degrees and experience in the field.

This program is designed to prepare students in various areas of sport management such as public relations, sport marketing, finance, leadership, facility management, and sport law.  Prior to the culminating experience, the nine classes offered are 5- to 8-week classes. Students are able to take classes that fit their schedule. The last semester (SPM699 – Culminating Experience) allows the student to build off their course work through an internship, research project, or a student-led semester long project.

Curriculum

• Courses

Career Opportunities

• Community Sport Organizations

• Sport Sales

• Event Management

• Team Management

• Athletic Administration

• Facility Operations

• Media Relations

• Marketing

Terms and Deadlines  

The following are the steps for applying to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies (CGPS) and the Master of Science in Sport Management:

A complete application includes:

• An online completed application. (There is a $45.00 application processing fee.)
• A minimum undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or a master’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required.
• A Statement of Purpose essay - included in the application process - that describes your area of interest. Describe what experience you have in your field, your research (if applicable), and how graduate school will help you reach your career goals.
• One complete set of official transcripts of all previously earned credits to be sent directly to Graduate Admissions, Welcome Center, 318 North Sixth Street, Terre Haute, IN 47809-1904
• A list of three (3) references (name, title, e-mail address, phone number)
• A resume or curriculum vita (CV)
• The student can transfer up to nine credits of comparable graduate coursework with a grade of “B” or better.

Application Deadlines (Rolling Admissions)

• Fall Semester (August start) - August 1 
• Spring Semester (January start) - December 1
• Summer Semester (May start) - May 1

Upon successful completion of this program, students will have / be able to:

• Furthered their knowledge through an application based course structure designed to enhance skills and competencies in athletic administration.
• Utilize current working problems within the profession in order to assess solutions to established needs; and
• Build a professional networking base that allows for the sharing of issues and problems in order to integrate a logical problem solving paradigm in the solution process.

Financial Aid 

Graduate students may be eligible for federal student loans if they are admitted into graduate degrees (or first-time teacher certification programs) and meet other eligibility requirements. Certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid. Private alternative loans can help students pay college expenses that may not be covered by federal loan programs or other financial aid. For more information, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid's website.