can you get a phd in sports management

Top 10 Ph.D Programs in Sport Management

Earning a Ph.D in Sports Management is a great way to stand out in this competitive field. Jobs for sport management professionals with their Ph.D exist in facility management, sports marketing, sports law, or education. Earning a sports management Ph.D is a natural progression for students who already have a career in athletics and business and are looking for professional advancement. Sports minded professionals will find advanced education and training in sport management very rewarding.

Methodology

To identify the top 10 best sports management Ph.D programs, we started with a search on College Navigator to find out which schools offered these programs in an online format. We also consulted NASSM, the North American Society for Sport Management, which keeps a list of universities offering Ph.D Sport Management programs in the U.S. We compared student to faculty ratios, average graduate tuition rates, graduation rates, and accreditations using College Navigator. While graduation rates are provided only for first time undergraduate students, we felt this was still important to consider for our list an indicator of the level of support students receive while earning their degree. To be considered for our list, schools must hold regional accreditation, feature hands on training and internship or field experiences, and have a curriculum taught by doctorate level faculty. Where there are ties, we favored the school with the lower graduate tuition rate. From our list, we created a rating system as seen below to select our top 10 doctorate programs in sport management.

Student to Faculty Ratio

• 15:1 or less= 2 Points
• Greater than 15:1= 1 Point

Average Graduate Tuition Rate

• Less than $10,000 per year= 2 Points
• More than $10,000 per year= 1 Point

Overall Graduation Rate

• Less than 50 percent = 1 Points
• Greater than 50 percent = 2 Point

Below are 10 schools that offer the best sports management PhD degree programs. Students learn advanced skills and benefit from professional training in sport management.

Related Resource: Can I Earn a Specialized Sports Marketing Degree?

Ranking the Top 10 PhD Programs in Sports Management

——-

#10 – University of Northern Colorado-Greeley, Colorado

Ph.d. in sport and exercise science: sport administration.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $10,867/year in-state and $19,620/year out-of-state Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission Overall Graduation Rate: 52 percent Points: 4 As one of the first Ph.D. programs in sport management in the country, the University of Northern Colorado has trained some of the top industry experts. UNCO values independent research and encourages students to work with a faculty advisor to pursue individual research interests. Courses cover areas like consumer behavior, marketing, research, public relations, facility management, and finance. Through this comprehensive curriculum, students in this top sports management PhD program will be prepared to work in academia or research, or be successful as a top level sport administrator.

#9 – University of Connecticut-Storrs, Connecticut

Ph.d. in sport management.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $16,300/year in-state and $38,212/year out-of-state Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education Overall Graduation Rate: 84 percent Points: 4 The top sport management Ph.D. program at the University of Connecticut is a concentration within the Learning, Leadership, and Education Policy Program (LLEP). Students experience a mix of classroom, research and field experiences lead by expert level faculty with experience in the sport industry. Courses cover Organizational Theory in Sport, Organizational Behavior in Sport, and Research in Sport Management. Students can gain additional experience and training by applying for a limited number of assistantships within the department or in the Division of Athletics.

#8 – University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Massachusetts

Phd in sport management.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $14,014/year in-state and $29,529/year out-of-state Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education Overall Graduation Rate: 82 percent Points: 4 At the intersection of sport and business lies the top Doctorate in Sport Management from the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. This full-time, four-year residential program prepares students for a successful career in academia. Areas of study include sport marketing, sport law, sport finance, sport sociology, and sport economics. Students complete 48 credits of coursework, pass a qualifying and comprehensive exam, and teach for three years at Isenberg. During the last years in the program, students will research and complete a dissertation.

#7 – The Ohio State University-Columbus, Ohio

Phd in kinesiology, sport management.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1 Average Net Price: $11,560/year in-state and $35,144/year out-of-state Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission Overall Graduation Rate: 86 percent Points: 4 The College of Education and Human Ecology at The Ohio State University features a Ph.D. in Kinesiology with a focus in sport management. This customized program includes one-on-one mentoring from faculty, contributing to the field through individual research, and engaging in unique professional development opportunities. Coursework covers areas like sports marketing, sport organization theory, business of college sport, and research methods.

#6 – University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Michigan

Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $23,890/year in-state and $48,204/year out-of-state Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission Overall Graduation Rate: 93 percent Points: 5 The School of Kinesiology at the University of Michigan features a Doctorate in Sport Management designed for educators, researchers, and sport management professionals. Students in this top sport management doctorate program contribute original research to the field through a dissertation project. To help offset the cost of tuition, UM offers financial assistance in the form of assistantships (both research and teaching) and fellowship opportunities. Sports management degree coursework covers areas like financial management for the sport industry, managing a professional sport franchise, and strategic management.

#5 – Florida State University-Tallahassee, Florida

Phd sport management.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $9,684/year in-state and $24,116/year out-of-state Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges Overall Graduation Rate: 83 percent Points: 5 The College of Education at Florida State University offers a top Ph.D. in Sport Management focused on four theme areas which include Legal and Policy Issues in Sport, Management in Sport, Sport Marketing, and Sport Media and Culture Studies. Students complete a seminar series, being immersed in current trends and research in each of the theme areas of the program. The curriculum includes extensive training in research, preparing students to become an active researcher. Students also gain valuable instructional experience by shadowing a faculty member to learn to teach undergraduate sport management courses.

#4 – Louisiana State University-Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Sport management ph.d..

Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $9,132/year Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges Overall Graduation Rate: 68 percent Points: 5 The School of Kinesiology at Louisiana State University features an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Sport Management which allows students to tailor the program to meet their professional interests. Students complete core courses, independent studies, and elective courses that cover a wide variety of sport management related concepts and issues. Faculty serve as mentors to help students reach their full potential in both research and academia.

#3 – Indiana University-Bloomington, Indiana

Sport management doctoral program.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $9,501/year in-state and $31,932/year out-of-state Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission Overall Graduation Rate: 79 percent Points: 5 The Doctorate in Sports Management program at Indiana University was designed to meet the demand for an increase in professors and researchers in the field. Students have the opportunity to explore individual areas of interest within sport management through elective coursework and seminars. Admission to the program is highly competitive. Future students should have a solid background and interest in research.

#2 – University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, Arkansas

Doctor of philosophy program in health, sport and exercise science, with a concentration in recreation and sport management.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $7,752/year in-state and $21,032/year out-of-state Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission Overall Graduation Rate: 66 percent Points: 5 Students with a passion for both recreation and sport management should explore the top Ph.D. in Sport Management from the University of Arkansas. The program features a concentration in Recreation and Sport Management that prepares students for careers in education, management, and research. This top sport management doctoral program is rich with experiential learning. Students complete independent research projects, internship experiences, conduct presentations, and publish their work in professional journals. To complete their degree, students must pass both oral and written examinations, a thesis, and a dissertation.

#1 – Texas A&M University-College Station, Texas

Ph.d. in kinesiology with an emphasis in sport management.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $6,677/year in-state and $18,700/year out-of-state Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges Overall Graduation Rate: 82 percent Points: 5 Texas A&M University offers our top choice for a Ph.D. in Sport Management. The Department of Health and Kinesiology has offered a leading sport management Ph.D. program for over 30 years. The curriculum follows four primary areas including scholarship of sport management, scholarship of theoretical specializations, methods of inquiry, and teaching and career preparation. Faculty are industry experts with experience working in marketing, finance, diversity, sport development, legal issues in sport, and leadership. Opportunities for professional development are available through the Center for Sport Management Research and Education and the Laboratory for Diversity in Sport.

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PhD Program

Program overview.

Students pursuing a PhD in Sport Management develop scholarly and research competence, culminating in an original doctoral dissertation contributing to the body of knowledge in sport business. The program is designed for students who intend to make their careers as scholars, teachers, researchers, and professionals in economics, marketing, philanthropy, and urban development, as they pertain to sport business.

Each doctoral student works closely with a faculty advisor from the beginning of their degree program. Under their faculty advisor’s guidance, they are expected to take relevant coursework, engage in relevant research experiences (lab rotations, independent study projects, etc.), generate research ideas, and complete a research dissertation prior to graduation. 

A principal goal of doctoral student training is achieving competence as an independent scholar. This entails not only proficiency in research but in the dissemination of knowledge. To achieve this, students learn to guide the learning of others as a Graduate Student Research Assistant (GSRA) or Graduate Student Instructor (GSI). 

Doctoral students and their faculty advisors will form a Guidance Committee, Qualifying Examination Committee, and a Dissertation Committee to provide advice and evaluate student progress at successive stages of the program. 

Sport Management PhD Curriculum

PhD students choose from a set of core courses in Kinesiology, as well as cognate courses from other units, and complete a minimum of 30 pre-candidacy credits beyond the master's level. Qualifying examinations must be passed before advancing to candidacy, after which the student completes an original doctoral dissertation. A minimum of 50 credits including pre-candidacy and candidacy work must be completed to graduate.

The courses you take will vary, depending on your educational goals. Courses taken for graduate credit will carry SM or KINESLGY program codes, and are numbered 500 and above.

• Browse only SM courses in the Course Catalog
• Browse only KINESLGY courses in the Course Catalog
• Browse entire Course Catalog

Sport Management Graduate Faculty

Our Sport Management graduate faculty are leaders in their fields, and have a variety of interests and specialties. View the SM graduate faculty list .

Forms & Bulletins

Bulletins contain important information about graduate study at the University of Michigan School of Kinesiology. They provide key information about academic program requirements, rules, and regulations of our School. Please also consult U-M’s Rackham School of Graduate Studies website at rackham.umich.edu for more expansive and detailed information.

• Graduate Bulletin 2023-24
• Graduate Bulletin 2022-23
• Graduate Bulletin for MVS and SM Programs 2021-22
• Graduate Bulletin 2020-21
• Graduate Bulletin 2019-20
• Forms and Bulletins page on this website.

Education & Human Development

Kinesiology & sport management.

The Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management

The Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management (KNSM) is one the largest academic department at Texas A&M University, generating over 90,000 credit hours and 200,000 (modified) weighted student credit hours each year.

As one of four departments in the School of Education and Human Development, KNSM is currently home to over 3,000 undergraduate students, 246 master’s students, 70 doctoral students (3,921 total), 179 minor students, 103 faculty members, 32 staff members and 90 funded graduate assistants.

Divisions of Kinesiology & Sport Management

The department is comprised of three divisions: Kinesiology ,  Sport Management  and the  Physical Education Activity Program . Each division offers various degrees  and  outreach programs promoting continuing education for students and the community.

Former Student Highlight

Kourtney martin.

During her time as a Group Fitness Instructor at Texas A&M Rec Sports, she was presented with the opportunity to instruct WELLNESS WORKS! fitness sessions to faculty and staff at Texas A&M. She went on to complete her graduate internship with WELLNESS WORKS! before being named Employee Wellness Coordinator in 2017.

Bachelor’s →

Master’s →

Emphasis Areas

Sport management.

• Motor Behavior
• Basic Exercise Physiology
• Applied Exercise Physiology
• Athletic Training
• Sports Physiology
• Motor Neuroscience
• Clinical Exercise Physiology
• Sport Pedagogy
• Exercise Physiology

Ph.D. in Kinesiology, Emphasis in:

Ph.d. in kinesiology: emphasis in sport management.

For nearly 30 years, Texas A&M University has been preparing Ph.D. students to excel in the scholarship of sport. We offer a Ph.D. in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sport Management where faculty and students study sport management in ways that impact individuals, organizations and communities both locally and globally.

Using an appropriate array of theoretical, methodological and practical bases, our aim is to expose graduate students to a wide variety of perspectives and methods, then train them to understand and apply their knowledge base to critical areas of inquiry within sport management.

Applications are accepted in a rolling-basis year-round. However, all students who want to be considered for University or KNSM funding (e.g., GAT, GAR)  need to apply by the priority deadline . Completed applications are forwarded to the respective division faculty for evaluation. Appropriate academic qualifications are determined by the accepting faculty member and divisional admissions committee. Deadlines for priority review (PhD applicants):

APPLICATION DEADLINES

• Fall (September) start:  December 1

For more information, please email:  [email protected]

Prerequisites

Please refer to the Texas A&M University Catalog for more course information.

Competency in the content of the course is required rather than the particular course. The Office of Graduate Studies in the Department of Kinesiology & Sport Management in consultation with the graduate committee chair or temporary advisor will be happy to review transcripts of potential graduate students.

Requirements

Research experience requirement.

Prior to scheduling the dissertation proposal meeting, each student will:

• Have presented, as sole or first author, at least one presentation at a state, regional, or national conference; and
• Will be an author on at least one research paper submitted to a peer-reviewed national or international journal.

In addition, dissertations will not be signed by the department head until the student has submitted as first author a manuscript (or manuscripts) of the study to a national or international refereed journal (or journals).

Minimum Hour Requirement

The Ph.D. requires a minimum of 67 hours beyond a masters or 96 hours beyond a baccalaureate degree .

Depending on the preparation and experience, doctoral students may be required to complete undergraduate or graduate leveling work in addition to the minimum Ph.D. requirements.

Program Details

Degree: Ph.D. in Kinesiology emphasis: Sport Management Credit Hours: 67 hours Delivery: Traditional

For the tuition calculator: You will choose “Graduate” at the top in the maroon and select “Education and Human Development” in the College or School drop-down menu. A full-time graduate student takes 9 hours.

TUITION & FEES

For a better understanding of your total cost of attendance (COA), please visit our Cost and Tuition Rates page . This webpage will provide you with an opportunity to review estimated COA information for undergraduate, graduate and professional students, as well as other resources such as the tuition calculator and billing and fee explanations.

Core Curriculum

Kinesiology PhD in Sport Management Curriculum

Joshua Russell

Academic Advisor III

View Directory Profile

Our faculty represent globally noted scholars in the areas of:

• Diversity, social justice, and gender equity
• Sport development,
• Legal aspects of sport and sport for development
• Organizational behavior

Each faculty member engages with students to develop lines of inquiry that will both prepare them for future careers in the academy and contribute to the growing body of sport management knowledge.

The Center for Sport Management Research and Education , along with the Laboratory for Diversity in Sport and the Laboratory for the Study of Intercollegiate Athletics also provide opportunities for students to engage in studies that will impact sport management theory and practice.

The broad collective knowledge base of faculty and access to world-class opportunities on and off campus, combined with individual mentorship for each student makes Texas A&M one of the strongest and most attractive universities for training and inspiring scholars in sport management.

Graduate Committee Faculty Members

Prospective students are recommended to contact one of the Graduate Faculty Committee members for approval prior to submitting their application.

Min Jung Kim

Assistant Professor

Hyun-Woo Lee

Paul J. Batista, J.D.

Associate Professor

Brian McCullough

John Singer

Associate Professor of Sport Management

Gregg Bennett

Marlene Dixon

Department Head and Professor

Frequently Asked Questions

• PHD Sport Management 5

PHD Sport Management

Will there be any scholarship opportunities.

The Kinesiology and Sport Management Department provides competitive Graduate Assistantship positions ($2000 per month stipend plus benefits and tuition) and grant opportunities. In addition some scholarships are also available.

I still have further questions—who can I contact to help me answer those?

The Graduate Advising Office is located on the first floor of the Gilchrist Building. Our office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Graduate Advisor: Joshua Russell

• Office: Gibb Gilchrist Building

You can email us general questions at [email protected] .

I live out of state. Do you accept out-of-state applicants?

Yes, we accept in-state and out-of-state applicants.

Is there any opportunity for financial assistance?

Yes, there are opportunities for financial assistance. Please visit the Funding Your Education page for more information.

Is the GRE required?

No, the GRE is not required.

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Sport Management, Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology

Ohio State's PhD sport management program puts you in a position to become a leader in the field. You will have opportunities to customize your studies, master your research skills and get the encouragement to follow your passions, wherever they lie. This flexible program allows you to get involved with several types of research and get exposed to many different interdisciplinary areas at Ohio State. 

Program Features 

One-on-one, personalized support from internationally renowned faculty members, and guidance from those outside of sport management 

Create a big network of people inside and outside the university 

Inspire students through teaching 

Present at conferences and get recognized by experts when you publish in peer-reviewed journals 

Be completely immersed in a sports city 

Current Students Spotlight

Our students make essential contributions to the vibrant intellectual community of our program. Click below to learn more about some of our students’ interests and accomplishments.

Student profiles

Career Paths 

Funding Options 

Key to teaching, research and learning in the college, associateships provide students with professional experience and financial support. 

These financial awards are made by Ohio State to students based on academic merit through a university-wide competition. 

The college annually awards scholarships to its students to support their academic goals. 

Graduate program costs can depend on a variety of factors such as residency, number of credit hours, and number of semesters enrolled. The Graduate Admissions website provides an estimate of annual costs for Ohio residents, domestic non-residents, and international students. The Registrar’s Office provides more in-depth information about Tuition and Fees .

Degree Requirements

Prerequisites

Master’s degree. Test scores: GRE

Expected time to degree

Deadline to apply

for funding consideration; then rolling admissions until cohort filled

Applications for the next admissions cycle will open September 1

Program start

Autumn Semester 

View Sport Management (KINESIO-PH, PSN) Curriculum Sheet

Mode of Instruction

While some courses may be offered online, this degree requires in-person learning on the Columbus campus.

Prospective students are encouraged to complete an inquiry card so we can share information about virtual info sessions, opportunities to connect graduate students, program news and the admissions process.

Application checklist

View application checklist

Apply to Ohio State

• Enroll & Pay
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• Current Faculty

Ph.D. in Sport Management at KU

Program Overview

The Ph.D. in sport management at the University of Kansas prepares individuals for faculty, instructor, and research positions at the university level. Students enrolled full-time in the Ph.D. program typically complete the degree in three years. The program also welcomes professionals in the field to enroll part-time and complete the degree on an extended timeline. Doctoral students are able to participate in active research being conducted in the Amateur Sport Research Center.

Career Outcomes in Sport Management

A Ph.D. in sport management from KU is valuable in a number of fields. Those interested in academia as a career path can see the number of recent graduates who have gone onto become tenure-track faculty members at universities across the United States. Additionally, professionals in the field continue in their full-time positions (typically in athletics) while going through the program and use the degree for career advancement and knowledge development in the ever-competitive athletics marketplace. Potential position titles after graduation could include:

• Athletic director
• General manager
• Professional sports event coordinator
• Ticket sales manager
• Policy maker/analyst
• Researcher.

*This program is a doctor of philosophy degree in health, sport management, and exercise science with an emphasis in sport management.

Related programs

• Online master’s degree
• Bachelor’s degree
• Assistantships
• School scholarships
• Amateur Sport Research Center
• KU Sport Management Club

Thinking about sport management?

Brag points, graduate student life view as gallery page.

Vibrant Campus Environment

In the heart of the United States, the city of Lawrence revolves around the University and its students.

Professional Development

Doctoral students will leave KU with a professional and academic network of fellow faculty and staff.

Research Opportunities

Doctoral students at KU support faculty and research staff in conducting adding new information to the body of knowledge in a variety of fields.

Graduate Student Funding

The Office of Graduate Studies at KU provides both internal and external funding resources to support doctoral students.

PhD in Sport Management

• Concentrations
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Students in Isenberg’s PhD program in sport management are interested in the convergence of sport and business.

From uncovering the unique characteristics of sport monopolies to understanding brand management as it relates to fan behavior, students find their research niche at Isenberg as they become leading academics and scholars the field.

Message from the Coordinator

The sport industry has rapidly developed into a thriving business, with impacts across society, driving demand for sport business-trained professionals, and pioneering academic research. There are exceptional opportunities for aspiring academics with a passion for sport.

Isenberg has been ahead of this curve, crafting a doctoral program—one of only a handful in the country—that prepares students to meet this demand. By merging the Mark H. McCormack Department of Sport Management, a leader in the field for 40 years, with Isenberg, we can simultaneously provide students with PhD-level training in sport and business management.

We’re proud that our distinguished program also offers:

• Renowned faculty  with diverse research interests who regularly publish scholarly work in top-tier sport journals
• A  supportive and collaborative environment  that extends beyond the classroom
• Low student-to-faculty ratio , providing individual attention to doctoral students
• Customization  that encourages doctoral students to pursue their research interests
• Strong ties to sport industry leaders  who can be utilized for research

Our graduates enjoy marketability as both published researchers and seasoned educators. We welcome applicants who are dedicated learners and inquisitive thinkers interested in making real contributions to this exciting and still emerging field.

Elizabeth B. Delia PhD Coordinator & Associate Professor

About the Program

Isenberg’s PhD in sport management is a full-time, residential program that prepares students for careers in academia. Students receive broad training in research methods and learn to apply advanced business understanding to sport subject matter. With small class sizes, students enjoy individualized instruction from faculty. Valuable teaching opportunities prime students to become educators at leading institutions.

Students generally complete a PhD in Sport Management within 4-5 years. Students must pass both a qualifying and comprehensive examination, and complete three years of teaching at Isenberg. During the final years students research, write, and defend a dissertation.

Students must take 48 credits of coursework, which includes classes in theory and research methods, research electives, and minor classes.

Examples of courses:

• Sport Marketing
• Sport Consumer Behavior
• Sport Organizational Theory & Behavior
• Sport Finance
• Sport Economics
• Sport Leadership
• Sport Sociology

Isenberg has a strong focus on research. Faculty members work alongside doctoral students on a variety of projects, publishing research in top tier sport management journals. Recent projects include: 

• The intersection of fandom and health
• Experiences of fandom in women's sport 
• Sexism in sport organizations 
• How sport fans experience emotional support from each other 
• Identity covering of marginalized individuals in the workplace
• The role of nostalgia in sport fandom 
• Motives and points of attachment for esport consumers 

Sport Management Doctoral Candidates

McCormack Department of Sport Management

Testimonials from recent graduates.

Sport Administration

Why study sport administration.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Sport Administration program at the University of Cincinnati is dedicated to preparing students for successful careers in the professoriate, higher education, and in the sports industry. Our program offers a flexible curriculum allowing students to customize their coursework and experiences to match their career and research goals. With our strategic location, distinguished faculty expertise, and university resources, we are the ideal hub for cultivating future leaders, scholars, and practitioners in sport administration. Join our program and become part of a vibrant community of scholars dedicated to advancing sport scholarship and practice!

Admission Requirements

• Master's Degree in Sport Administration or a related field (with a cumulative GPA of a 3.00 or higher)
• Three (3) reference names
• One (1) letter of recommendation
• Applicants will choose from a list of topics.
• Applicant will then research that topic and support with 4-6 sources.
• Applicant will write a 2-3 page paper (roughly 1,000 words), must cite in APA, and include a reference page.
• Why UC? What are their career goals related to completing this degree? Which faculty member are they wanting as an advisor?.

Our program will support student career goals that range from faculty, administrative, practitioner/athletics, and alt-academic careers. We will provide resources in our seminar classes, particularly our SMGT 9040: Professional Development and Career Exploration course, that will inform students of their options and resources across a wealth of career outlets.

We also have a dedicated Doctoral Sport Administration Group that will house regular meetings to discuss theory, teaching, research, service, career ideas, conferences, interviewing, negotiation, and other topics designed to help students be successful during and after they’ve completed our program.

The Sport Administration PhD program graduates are well-equipped for a wide range of career opportunities in academia, higher education, and the sport industry. With advanced research and analytical skills, graduates can pursue careers as professors, researchers, consultants, and executives in sports organizations, athletic departments, and related industries. Whatever your career goals may be, the PhD in Sport Administration program at the University of Cincinnati provides the foundation for achieving success and making a meaningful impact. 

Please contact Dr. Matt Hum l , sport administration doctoral program coordinator, for questions related to advising.

Here at the University of Cincinnati, our program offers unique strengths that set it apart from other Sport Administration PhD programs. As one of the few programs located within a large metropolitan area, our students have access to a wealth of resources both on and off campus, including professional, intercollegiate, interscholastic, recreational, and leisure programs within proximity to UC. With a proven track record of prestigious research fellowships, best article awards, teaching accolades, and grant funding, our faculty provide invaluable mentorship and research opportunities to our students. 

Join us in our commitment to diversity and inclusion! We are dedicated to increasing representation within our faculty ranks. This is an exciting opportunity to connect with our esteemed faculty members, learn more about our program, and take the first step toward achieving your career goals in the sports industry. We believe that a diverse community of scholars is essential for advancing the field of sport administration, and we look forward to welcoming you into our program. 

For international admissions requirements, please visit our website .

• Guide: Sport Administration PhD Curriculum

Application Deadlines

Early Admission

General Admission

December 1 - All accepted students start the following fall semester.

Contact Information

Find related programs in the following interest areas:.

• Social Science

Program Code: 18DOC-SPAD-PHD

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Department of Educational Leadership

Sport Management Program

Doctoral degree, the ph.d. in sport management is a concentration within the department's learning, leadership, and education policy program ( llep ), our mission, the sport management program is designed to provide an educational experience that includes an effective blend of classroom, research and field experiences in an effort to provide each student the opportunity to gain disciplinary knowledge and to develop the necessary skills to be successful in any area of the sport industry., our mission is to graduate scholar-practitioners, and researchers, who have the knowledge, skills, and values to lead the sport industry in the 21st century and who envision sport as a vehicle for positive social outcomes..

The Sport Management Concentration in the Learning, Leadership, and Education Policy (LLEP) Ph.D. prepares individuals to:

• Apply lenses of social justice and organizational change to engage in scholarship, and work in and with complex institutions of higher education and sport organizations
• Critically examine important questions in sport using rigorous research methodologies and methods
• Construct theoretical models based on sound empirical research to guide practice and policy
• Appreciate the role supportive learning systems and environments play in higher education and sport organizations

Sport Management Faculty

SAMPLE PLAN OF STUDY

LLEP Core Courses (15 credits)

• EDLR 6313 — Educational Policy and Politics
• EDLR 5204 — Organizational Learning
• EDLR 5201 — Influences on Adult Learning
• EDLR 6467 — Social Justice Leadership, Equity, and Change
• EDLR 6050 — Proposal/Prospectus Development I

Sport Management Concentration Courses  (9 credits minimum)

• EDLR 6300 — Organizational Theory in Sport
• EDLR 6310 — Organizational Behavior in Sport
• EDLR 6315 — Current Research in Sport Management

Research Courses (12 credits minimum) (Can be used to meet Graduate School 6-credit minimum Related Area requirement)

• EPSY 5605 — Quantitative Methods in Research I
• EPSY 5607 — Quantitative Methods in Research II
• EPSY 5613 — Multivariate Analysis in Educational Research
• EPSY 6601 — Methods and Techniques of Educational Research
• EPSY 5601 — Principles & Methods in Educational Research
• EPSY 5610 — Applied Regression Analysis for the Education Sciences
• EPSY 5613 — Multivariate Analysis in Education
• EPSY 5621 — Construction of Evaluative Instruments
• EDCI 5824 — Educational Ethnography
• EDCI 6000 — Qualitative Methods of Educational Research
• EDCI 6005 — Advanced Methods of Qualitative Research
• EDCI 6052 — Advanced Qualitative Methods
• Other research courses as needed

Cognate Area(s)  (9 credits)

• Courses to be taken from outside the Dept. of Educational Leadership Courses may be taken, with the consent of the major advisor and the student’s advisory committee from management, marketing, sociology, psychology, anthropology, educational leadership, management and finance, among others

Graduate School Required Doctoral Dissertation Research credits  (15 credits minimum)

• GRAD 6950 — Doctoral Dissertation Research

PhD in Kinesiology (Sport Management and Policy)

Students in the Ph.D. program in Sport Management and Policy are passionate about investigating a variety of managerial, business, and societal topics in the context of sport. The program is a full-time on-campus program which focuses on research and prepares students for a career as a professor at leading colleges and universities across the globe.

The program typically takes four years to complete and students focus on developing their research skills over the entirety of their stay in the program. During the first two years, students take coursework in research methodology, statistics, sport management, and their research specialization area. The degree program structure allows students the ability to design a unique curriculum that fits their specific area of research interest. At the end of the second year, students are required to complete a written and oral comprehensive exam. In the final two years of the program, students focus on writing a dissertation. Students complete a written and oral defense of the dissertation to finalize the program.

Students in the program work directly with a faculty member to develop their research skills in a specific area of interest.

Areas of Research Specialization:

• Sport Marketing
• Sport Consumer Behavior
• Sport Policy and Governance
• Sport Organizational Theory and Behavior
• Sport Economics
• Sport Finance
• Sport Analytics
• Sport Leadership

It is recommended that prospective students contact individual University of Georgia Sport Management and Policy faculty members via email to assess whether admissions availability exists with a given faculty member.

Faculty in the Ph.D. program in Sport Management and Policy program maintain a strong focus on research. Ph.D. students are expected to work with their faculty mentor to develop research projects which are publishable in top peer-reviewed sport management journals or in high quality parent-discipline journals in the specific area of research interest.

Our faculty have expertise in a range of subjects, with faculty members who serve as advisors to students in the sport management emphasis:

• Dr. Thomas Baker Co-Director, Sport, Economics, and Law Lab
• Dr. Rose Chepyator-Thomson Director, Cultural Studies in Physical Activity Lab
• Dr. Clay Collins Assistant Professor
• Dr. Becca Leopkey Associate Professor
• Dr. Steven Salaga Co-Director, Sport, Economics, and Law Lab
• Dr. James Zhang Director, International Center for Sport Management

How to Apply

Admission to the Ph.D. program in Sport Management and Policy is highly competitive. Preferred applicants will have achieved an exemplary level of success in their bachelor’s and master’s degrees from regionally accredited colleges and universities. Preferred applicants are highly-motivated and are high-achievers with strong university GPAs and standardized test scores. Satisfactory Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required for all applicants, along with a statement of purpose, a current CV, and contact information for three references. Prospective students must apply through the University of Georgia Graduate School who handles all admissions paperwork. The Graduate School website contains important details about the application process, orientation, and many other useful links to guide you through the process of attending UGA at the graduate level.

Start A Graduate School Application

Prospective Graduate Student Application Checklist

The following should be uploaded to the Graduate School’s application:

• Unofficial transcripts from each institution of higher education attended
• Statement of Purpose should summarize your career goals and how the degree program would help you attain those identified goals.
• If applying to a MS-thesis or Ph.D. program, ensure you describe your research interests and how your interests fit with a specific faculty member within the Department of Kinesiology.
• A CV or resume
• Contact information for three references
• Scores can be sent to UGA’s Graduate School as a designated score recipient using code 5813.

Deadline To Apply

Log Into Existing Application

Additional Resources

Please use our online form if you have any questions for the department. Please be as specific as possible so that we may quickly assist you.

The College’s programs are taught by dedicated faculty who are experts in a range of areas and are passionate about helping students succeed both in their programs and professionally.

Meet the Faculty

Most graduate students at UGA are not assigned to a faculty advisor until after admittance. A close working relationship with your advisor is paramount to progressing through your program of study.

Almost all in-state students begin their studies at UGA paying limited tuition or fees. Please note that these amounts are subject to change and are meant to give prospective students an idea of the costs associated with a degree at the University of Georgia College of Education.

Students may qualify for a variety of assistantships, scholarships, and other financial awards to help offset the cost of tuition, housing, and other expenses.

Tuition Rates   Browse Financial Aid

Because we have graduate students from around the world who apply to our program, you will be a part of a diverse group of learners and thinkers whose ideas and perspectives will enhance your own experience.

Doctoral students also have opportunities to attend and present at national conferences, and to join national-level student organizations. Our department organizes networking sessions, top-level speakers and opportunities for scholarly exchange throughout the academic year.

You will take courses in the Ramsey Student Center for Physical Activities, the country’s largest on-campus recreational facility.

See for yourself how much UGA College of Education has to offer! Schedule a tour of campus to learn more about the UGA student experience.

Schedule A Visit

What Can a Ph.D. in Sport Management Do for Your Career?

News  | June 11, 2021

Sara Shoffner was the first student to complete the Ph.D. in Sport Management at TROY, which the University was approved to offer in 2014.

As a sixth-degree black belt in Taekwondo, Dr. Win Koo achieved the status of master of martial arts in his native South Korea before becoming a grandmaster in the United States. However, it’s Dr. Koo’s academic talent rather than his martial arts skills that he calls on when he comes out fighting as the program coordinator on Troy University’s Ph.D. in Sport Management program.

As a discipline, sport management is an incredibly diverse field.

“Sport management covers quite a lot of different areas,” says Dr. Koo. “For example, sport management professionals can work in professional sports, college sports, recreational sports, and even in those mega international sporting events like the Olympics or the FIFA World Cup.”

Dr. Koo’s own particular area of interest in sport management includes research into various aspects of sports marketing and consumer behavior.

“Yes, I do have a sports background, but in this field, I’m a scholar and doing a lot of research regarding marketing, sponsorship, and consumer behavior,” says Dr. Koo. “I want to know why people attend the game as both participants and spectators.”

What Do Sports Managers Do?

According to Dr. Koo, if you want to build a career in sport management, you’ll have to make sure that your business and analytical skills are as “match fit” as your athletes on the field.

“There are four major areas in sport management as an academic discipline,” says Dr. Koo. “There’s sports marketing, sport finance, organizational behavior, and legal issues. Then there are other areas like sports communication and sports information —  and nowadays, sports analytics is becoming a huge area in sport management.”

Dr. Koo explains how sports analytics are addressed in sport management.

“The first method looks at athletic performance and how that performance can be improved,” says Dr. Koo. “The second method uses data to understand consumer behavior. We look at things like how sport influences consumer purchasing decisions. What are they buying? How much money are they spending? How much time do they use it? There is a lot of big data used in sports these days. It’s a new and rapidly growing area in sport management.”

How is Sport Management Different from Business Management?

Dr. Koo believes the main difference between the business of sport management and more traditional business management is the emotional connection many sports fans have to their favorite sports teams and athletes.

“Sport management exists because the sports consumer’s behavior is somewhat different from regular consumer behavior,” says Dr. Koo. “Sports consumers are more emotionally attached to their team and players and the sports itself. That creates a unique environment within the sport. That’s why we talk about the different types of consumer behavior in sport.”

Dr. Koo highlights how sport and commercial opportunities collide across a wide range of sports.

“In my sports marketing classes, I’m teaching students that there are a lot of different sources of money involved in sports these days,” says Dr. Koo. “Sponsorship money is getting higher and touching different areas of the sporting world, like the naming rights of teams and stadiums. Traditionally, there is the cost of the tickets that spectators pay to watch the sports. Then there are the TV broadcast rights which are huge for those mega-events like the FIFA World Cup or the Olympics.”

Dr. Koo also points to all the tangible aspects of being a sports fan and how these add to a sports team’s financial coffers.

“There’s a lot of money to be made through the sale of merchandise and souvenirs,” says Dr. Koo. “People want to buy the gear for their specific sport even if they don’t play themselves.”

As the world of sport increasingly expands into new digital realms, the opportunities for new commercial opportunities increase.

“Virtual reality and video games are an increasingly important aspect of sports,” says Dr. Koo. “Esports can provide another revenue stream for sports overall.”

Winning in the Business of Sport Management

Dr. Koo explains that success is a highly saleable commodity benefiting the individual sports teams and sporting events the business communities support.

“Winning is a very important aspect of sport management,” says Dr. Koo. “The number one reason why we follow specific individuals in sport is their propensity for winning. However, there are also other areas to consider, including their behavior and their appearance, which is becoming increasingly important these days.”

When any business invests in a sports team or event, they will be looking for a return-on-investment (ROI). According to Dr. Koo, there are several ways a sponsor will evaluate their ROI.

“Brand awareness is one way to gauge a return on investment,” says Dr. Koo. “They will be looking at their brand recall and recognition. Another method will look at the level of exposure a brand receives on TV and other media. Brands will look at the level of exposure and try to convert those numbers into a dollar figure.”

Dr. Koo highlights how Samsung, the South Korean electronics company, used their sponsorship of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics in Japan to re-invent themselves as a leading global player in the mobile phone industry.

“Sponsoring the Olympic Games helped Samsung reach a whole new global audience and change their image from an electronics company into a mobile company,” says Dr. Koo. “They used their sponsorship of the games to build their image and brand awareness, and help increase brand equity.”

Sponsorship doesn’t come without its problems, and Dr. Koo explains that sport management professionals working for sponsors and sponsees have to weigh up the pros and cons of such commercial partnerships.

“While the sponsees need the money from their sponsors, they also need to be careful with their image as well,” says Dr. Koo. “We can look at McDonald’s sponsoring the Olympics and say they are a good match because they are both global brands. However, the Olympics promotes a very healthy type of experience, while McDonald’s is often associated with the negative perception of fast food. These are the things that sports marketers have to be careful with. That’s why through our research, we try to prove and try to argue with and discuss those kinds of topics.”

Research in Sport Management

According to Dr. Koo, the Ph.D. in sport management program at TROY is designed to enhance the critical thinking, analytical, statistical and research-based skills required to succeed in the contemporary sport management industry.

Ph.D. students are required to submit a research paper related to the topic of every class they take.

“The doctorate in sport management is heavily research-based,” says Dr. Koo. “We provide the skills which are required in the modern sports industry by emerging our students in an integrated academic learning and research-orientated environment where they work closely with the faculty and their fellow students.”

Dr. Koo suggests that his students typically fall into one of two groups.

“One group will typically work as educators, so they are teaching at colleges and universities,” says Dr. Koo. “The other group works in more traditional sporting fields, so they work for professional teams and in college athletics.”

Students in the Ph.D. program often come to TROY with a great deal of experience.

“Usually, students apply to our program after they have been working in their field for five to ten years,” says Dr. Koo. “So they come to us with a problem area in mind, and that converts to research.”

What Can I Do With a Sport Management Degree?

According to Dr. Koo, the field of education represents a promising opportunity for those looking to exercise their sport management skills.

“Sport management used to be quite a niche field in education,” says Dr. Koo. “However, nowadays, the United States has more than 430 undergraduate programs, about 260 master’s programs, and around 35 doctoral programs in sport management. For those interested in following a career in education, this creates a significant opportunity for our Ph.D. in Sport Management students.”

College sports create a major opportunity to work in the field of sport management. Dr. Koo suggests this is a uniquely American experience.

“Not many countries have college sports to the same degree as we have here in the United States,” says Dr. Koo. “There is more of a sports culture here than in other places. With more fans, there are more sponsorship opportunities and a lot more money is available. This is another reason why sport management programs are very popular in the United States.”

Outside of the world of education, Dr. Koo suggests that many sports organizations now require some kind of higher degree to work in the field of sport management — and the leadership skills to go with it.

“Leaders in the sport management field must ensure understanding of a sports organization’s internal and external circumstances. The business environment of sports organizations has been dramatically changed by technologies like social media and big data derived from artificial intelligence,” says Dr. Koo. “Sport management leaders are needed to motivate people to achieve individual and organizational goals not only by considering changes in a sport organization’s internal systems but also the external environment driving changes.”

With the wide choice of academic routes into sport management, Dr. Koo is quick to highlight the competitive advantage offered by TROY’s Ph.D. program.

“We are the first online Ph.D. program in sport management, so there is flexibility and accessibility for our students,” says Dr. Koo.

The program also attracts a different kind of student.

“Our students typically already have jobs in the sports industry,” says Dr. Koo. “Usually, in other Ph.D. in sport management programs, they are traditional doctorate students, meaning they have to be there for three to five years to complete their studies. However, a lot of students in these traditional programs tell us that they have a hard time completing their studies and Ph.D. thesis because of their work. Our online program offers a more flexible opportunity for those students as well. So that’s why they are choosing TROY’s program.”

Most of the program’s doctoral students are experienced and serve as leaders in industry and academia. The TROY program places a special emphasis on developing both leadership and scholarly skills. “The Ph.D. program prepares students to become visionary leaders and scholars through the researcher-academic model of Ph.D. training,” says Dr. Koo. “For example, about two years of rigorous courses provide students with various research opportunities through core seminars, cognate classes, research and statistics requirements, presentations, and publications. In addition, a one to two-year dissertation process allows students to contribute new knowledge to the subject of their chosen research and become experts in those fields.”

The Alumni Experience

The challenge of balancing a career while working on her Ph.D. and dissertation is something that Dr. Sara Shoffner, a graduate of the program, identifies with.

“I chose TROY because I wanted to pursue a Ph.D. in sport management while gaining teaching and research experience,” says Dr. Shoffner. “I previously worked in athletic administration, specifically in academics, where I discovered a passion for teaching and helping student-athletes in the classroom. So when I discovered that TROY was starting a Ph.D. program, I knew it was something I wanted to do in an effort to pursue college teaching as my next career path.”

Dr. Shoffner now works as an Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator for Sport Management at Huntingdon College in Alabama.

“Without my Ph.D. from TROY, I would not be where I am today,” says Dr. Shoffner. “Not only did TROY help me to achieve the necessary qualifications for this position, but the program equipped me with the necessary skills to become successful in this transition.”

Dr. Shoffner was able to take advantage of TROY’s online and traditional hybrid education model and was impressed with how easy it was to communicate with her instructors and fellow students regardless of how they accessed the program.

“I was able to attend my classes both in-person and online,” says Dr. Shoffner. “Both experiences were exceptional. Because of the ease of access using online education, I was able to learn from professors and other students from all over the world.”

According to Dr. Shoffner, the sport management program helped her develop and improve her research skills which led to several publication opportunities.

“With Dr. Koo’s support, the course prepared me to present at national conferences and publish in sport management-related journals,” says Dr. Shoffner. “Also, I was able to graduate with accepted publications and obtain employment due to my research and teaching experience gained through the program.”

Dr. Shoffner highlights Dr. Koo’s statistics classes as being particularly enjoyable and useful.

“In order to complete my dissertation and conduct research in the field of sport management, I needed to have an in-depth understanding and knowledge in statistics,” says Dr. Shoffner. “I also enjoyed Dr. Martin’s pedagogy class because it covered areas of assessment as well as class development, which I use daily to build my courses and evaluate the sport management program here.”

The leadership skills she developed in the Ph.D. program have allowed Dr. Shoffner to pay it forward when it comes to her own students. “The culture at TROY prepared me to take on several leadership roles at my current institution and gave me the confidence to cultivate leadership skills in my students,” she says. “Students today must learn to navigate many challenges in their own professions. As a result, my ability to instill critical leadership skills can positively influence their future success as leaders in the workplace.”

Dr. Shoffner wouldn’t hesitate to encourage anyone working in the field of sport management to look at the opportunities a Ph.D. in Sport Management from TROY can create for them.

“I really enjoyed my experience in the Ph.D. program,” says Dr. Shoffner. “The instructors in the program are experts in their field and went above and beyond to help me be successful in the program and beyond.”

To learn more about how a Ph.D. in Sport Management from TROY can help you excel in the field, visit the program page on our website.  

Kristin Frazier

Kristin Frazier is the Marketing Content Coordinator for Troy University.

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Concordia University Chicago & SMWW  / Doctorate in Leadership: Sports Leadership

Reach the pinnacle of your academic career online with a doctorate in leadership: sports leadership.

With Concordia University Chicago and SMWW you can achieve the highest academic level awarded. Both the Ed.D or Ph.D in Leadership: Sports Leadership are completed fully online.

To work in the sports education or research field a doctorate is often a necessary stepping stone to achieve the intellectual standards essential to thrive. But a doctorate can do much more for you than propel you in those two sectors. 

Dr. Adrian Griffin -Toronto Raptors Asst. Coach, CUC President, Dr. Nick Nurse - Toronto Raptors Head Coach, and Dr. Lynn Lashbrook

An Ed.D or Ph.D in Leadership: Sports Leadership can be the path to an executive role with a professional team, a leader in a sports agency, an expert in the financial and economic aspects of sports business or a CEO of anything from sports television networks to sports marketing firms.  

The program focuses on sports leadership, including the management of large teams of people, sports law, economics, finance, and other essential skills required to stand out in the over $700 billion global sports industry. 

When you’ve achieved a doctoral degree, you’ve displayed a dedication to your craft that not many others can boast. Only 1.68% of the US population over 25 years old has their doctorate - this is a degree that can change the way you are viewed in the sports industry. 

Concordia University of Chicago (CUC), offers a 100% online Ed.D or Ph.D in Leadership: Sports Leadership, which means you can keep your day job and earn while you learn. Plus, our doctorate course is affordable, often less than 1/3 of the price of other advanced degree programs.

When you register through SMWW you will be given a discounted rate, guaranteed through the end of your doctoral program!

SMWW’s Industry Leading Courses Featured In:

Application Deadline:

Application is due:   June 24, 2024 |  Classes  Start:     July 1, 2024

Online education is the perfect way for hard at work people to complete an advanced degree. You get the flexibility of learning at your pace and your time, while also being able to achieve a degree from a respected and accredited university.

Finally, a Doctorate Program Designed for Busy People!

The program develops well-rounded students, with multiple options to choose from in your education and a wide range of careers they can pursue after graduation including:

•    Education •    Research •    Sports Agent •    Player Personnel •    Operations •    Media, PR, and Communications •    Community Relations •    Front Office Management •    Sports Marketing •    Athletic Director •    Sports Information Director •    Compliance Officer •    Game Day Operations Director •    NCAA Academic Advisor •    Director of Ticket Operations •    Director of Fundraising and Development •    Coach •    Professor of Sports Management •    Fan & Event Management •    Scout

Program Curriculum:

Ed.D.: 61 semester hours Ph.D.: 67 semester hours

▸ ▾ Leadership Courses (15 Credits)

• EDL 7120 Research Based Decision
• LDR 7000 Leadership Theories & Practice
• LDR 7010 Developing Human Capital
• LDR 7020 Leading the Knowledge Enterprise
• LDR 7030 Promoting and Leading Change
• LDR 6010 Pursuit of Leadership Excellence
• LDR 6020 Critical Issues in Leadership
• LDR 6030 Leadership Theories and Professional Practice
• LDR 7020 Developing the Organization's Human Capital
• LDR 7040 Creating & Leading a Learning Organization
• LDR 7050 Strategic Forecasting and Planning 
• SPML 6010 The Essentials of the Law in Sports
• SPML 6020 The Economics of Sports
• SPML 6040 Sports Finance
• SPML 6050 Leading in a Time of Change
• SPML 6060 Leveling the Playing Field: Diversity in Sports
• SPML 6070 Sports Promotion
• SPML 6110 Facilities and Events Management
• SPML 6120 Dynamics of Coaching
• SPML 6130 Social and Historical Foundations of Modern Sport
• SPML 6000 Organization & Administration of Recreation & Leisure Programs
• SPML 6150 Philosophy & Educational Value of Sport
• SPML 6160 Assessment & Evaluation of Recreation & Leisure Programs
• SPML 6170 Current Issues in Recreation & Leisure
• SPML 6180 Foundations & Theoretical Perspectives of Recreation & Leisure

▸ ▾ Sports Specialization (15 Credits)

• SPML 7010 Advanced Topics Sports Administration
• SPML 7020 Seminar in Sports Marketing
• SPML 7030 Seminar in Advanced Sports Economics & Finance
• SPML 7050 Essentials of Law in Sports
• SPML 7085 Sports Analytics

▸ ▾ Foundations/Philosophy/Ethics (Required) (12 credits)

• EDL 7141 Organizational Change
• FPR 7011 Phil & Foundations of Leadership
• EDL 7211 Policy Analysis
• SPML 7040 Sports Leadership & Ethics

▸ ▾ Research and Statistics (10 - 16 credits)

For the EdD, Practitioner Track (10 hours)

• RES 7900 Research Design (4)
• RES 7605 Quantitative Analysis
• RES 7700 Qualitative Research

For the PhD, Researcher Track (16 hours)

• RES 7800 Mixed Methods Research
• RES 7620 Advanced Topics in Statistics OR Res 7710 Advanced Topics in Qualitative Analysis

▸ ▾ Comprehensive Exam and Dissertation (9 credits)

• COMPS 7000 Comprehensive Exam (fee)
• DISS 7010, DISS 7020, and DISS 7030
• DISS 8000 Dissertation Supervision (fee)

NBA Coach of the Year Nick Nurse and Toronoto Raptors Assistant Coach Adrian Griffin Graduate from CUC with Phd Degrees

Concordia University Chicago (CUC) offers two (2) 8 weeks sessions within a 16-week term. Students can register for 2 courses per term - one in the first 8-week session and one in the second 8-week session. The tuition fee is $711 per credit hour. (Technology fee an addition $16 per credit hour).

There are Numerous Benefits to Attending CUC

• Courses are 100% online, you can take them from anywhere
• There is no residency requirement
• The program starts every 8 weeks
• Coursework is designed for those working in sports, so you can keep working!
• Includes live interactive zoom video chats with sports executives
• Federal Financial Aid is available
• Accredited university with a 150+ year history of preparing leaders
• Affordable – often less than 1/3 the cost of other sports leadership programs

There are Numerous Benefits to Being a Part of SMWW:

• Network with the alumni of SMWW, over 15,000 strong
• Access and exposure to cutting edge software required by the MLB, NFL, NBA, MLS, and NHL
• Weekly live interactive zoom video chats with Dr. Lashbrook, fellow sports business students, and sports industry leaders
• Professional sports resume redesign and letter of reference upon graduation
• Discounts to the SMWW Conferences including NFL Combine, Baseball Winter Meetings, NBA Summer League, NHL Draft, MLS Draft, and more.
• Access to the  SMWW Staff & Faculty.

A Message from Dr. Lynn Lashbrook

Dear Potential Student,

Every day I discuss with people the career opportunities in college athletics and Sports Management. For the past 45 years, I have worked in a variety of sports careers including as a Sports Agent, Athletic Director, Academic Advisor, College Coach, Professor, Scout, and Compliance Officer. I know which careers will benefit from a specific degree and which do not. If you are like most people, you are not aware of the opportunities and how one can break this profession, or even if a degree is a good investment for you. When I started Sports Management Worldwide, I searched for a partnership in Higher Education that understands the importance of an online Masters and Doctorate Program for students who want to obtain a career in college and professional athletics. The Concordia University Chicago Sports Management program exceeds my expectations.

I would welcome the chance to discuss career strategies for your specific goals and background.

Fill out this quick form and I will call you to discuss! Or call me at +1(503)445-7105.

Or if you are ready to apply at Concordia University Chicago, fill out this free application for acceptance.  I know you will be impressed with how quickly they respond. They are a joy to work with and happy to answer your questions. We have a wide range of students, from young people trying to advance their career, to retired professional athletes and sports executives, we can help you become more marketable in the sports industry!

Dr. G. Lynn Lashbrook, Ed.D President & Founder Sports Management Worldwide

Still Have Questions?

Contact SMWW's CUC Specialists today! We can answer your questions and offer advice on how you can earn your degree online.

[email protected] (503)445-7105

We make the admissions process simple, fast, and easy!

Sports Management Worldwide:  (503)445-7105 or Toll Free: 1(888)952-4368 or fill out this  "Talk to Dr. Lashbrook" form

Admission Checklist For Doctoral Students

▸ ▾ Requirements for Admission

A completed Doctoral Application for Admission.

Apply online. Apply here to get the discounted tuition.

▸ ▾ Financial Aid Information

https://fafsa.ed.gov/

Apply for financial aid and/or make arrangements for payment after you've submitted your application. You will need to complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. It is in your best interest to complete the financial aid process as early as possible. For assistance, call Concordia University financial aid helpline at 708-209-3347.

CUC’s School Code is 001666.

▸ ▾ Official Transcripts

Master’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Provide official, sealed transcripts from institutions where degrees were earned showing all college/university coursework.

▸ ▾ Testing

Please submit Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Millers Analogy Test (MAT) scores. There is no minimum score requirement; however, the score is evaluated by the program coordinator during the application process. GRE or MAT must be taken within the past three years. CUC’s GRE School Code is RA1140. CUC’s MAT School Recipient Code is 2024. Exceptions are applied to those who have past doctorate experience.

▸ ▾ Submission of Rationale Statement

Submission of rationale statement, including personal goals for applying for admission to the program. This is included on the application.

Provide information on your future educational goals and/or objectives and their relationship to pursuing graduate work at Concordia University Chicago. This is part of the online application.

▸ ▾ Two Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation from two persons qualified to comment on the applicant’s potential for doctoral study. If you need help sending one or both, let us know. It can be difficult to track down past professors and employers for a quick letter. Letters should be from individuals able to comment on the applicant's academic proficiency, personal character, competence, and effectiveness in professional work.

▸ ▾ Resume/ CV and Writing Sample

Submit a paper that demonstrates your ability to write in a scholarly manner at a level typical of graduate work. A paper from your master’s program would be most appropriate. This sample should approach, but not exceed, five pages in length.

International Students:

If you are an international student, you must complete the basic steps listed above for your degree and the following information

▸ ▾ English as a Second Language TOEFL Scores

Please submit TOEFL score of at least 550 (paper-based) or 72 (internet) minimum requirement on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or successful completion of Level 112 at an English Language School (ELS) unless English is the native language, and an unqualified recommendation from an ELS program director is provided. (International students who have earned an advanced degree from an accredited institution in the United States do not need to submit TOEFL scores.)

▸ ▾ Foreign Transcript Evaluation

Any foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a Concordia approved international credentialing service, such as WES (World Education Services) or ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators). Students should request a “Course-by-Course” evaluation and sent to Concordia University Chicago.

TAKE THE FIRST STEP

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Success Stories

KC Current, Head Coach (NWSL)

Philadelphia 76ers Head Coach, 2020 NBA Coach of the Year

Former NFL player

General Manager, San Antonio Exhibition Operations at The Gold Group

Synergy Sports Operations

Chicago Blackhawks

Gil Scott Sports Management

Phoenix Suns Senior Activation Manager

Head Coach, Cantho Catfish (VBA League)

NBA & NFL Certified Agent

UNLV Assistant Athletic Director

Scouting/Draft Analysis GM Jr

New Orleans Saints

Testimonials:

I am VERY HAPPY and EXTREMELY PROUD of my experience and degree from SMWW/CUC! Sports management is a rapidly emerging field!  The training and education I participated in with SMWW have enabled me to exceed my professional goals. From the scope and depth of the curriculum to the flexibility of the online learning environment, to the expertise shared by the faculty members, SMWW transformed me and encouraged me in a culture of creativity and motivation. Rigorous educational standards, mutually respectful rapport between student and instructor, stimulating dialogue of inquiry and discovery, collaborative, asynchronous approach - SMWW offers an excellent online program! Due to the number of professionals in the athletic realm who are looking for ongoing professional development and training, I believe the partnership between SMWW and Concordia University Chicago will continue to be one of the best in the industry!  

I am VERY HAPPY and EXTREMELY PROUD of my experience and degree from SMWW/CUC! Sports management is a rapidly emerging field!  The training and education I participated in with SMWW have enabled me to exceed my professional goals. From the scope and depth of the curriculum to the flexibility of the online learning environment, to the expertise shared by the faculty members, SMWW transformed me and encouraged me in a culture of creativity and motivation. Rigorous educational standards, mutually respectful rapport between student and instructor, stimulating dialogue of inquiry and discovery, collaborative, asynchronous approach - SMWW offers an excellent online program! Due to the number of professionals in the athletic realm who are looking for ongoing professional development and training, I believe the partnership between SMWW and Concordia University Chicago will continue to be one of the best in the industry!  

Concordia University provided the ideal opportunity for me to gain my Doctor of Education degree in Leadership and Sports Management. And Concordia’s collaborative agreement with Sports Management Worldwide enhanced my experience throughout the program. As an assistant professor at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in the Department of Education and an instructor of graduate Sports Management classes, I utilize my terminal degree—and the knowledge I gained through CUC and SMWW—each and every day. Under the supervision of my outstanding advisor, Dr. Kathryn Hollywood, I followed my passion, researching methods that applied to my work supervising teacher/coach candidates in secondary schools, and I published “Leadership Behaviors of Effective Interscholastic Athletic Coaches” in 2016.

When I first started my doctorate, Dr. Lashbrook and I had a detailed phone conversation covering all the hurdles that awaited and the possible benefits. His compassion and honesty was needed at the time. The SMWW/CUC program was ideal and helped me to become an expert in my field. My research has been implemented at various institutions in Central and South Florida, and I now teach courses in Sports Management and Exercise Sciences at the graduate level. 

When I first started my doctorate, Dr. Lashbrook and I had a detailed phone conversation covering all the hurdles that awaited and the possible benefits. His compassion and honesty was needed at the time. The SMWW/CUC program was ideal and helped me to become an expert in my field. My research has been implemented at various institutions in Central and South Florida, and I now teach courses in Sports Management and Exercise Sciences at the graduate level. 

What Can I Do With a PhD in Sports Management?

Sports fans may not expect to find a doctor managing their favorite team, but in a competitive industry, a Doctorate in Sports Management is becoming a more popular option for ambitious future managers, executives, and entrepreneurs. A doctorate in sports management student will learn about the business requirements of running a sports team. You don’t need to be an athlete to pursue this course of study, although many former athletes will that that path – after all, they already know the player side of the industry. To go into management, a doctorate in sports management is a natural progression.

Getting the Doctorate in Sports Management

Students must first obtain at least a bachelor’s degree, though it is not necessary that this be in sports management. Those who choose not to earn a sports-related bachelor’s may have to take certain courses as a prerequisite to entering the doctoral program, such as kinesiology (the science behind human movements), economics, and various aspects of management. In addition, you will need to take courses on law as it applies to business and sports; business courses in organizational behavior will feature prominently, as will finance and human resources. (In fact, a Doctor of Business Administration [DBA] with a concentration in sports business can also be a good entry point.) Psychology is important for understanding those employed in elite athletics, and it will also be important to know about medicine and health.

The most important part of the doctorate in sports management program is developing the analytical reasoning and research skills needed for a career as a business executive, researchers, or academic. To receive your doctorate in sports management, the last step is usually a traditional dissertation (for a more academic PhD) or a capstone research project (which is usually more practical and related to your current or future career); no-dissertation doctorate programs are pretty common in this field. Students can also choose to obtain a sports management certification from a professional organization, or a more specialized graduate certificate in sports management to enhance their skill set and to qualify them for more career options.

Career Opportunities with a Doctorate in Sports Management

Sports management jobs abound for people with a sports management PhD, and this can include becoming a teacher or a professor in post-secondary education. The average salary for this profession is $64,837 per year, with the low and high ends being $46,634 and $79,838, respectively. Higher wages are paid to those in senior positions with greater than eight years’ experience, and a background in education will be necessary to pursue this career path.

Other sports management jobs can be found working as a sports manager for either an amateur or a professional team. Sports management salary figures are between $24,000 and $490,000 per year, with a median annual wage of $48,980. Duties can include helping professional athletes deal with the pressure they are under in competitive sports, or they can specialize in managing events and sports facilities. Rather than managing a team, graduates may manage individual athletes. The top ten percent of sports agents earn $194,810, making it one of the best sports management salary opportunities. Job growth in this area is expected to climb by 7% through the year 2026, and it will be necessary to cultivate connections to be effective in this position.

A doctorate in sports management also qualifies you to become a  sports marketing director  and earn between $72,000 and $164,000, with a median salary of $116,012. The job description for this position includes coordinating marketing efforts to garner higher ticket sales at events and crafting press kits and communicating with newspapers to facilitate news stories. They can also help design promotional materials, and ideal candidates will have exceptional organizational, oral, and written skills and will be able to work in a high-energy environment with a diverse group of people.

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NDSU launches online sport management master's program and athletic administration certificate

The master of science in sport management program will be offered fully online. The program consists of 30 total credit hours. Nine credits of coursework make up the core that all students are required to take. The remaining 21 credits will be filled by elective courses. 

NDSU’s health, nutrition and exercise sciences department has launched a new master’s program and graduate certificate that will be offered to students starting in the fall.

The  master of science in sport management program will be offered fully online. The program consists of 30 total credit hours. Nine credits of coursework make up the core that all students are required to take. The remaining 21 credits will be filled by elective courses. 

The program is designed to help students develop a deeper understanding of the sport management discipline by applying theory and practice to the constantly evolving sport industry. Upon completion of the program, students will gain an understanding of sport management concepts and solve problems often found in sport management organizations, including at the professional, college and community levels.

The sport management master’s degree also will be offered as an accelerated program for students in NDSU’s sport management undergraduate program, as well as for undergraduate students enrolled in Valley City State University’s sport leadership and management program. In the accelerated program, students can work toward their degree in the third year of college. 

Additionally, an  intercollegiate athletic administration (IAA) graduate certificate will be available starting in the fall. The fully online 12-credit certificate focuses on the growing area within sport management related to intercollegiate athletics. Students can work on the certificate in conjunction with the sport management master’s degree. 

The certificate will provide students with the knowledge on how to evaluate the diverse functions of intercollegiate athletics as part of the mission of higher education at a variety of institution types, as well as analyze current trends and social issues related to college athletics in the U.S. Upon completion of the certificate, students will have advanced knowledge, skills and competencies necessary to succeed in specialized areas within college athletic departments.

“The job market in the sport industry, at all levels, is getting more and more competitive. It’s important that students have the chance to continue their education and get an edge in the workplace,” said Joel White, NDSU assistant professor of practice in sport management. “Additionally, a completely online program allows those professionals currently working in sports to do something to make themselves more viable. And for those looking to work in college athletics, the IAA graduate certificate can help them get the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.”

The  application is now open .

• May 14, 2024 College of Health and Human Sciences dean selected College of Health and Human Sciences

• April 25, 2024 NDSU students receive multiple state awards in health-related fields Awards , Students , College of Health and Human Sciences