Program at a Glance
- Program
- Master
- College(s)
- College of Business
- Department(s)
- DeVos Sport Bus Mgmt
Combine Theory and Practice to Succeed in the Sports Industry
The DeVos Sport Business Management Program is one of the nation’s top-ranked programs. It’s also one of the only programs that place an emphasis on varied perspectives, moral, ethical and social issues in sports. We’re committed to developing professionals who have critical sports business management knowledge and skills, a commitment to using sport to improve life in society, well-developed leadership abilities, and uncompromising ethical standards.
Through an integrative “living classroom,” you’ll complete a comprehensive academic schedule that keeps your cohort of students together throughout the two-year coursework. Curriculum encompasses UCF College of Business Administration core classes, unique sport business classes and other specialized classes that emphasize the social impact of sport. You’ll have an opportunity to work on real-world projects and programs alongside your peers while building a network of contacts. This experience provides you with a wide range of business skills that help give you a competitive edge.
Many sport business graduates go on to work in leadership roles at top industries, including intercollegiate and professional sport, event and facilities management, corporate and international sport, and marketing.
Highlights
Application Deadlines
- Fall (Domestic Applicants)
- February 1
- Fall (International)
- January 15
Application deadlines subject to change, see the Graduate Studies website for up-to-date deadlines.
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Course Overview
Leadership in Sport
Theory, research and practice of leadership in sports organizations. Special attention is given to contemporary leadership issues with leaders of the sports industry leading many of the discussions. Examines the multiple roles that leaders can help sports organizations play in serving the community, including both traditional and creative philanthropy and case studies of model community service programs of sports teams, leagues and college athletics departments. Lab Required.
Moral and Ethical Issues in Sport
Broad understanding of the moral and ethical issues in sport including a special focus on the responsibility of governing bodies and decision-makers in sport including faculty, coaches, athletic directors, presidents, league commissioners, the NCAA and the media. Issues will also include consideration for women and people of color, academic abuses of student-athletes at the high school and college level, illegal recruitment of student-athletes, use of performance enhancing drugs, agents and gambling.
Business of Sport Media
History of how media has evolved from radio, network television and magazines into the multi-dimensional world of regional and national cable, the internet, the networks, huge rights fees and other new elements. The way sports media provides so much of the revenue for sports as an entertainment industry has made it the anchor for the sports industry.
Sport Business Management Skills You'll Learn
- Understand the relationship between sport and social issues, the business of sport both nationally and internationally, and how the legal system impacts sports business
- Embrace the strengths and complexities of a varied workforce and the importance of multicultural marketing as an actual component of overall business strategy
- Develop and implement integrated business and marketing plans
- Design and carry out research necessary to make successful management and business decisions
- Prepare to lead organizations to be a corporate good citizen in the community
Career Opportunities
- General Manager
- Athletic Director
- Sports Promotion
- Sports Marketing Manager
- Sports Agent
- Baseball Scout
- Football Coach
- Event Management
Admission Requirements
The sport business management master’s degree at UCF accepts applications throughout the year. However, admission will be granted only in the fall for this specialized program. This program consists of a cohort of about 25 students who complete the program in five consecutive semesters.
The DeVos Sport Business Management Program admits students based on their total package of academic success, professional and community service experience, commitment to teamwork, and other factors that show the admissions committee whether the applicant is a good fit for the DeVos Program.
To apply, submit the general graduate admissions requirements, as well as the following items by the deadline:
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- GPA: 3.0
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
- A current resume
- A video essay
- Some professional experience preferred
- Essay for DeVos Program
- All finalists are required to have an interview
- Competitive GMAT or GRE score
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