Program at a Glance
- Program
- Master
- College(s)
- College of Business
- Department(s)
- DeVos Sport Bus Mgmt
This program is the only sport business management program emphasizing diversity, moral, ethical, and social issues in sports, as well as focusing on sports leadership while giving the students a rigorous business education. The DeVos Sport Business Management Program is ranked as one of the top five programs in America by the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and ESPN the Magazine. In 2022, the Program was named the number eight best program in the world by SportsBusiness International. A major emphasis of the DeVos Program is to have our students leave understanding the power of sport to build communities in addition to learning strong business skills for a successful career in sports management.
Students in the DeVos Sport Business Management master's program gain hands-on experience in the business of sports management, work in teams with fellow students on sports business projects from conception through implementation and develop a network in the sports industry.
Graduates of the program will understand the business of sport both nationally and internationally. Graduates will also be able to develop and implement integrated business and marketing plans, optimize the use of the technology, and design and carry out research necessary to make successful management and business decisions.
Job opportunities for graduates in sport management include areas such as intercollegiate and professional sport, event and facilities management, corporate and international sport, and marketing. The DeVos Sport Business Management Program develops 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.
The DeVos Sport Business Management MSBM program requires a minimum of 45 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree. The program includes 18 credit hours of professional core courses, and 27 credit hours of sport business management core courses.
Total Credit Hours Required: 45 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Bachelor's Degree
The two-year full-time curriculum includes the College of Business Administration's foundation core; selected required courses from the college's professional core for solid business skills and knowledge; and required sport business management courses that will create a unique knowledge base for our students.
The Sport Business Management MSBM-Business Administration MBA dual degree program provides the opportunity for students to earn graduate degrees from the two academic programs concurrently. After successful completion of the Dual Degree program, students will receive two diplomas - one for the Sport Business Management MSBM and one for the Business Administration MBA.
Students seeking admission to the MSBM/MBA Dual Degree program should apply directly to the Sport Business Management MSBM program. Only one application will be required, and if admitted to the Sport Business Management MSBM, the student will then be activated in the second program (Business Administration MBA) before the completion of 18 hours.
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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