Program: Sport Management (M.S.) - Western Carolina University

Apr 01, 2025

ARCHIVED 2020-2021 Graduate Catalog

The M.S. in Sport Management offers a truly unique program and curriculum. The program can be completed in one- year, completely online, and it includes a Project Management certificate. Further, the online M.S. in Sport Management affords an opportunity for place-bound professionals across the region and the nation who wish to pursue a business degree that emphasizes the application of business principles to the sport industry. Students receive a thorough background in the application of these principles, as well as legal, financial, promotional, ethical, and social aspects of the global sport industry.

Major Requirements

The Master of Science in Sport Management with a Certificate in Project Management requires successful completion of 30 semester hours of graduate course work. The certificate in Project Management is awarded upon completion of the degree. Coursework for the M.S. in Sport Management includes:

PMC 610 - Project Initiation and Planning Credits: 3
PMC 620 - Project Execution and Closeout Credits: 3
PMC 630 - The Project Manager and People Skills Credits: 3
PMC 640 - Managing Project Teams Credits: 3
SM 615 - Critical Issues in Sport Credits: 3
SM 620 - Sport Administration and Governance Credits: 3
SM 630 - Economic and Financial Aspects of Sport Credits: 3
SM 640 - Sport Marketing Credits: 3
SM 672 - Sport in the Global Marketplace Credits: 3
SM 684 - Internship in Sport Management Credits: 3
SM 684 is to be completed after a minimum of one semester with WCU or the completion of six credit hours.

Additional Program Requirements:

In addition to the Graduate School Admission Requirements, applicants must have an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is recommended.

Applicants must submit a minimum 500 word essay including professional aspirations and a discussion of a current issue in the sport management field that is related to the applicants career goals. Research used to support your response should be cited according to APA. In addition, applicants must submit a current resume and two letters of recommendation from people who have observed the applicant in a professional and/or academic capacity. While not required, applicants who wish to strengthen their applications may submit GRE or GMAT scores.

Admission will be based on undergraduate GPA (with higher emphasis placed on the last two years of undergraduate work), work experience, the essay, and two letters of recommendation.

There are no required prerequisite courses, but applicants should possess strong analytical and communications skills.