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Sport Administration - M.A.
Transform your passion for sports into a rewarding career with our master's degree in sport administration. Gain the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the dynamic sports industry through our innovative curriculum and hands-on experience. Whether your dream is to work for a professional sports team, manage a sports facility or lead a sports marketing campaign, our program will empower you to turn your passion into a successful and fulfilling career.
M.A. in Sport Administration
Kent State University’s M.A. in Sport Administration prepares graduates to lead athletic departments, venues, teams, and sport organizations. The curriculum pairs management theory with applied work in sport marketing, finance, law and leadership, and it culminates in an internship, research project, or thesis. Students who want to combine a sports administration degree with a full graduate business core may pursue the dual degree with the MBA.
Program Information for Sport Administration - M.A.
Examples of Possible Jobs and Salaries for Sport Administration - M.A.
Those who complete the M.A. in Sport Administration at Kent State University can benefit from specialized career opportunities in the sport administration industry.
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Coaches and scouts
6.4%
faster than the average
306,500
number of jobs
$45,920
potential earnings
-
Education administrators, all other
2.5%
slower than the average
60,200
number of jobs
$89,040
potential earnings
-
Fundraisers
4.3%
about as fast as the average
134,400
number of jobs
$66,490
potential earnings
-
Market research analysts and marketing specialists
6.7%
faster than the average
941,700
number of jobs
$76,950
potential earnings
-
Marketing managers
6.6%
faster than the average
407,000
number of jobs
$161,030
potential earnings
-
Sales and related workers, all other
3.7%
about as fast as the average
122,600
number of jobs
$46,370
potential earnings
-
Sales managers
4.7%
about as fast as the average
619,500
number of jobs
$138,060
potential earnings
-
Entertainers and performers, sports and related workers, all other
6.0%
faster than the average
35,800
number of jobs
$N/A
potential earnings
-
Personal service managers, all other
6.5%
faster than the average
25,100
number of jobs
$61,340
potential earnings
Sport Administration vs. Sport Management
There is significant overlap between sport administration and sport management degrees, but the emphasis differs. Sport administration centers on leadership and program development, with careers that involve overseeing athletic departments, facilities and personnel. Sport management leans toward the business and marketing side of the industry, including planning, branding, sponsorship, and finance. In both cases, the work behind a sporting event runs far deeper than the few hours of competition on game day, and graduates holding a master’s in sports management or a sports administration master’s keep the industry running behind the scenes.
Kent State University’s M.A. in Sport Administration covers both. Required coursework includes Sport Marketing, Financial Aspects of Sport, Sport Law, and Leadership of Sport, so graduates leave prepared for the business side and the operations side of the industry rather than one or the other.
What Can You Do with a Master’s in Sport Administration?
A sports administration degree prepares you to enter the industry with a working command of both operations and business. Graduate careers fall into four broad areas.
Athletics Leadership and Operations
Key opportunities include athletic director, athletic administrator, general manager, facilities and operations manager, compliance and legal services manager, and event and tournament coordinator. These roles oversee programs, venues, staff, and the daily mechanics of competition, and they are the most direct path for graduates holding a master’s in sport administration.
Business, Finance, and Sales
Key opportunities include accounting and finance manager, business development manager, accounts and corporate partnerships manager, sales director, personnel and recruitment manager, and sports agent. These positions are measured on revenue and partnership growth, and they draw most heavily on the business coursework in the curriculum.
Marketing, Media, and Communications
Key opportunities include director of sports marketing, media and public relations director, sports communications manager, and sports content producer or writer. This is the answer to what can you do with a sports management degree if your interest is the consumer-facing side of the industry.
Community, Recreation, and Youth Sports
Key opportunities include parks, recreation, and resort manager; sports and health club manager; guest services manager; and youth sports and camp director. These roles apply the same management skills outside of professional and collegiate athletics.
Why Kent State University
The Kent Campus sits in northeast Ohio, giving you access to major sports markets including Cleveland, Akron, Canton, and Pittsburgh. That proximity turns into internships, graduate assistantships, and professional networking while you study. The program is housed in the AACSB-accredited Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship, so you build a foundation across the full business of sports rather than a single specialty. Faculty such as Dr. Aaron Mulrooney bring direct industry and legal experience into the classroom.
Join the network of Golden Flashes already working across the sports industry by requesting program information or applying today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a sports management degree worth it?
Yes. A graduate degree in sports management builds the business, marketing, and financial skills that hiring managers across the sports industry look for, and the required internship gives you documented experience before you graduate. Entry-level roles in sports routinely draw hundreds of applicants, so the credential and the professional network that comes with it provide a measurable competitive edge.
What is the difference between a sports management degree and a sports administration degree?
A sports administration degree emphasizes leadership, program oversight, and internal operations, while sports management emphasizes the commercial side of the industry. Kent State University’s M.A. in Sport Administration covers both through required coursework in sport marketing, finance, law and leadership.
What is the average sports management salary?
Earnings vary widely by role. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, education administrators earn a median of $89,040 per year, marketing managers $161,030, and fundraisers $66,490. Actual pay depends on the specific position, the size of the market, the employer, and years of experience.
Is the M.A. in Sport Administration offered online?
No. The M.A. in Sport Administration is delivered in person at the Kent State campus. Students who require a fully online graduate business program should review the online MBA.
How long does it take to complete a master’s in sport administration?
The M.A. in Sport Administration requires a minimum of 34 credit hours and is generally completed in two years of full-time study. The dual degree with the MBA requires a minimum of 56 credit hours.
What if I am interested in general business, rather than a focus in sports?
Kent State University’s Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship offers several graduate options for students who want a broader business education, including the online MBA and the full-time MBA. If you are weighing sports against general business, you may also complete the dual degree combining the M.A. in Sport Administration with the M.B.A.
