What does it cost?

Check out our cost calculator or visit student financial services for information on estimated costs.

How long will it take?

Minimum of 36 semester hours

Where will I take classes?
Atlanta Campus

Application Deadlines View Admissions Requirements

All deadlines are firm – all required admission materials must be received by the following dates:

  • Fall: April 1
  • Spring: October 15
  • Summer: February 1

Sport Administration, M.S.

Georgia State University's Master of Science in Sport Administration degree program prepares students with professional skills and knowledge to thrive in careers in the $300 billion sports business industry.

Graduates who successfully complete this program work in a variety of sport industry segments, including professional sport, collegiate sport, event management, public relations, marketing agencies, non-profits, as well as international sport organizations.

In 2023, the Sport Administration M.S. program was ranked as the #12 graduate program globally and #8 Graduates’ Choice by SportBusiness International.

Program Highlights
Program Details

Admissions Requirements

When applying to the Sport Administration, M.S. program, you will need to submit several documents for review.

  • Online Application
  • Application Fee of $50
  • Goals Statement (please draft an essay that addresses the following questions; upload with the application)
    • Why are you applying to the sport administration program and why are you applying to Georgia State University’s program? (around one (1) page in length)
    • Describe your experiences with a sport (as a player, spectator, fan, employee, volunteer, etc.) and what problems or issues in the industry concern you because of your experiences. (around one (1) page in length)
  • Resume (upload with the application)
  • One Letter of Recommendation (identify your recommender on the application) – the letter should be from a former college professor or instructor who can evaluate your academic promise. Coaches and other comparable individuals who have not seen you in an academic setting are not recommended.
  • Official Transcript(s): undergraduate degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA required for admission consideration
    • submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended either electronically to [email protected] or by mailing directly to Georgia State University | Office of Graduate Admissions | P.O. Box 4018 Atlanta, GA 30302

Program of Study

Master of Science in Sport Administration

Major (27)
Required (15):

  • KH 6480 Sport Organizational Behavior (3)
  • KH 7100 Sport Management and Leadership (3)
  • KH 7200 Cultural Aspects of Sport (3)
  • KH 7410 Sport Marketing (3)
  • KH 7610 Sport Law (3)

Research Requirement
Select One Course (3):

Internship or Thesis Track Requirement
Select One Course (6):

  • KH 7662 Internship in Sports Management (6)
  • KH 7990 Master’s Thesis (6)

Electives (12)
Students may take courses of their choice in consultation with a faculty advisor from those listed here.
Select Four Courses (12):

  • KH 6960 – Seminar (3 Credit Hours)
  • KH 7150 – Development and Revenue Generation in Sport Business (3 Credit Hours)
  • KH 7380 – Sport Facility Management (3 Credit Hours)
  • KH 7440 – Sport Communication and Media (3 Credit Hour)
  • KH 7490 – Cinematic Representations of Sport and Culture (3 Credit Hours)
  • KH 7680 – Sport Marketing Field Research (3 Credit Hours)
  • KH 7690 – Practicum in Sports Administration (1 to 3 Credit Hours)
  • KH 7760 – Sport Entrepreneurship and Consulting (3 Credit Hours)
  • KH 7765 – Sport Data Analytics (3 Credit Hours)
  • KH 7785 – Sport Stadiums and Urban Development (3 Credit Hours)
  • KH 7810 – Directed Readings and Research (1 to 6 Credit Hours)

Program total: minimum of 36 semester hours

Regulations for the Degree:

  1. Research Requirement: Students will complete the university’s basic certification course for human subjects research. See the university’s research office website and your faculty advisor for details.
  2. Internship/Thesis Requirement: Students have the option to complete the internship requirement or elect to pursue the thesis track. The internship is the cornerstone and culminating experience of the program in which the student will work in an approved sport business enterprise under professional supervision. The student is required to acquire the place for the internship in consultation with a faculty advisor. The internship cannot be taken until all other courses of the program have been completed unless as otherwise specified and permitted by a faculty advisor. Along with the internship requirement, the student will also be required to pass the Capstone  Project. The thesis track requires Master’s-level students in sports administration to conduct original research and complete a formal thesis. It must be started two semesters prior to graduating and is overseen by a faculty advisor. The thesis track does not require completing the Capstone Project, but requires a formal proposal and defense of the research.
  3. Course Requirements: The course requirements for the Master of Science degree in Sport Administration and the format of the program follow. Students should consult with a faculty advisor for any questions or concerns. The Course Descriptions section contains a listing and description of the courses. The Georgia State graduate catalog, which includes all regulations concerning graduate programs can be found on the university’s website.
  4. Electives: Students may take courses of their choice in consultation with a faculty advisor from those listed here or from courses in other related such programs as business, management, marketing, hospitality, risk management, law, information technology, finance, education, international business and research.

Funding Your Graduate Education

Cost of attendance and funding opportunities are integral to your decision to attend graduate school. Georgia State University is proud to offer a variety of funding opportunities, from assistantships to fellowships.

Awards and Assistantships

Various awards, assistantships and fellowships are available to new and current graduate students. We encourage you to contact your department, college, school or institute of interest to get more information about the assistantships and fellowships that they offer their students.

The Scholarship Resource Center offers guidance and support to students seeking financial assistance through scholarship opportunities, including this scholarship library.

Fellowships

The Office of Graduate Programs’ Fellowship Advisor works with students interested in applying for nationally prestigious and competitive fellowships. The Office of Graduate Programs also coordinates the application process for students applying to the Second Century Initiative, the Provost’s Dissertation Fellowship and the Dissertation Library Travel Awards.

Cost Calculator

Our calculator can help you get an idea of the costs associated with attending the university.

Connect with Us

@GSUSportAdmin on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and LinkedIn.

Description

Careers

The following are a few examples of where our students have been hired:

  • Professional Teams: Atlanta Braves, Dream, Falcons, Hawks
  • Campus Recreation: USF, LSU, Notre Dame
  • Athletic Departments: Alabama, Clemson, Georgia Tech, Penn State
  • Conferences: SEC, Big East
  • Agencies: IMG College, Collegiate Consulting, LEJ Sports Group
  • Events: Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Super Bowl Host Committees
  • Sport Media: Bleacher Report, 92.9 The Game, Turner Sports
  • Facilities: Georgia World Congress Center, Madison Square Garden

Contacts

Kinesiology and Health
[email protected]
404-413-8050

Mailing Address & Office Location
Kinesiology and Health
Georgia State Sports Arena
125 Decatur St. SE, Suite 137
Atlanta, GA 30303

College of Education and Human Development Logo30 Pryor Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30303

The information shared provides an overview of Georgia State’s offerings. For details on admissions requirements, tuition, courses and more, refer to the university catalogs.