Master in Sport Management
University of San Francisco - College of Arts & Sciences
Key Information
Select location
Campus location
San Francisco, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
23 months
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 22,650 / per year **
Application deadline
Request info *
Earliest start date
Request info
* San Francisco campus only
** tuition costs per year are estimates only; costs may vary based on actual enrollment in classes
Introduction
The sport managEducating industry professionals since 1991, USF has established itself as one of the leading sport management master's programs in the world. Our locations in San Francisco and Orange County give you broad access to opportunity, and our long track record gives you an inside advantage.
Two Locations, One Team
Two campus locations, in both San Francisco Downtown and Orange County, enable you to build your network and work or intern from Sacramento to San Diego. An identical curriculum is offered in both locations, with full-time faculty commuting between campuses to teach core courses. USF Sport Management has a longstanding reputation in the Southern California sports market, holding classes at the Orange County campus since 1999.
Program Highlights
Join USF and take the fast track to the career you’ve always wanted:
- Earn a master’s degree in 23 months with classes one evening a week
- Get hands-on training from industry-experienced faculty and guest speakers
- Over 1,000 hours of internship experience with teams, universities, and agencies all over the world
- Tap a network of 2,500 alumni who are leaders in the industry — and mentors to you
Curriculum
Program Overview
The sport management program serves the needs and schedules of today's busy students. The curriculum consists of 36 units and classes meet one evening per week from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., allowing students to complete their master’s degree in just 23 months.
Internships
The internship experience serves as a cornerstone of the program. By applying academic foundations to practical training in the industry of their choice, students are given the opportunity to extend the classroom and their network throughout Southern California and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Intern throughout the entire program
The internship experience lasts the duration of the program and is tied together by four class meetings led by a full-time faculty member who serves as the internship instructor. In these meetings, students are asked to reflect on their experiences, which helps develop a more comprehensive understanding of professional competencies and goals.
Average student completes nearly 4 internships
All students are required to complete 160 hours of internship; however, most students complete an average of 1,100 hours at four internship sites during their matriculation. The sport management program strongly encourages students to develop a breadth of experience in all areas of interest. This design allows students to explore different opportunities while developing professional competencies that can be transferred from one organizational context to another.
Tap into the USF network
Part of the learning process is teaching students to become active participants in developing their careers. The Internship in Sport Management course provides students with the tools necessary to identify and pursue employment opportunities while building their professional network with industry leaders. One of the ways we help facilitate this process is by giving students access to our extensive alumni network. We do not place students into internships, but employers send us an average of 15 job and internship postings per week, all of which are shared with our students.
Take advantage of a wide range of opportunities
Many new students are unaware of how vast the sport industry is. As a result, we encourage students to take advantage of the wide range of opportunities offered by different organizations centered in both Southern California and the San Francisco Bay Area. Our students intern with professional teams, collegiate athletic programs, media entities, agencies, manufacturers, and non-profit organizations.
Rankings
#1 in California
Sport Management MA ranked #1 in California by SportBusiness in 2021.
97% (A+ Score) for Quality of Teaching
Sport Management MA has a 97% (A+ score) for quality of teaching by SportBusiness in 2021.
Top 10 in the World
Sport Management MA ranked 10th best program in North America by SportBusiness International in 2021.
97% (A+ Score) for Industry Networking
Sport Management MA has a 97% (A+ score) for the ability to network with industry executives by SportBusiness in 2021.
Program Outcome
- recognize, classify, and demonstrate knowledge of the breadth and depth of the sport marketplace, including the development of leadership, communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and networking skills
- recognize, discuss, and demonstrate knowledge of globalization, themed entertainment, culture, sociology, and commerce on the sport marketplace with the development of critical thinking skills
- demonstrate skills in business writing, research, and qualitative and quantitative analysis
- demonstrate practical management and leadership skills within the industry
- recognize the role of economics, accounting, finance, marketing, strategic management, law, and business research methods in sport, and demonstrate and apply the tools of those fields to issues in sport
- demonstrate relevant knowledge by creating a business plan, team financial plan, marketing plan, cultural analysis, team management plan, stock portfolio prospectus, strategy plan, career plan, legal analysis, research prospectus, and Master's Project
- demonstrate knowledge of specific components of sport management such as public relations, facilities management, fundraising, and brand management
Scholarships and Funding
The program starts in July (summer) at the San Francisco and Orange County campuses, and in January (spring) at the San Francisco campus.
Application Instructions
The application process is entirely online. You upload all of these items to your application account. Please do not mail items to USF.
Bachelor's Degree
A Bachelor's degree in any field is required.
Test Requirements
The GRE is not required.
For international applicants, an English Language exam score (TOEFL, IELTS or PTE) is required.
Transcript (Academic Record)
Upload a copy of your transcript from each university and college attended. Transcripts from any transfer schools and study abroad programs must be submitted since Bachelor's Degree institutions typically do not list transfer and study abroad course with grades. If still enrolled in your Bachelor's program, submit a copy of your transcript showing in-progress courses. If admitted, an official transcript with proof of graduation is required. USF undergraduates upload their unofficial transcripts for admission review and do not need to send an official USF transcript.
Statement of Purpose
A three-to-five page, double-spaced, typewritten document that describes your personal, academic, and professional reasons for pursuing a Sport Management MA, and for choosing USF’s program. The statement should relate your workplace experiences and sports backgrounds to your goals.
Resume or CV
Your resume or CV should include relevant extracurricular activities during your undergraduate studies, work experience, and any sport industry experience (including playing, teaching, coaching, management, and administration). You can also list certifications in sports and fitness, honors that you have attained, sports leadership experience, and relevant outside interests.
Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation letters from individuals who can attest to your competence and academic ability to succeed in this graduate program. Ideally, one letter addresses your academic abilities while the other letter references your potential for professional growth in a sport management career. Follow the instructions in the online application to provide the contact information for your recommenders.
You may submit your application before your recommenders upload their letters.
Program Tuition Fee
English Language Requirements
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