COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science in Sport Management at The University of Southern Mississippi is a 30-credit-hour graduate program designed to prepare students for leadership and management careers within the sport business industry through a combination of academic study, industry-focused training, and practical learning experiences. In addition to meeting the university’s general academic admission requirements, applicants must submit a statement of purpose, a résumé, and three recommendation letters from academic or professional references. The curriculum emphasizes business management, communication, analytics, governance, legal understanding, and operational skills related to the sports industry. Required coursework includes Sport Governance, Strategic Sport Communication, Sport Financial Management, Sport Marketing and Public Relations, Sport Security Management, Sport Venue and Event Management, Sport Business Analytics, and Legal Issues in Sport. These courses help students develop expertise in organizational leadership, financial planning, event coordination, marketing strategy, risk management, legal compliance, and data-driven decision-making within sports organizations and athletic programs. In addition to core courses, students complete six hours of advisor-approved electives that allow them to specialize in areas aligned with their professional interests and career goals. Elective opportunities include internships, study abroad experiences, sociological and ethical issues in sport, intercollegiate athletics administration, student-athlete development, research methods, independent study, special topics, and thesis research. The internship option provides valuable hands-on industry experience, while the thesis pathway allows students to engage in advanced academic research related to sport management. The program’s flexible structure supports students pursuing careers in collegiate athletics, professional sports organizations, sport marketing agencies, event management companies, recreation and fitness industries, sports communication, and athletic administration. Available fully online, on-campus in Hattiesburg, or through a hybrid format, the program is designed to accommodate both full-time students and working professionals seeking career advancement in the expanding and competitive sports business field. Through its combination of business education, practical training, leadership development, and industry specialization, the program equips graduates with the professional competencies necessary for success in modern sport management careers.