MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SPORT MANAGEMENT
Equip yourself with advanced level competencies to successfully manage the varied positions, duties, and responsibilities within the sports entertainment industry. At Parkside, you will receive highly personal academic and career advising. You will also be connected to a network of successful alumni working in the industry.
The program is designed to be as flexible as possible, which allows you to complete it on your timetable.
FACE-TO-FACE and 100% ONLINE
The Master of Science in Sport Management degree program at UW-Parkside is designed to prepare you for success in a wide variety of careers at all levels of the industry including professional, college, high school, nonprofit, and amateur sports.
The 33-credit program was explicitly designed to meet the needs of today’s students. Our classes are offered mainly at night. But we also have day, online, and distance classes to ensure flexibility as you attempt to balance personal and professional goals and needs. You can begin any semester that is convenient for you - no need to wait for fall or a cohort to fill up.
Unlike many sport management programs, virtually the entire UW-Parkside MSSM program is taught by full-time faculty with decades of combined industry experience. A combination of small class sizes and direct access to instructors creates an excellent environment for your success.
The UW-Parkside MSSM program combines all of the aforementioned benefits with an affordability that is virtually unmatched in the Midwest. The cost per credit for completing the MSSM program is substantially lower than our regional competitors, which allows you to pursue your career goals at a much lower overall cost.
Admission Procedure
Admission Procedure
All applications must be submitted online through the UW-Parkside website. Please visit ADMISSIONS GRADUATE to submit the following:
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended;
- Current resume; and
- A statement of purpose that discusses career goals and why they are pursuing a career in sports. (Up to 1,000 words.)
- Students with an overall undergraduate grade point average of 2.5 or lower are highly encouraged to also submit up to three (3) letters of recommendation as part of their application materials.
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, regardless if they appear on the degree awarding transcript or not, should be mailed directly from the institution(s) to UW-Parkside at this address:
Admissions Office
University of Wisconsin-Parkside
900 Wood Road
Kenosha, WI 53144
Admissions will occur on a rolling basis with new applicants able to start the program during each of the academic terms: fall, winterim, spring and summer.
International Student Admission Procedure
In addition to submitting the above application materials, international applicants must submit the following items:
- A completed online Application for Graduate International Student Admission.
- If applicant’s native language is not English then an Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score must be obtained. A score of 525 on the paper test (197 computer based or 71 internet based) is required. For information regarding the location of the test centers nearest you and for making arrangements to take the TOEFL test visit the website: http://www.ets.org/toefl
- A Sponsorship Statement Form documenting support for one year of study.
- Original bank statement or bank letter documenting sufficient funds for one year of study. Photocopies and FAX cannot be accepted.
- Official transcripts from all secondary schools, colleges and universities attended. Records must be in the original language with certified English translations. Official records should include all exam, test results, certificates, diplomas or degrees received.
- To receive transfer credits from a foreign university, a prospective student must have their transcripts evaluated through one of the recommended companies:
- ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators)
- WES (World Education Services)
- One Earth International Credit Evaluators
- Finally, potential graduate students must purchase the “Catalog Match Request” to ensure transferability of coursework.
Transfer and Timing Policies
TRANSFER POLICIES
Graduate-level work completed at other regionally-accredited institutions may be transferred toward the master's degree in sport management at UW-Parkside but such transfers are subject to the following provisions:
- A maximum of 12 credits may be transferred;
- Only the courses with a grade of B or better can be transferred;
- The student must petition for the transfer upon admission to the program. Transfer credit will be formally granted after the student has successfully completed a minimum of eight (8) semester hours of graduate course work at UW-Parkside;
- An admitted student who plans to take a course at another institution and transfer it back to UW-Parkside must obtain prior permission from the program director; and
- Exceptions to the above transfer policy can be considered after written request to the program director.
TIMING POLICIES
As noted in UW-Parkside policy, students who do not complete a course within a period of 12 months will be dropped as a student unless they apply for and are granted a leave of absence from graduate work. Dropped students or students exceeding the term of leave may apply for readmission to the program.
As also noted in UW-Parkside policy, a student may take no more than seven years to complete the master of science degree in sport management. This time period begins with the semester in which they complete their first course as a degree-seeking graduate student.
Learning Outcomes
As a result of completing the Master of Science in Sport Management degree program, you will develop three core competencies.
Competency A: Demonstrate Effective Communication Skills
You will be able to demonstrate:
- Professional interpersonal skills
- The ability to develop and deliver professional messages in oral, written, and visual forms of communication in various types of settings
- Negotiation skills
Competency B: Demonstrate Effective Management Skills
You will be able to demonstrate:
- Knowledge of and ability to comply with legal, HR, and other forms of rules and compliance-related situations
- The ability to act in an ethical manner including in areas of diversity and corporate social responsibility
- Knowledge of sound financial management practices including revenue generation methods such as marketing and sales along with efficient facility/organization planning on the expense side
- Inclusive leadership skills including the ability to lead meetings
- The ability to collect, manage, analyze, and interpret sport management data.
- The ability to identify and solve problems faced by sports organizations
Competency C: Demonstrate Ability to Use Skills, Knowledge, and Competencies Learned in the Program in a Real-World Setting
Careers after Parkside
Where can I work with a Sport Management Degree?
Working in the sports industry is a dream for many. Today’s sports organizations are looking for highly-skilled employees who can quickly adapt to the exciting and fast-paced sports profession. Professional sports is just one avenue for your Sport Management degree. Upon earning your degree, you will have tangible skills that will translate into several levels of sport including the major leagues, minor leagues, collegiate athletics, sport governing bodies, sports media, other nonprofit entities, park districts, and sports complexes.
Areas of interest and possible positions:
Academics & Athlete Development
Athletic Academic Advisor
Career Advisor
Student Support Coordinator
Life Skills & Community Outreach Coordinator
Athletic Director
All levels of amateur sport
Coaching
Head Coach
Assistant Coach
Video Coordinator
Compliance and Regulation
Athletic Compliance
Customer Service
Hospitality
Guest Services
Concessions Management
Consulting
Facilities
Sales
Operations
Finances
Education
Professor
Research Associate
Teacher
Event Management
Event Manager
Game Operations
Event Technology
Special Event Coordinator
Tournament Director
Ticket Operations/Director
Facility Management
Groundskeeper
Field Technician
Security
Parks Manager
Maintenance Manager
Facilities Manager
Finance
Financial Specialist
Accountant
Budget Analyst
Fundraising and Development
Alumni Relations
Development Coordinator
Fundraiser
Nonprofit Coordinator
Marketing & Promotions
Sponsorship and Licensing
Coordinator of Partnership Services
Client Services
Media
Digital Media Coordinator
Sport Journalist
Graphic Designer
Photographer
Player Services
Player Development Coordinator
Clubhouse Manager
ESL Services
Legal Counsel
Public Relations and Communications
Community Relations
Youth Outreach
Sales
Ticket Representative
Suite Sales
Sporting Goods
Equipment
Concessions
Account Executive
Sport Journalism
Sports Information Director
Anchor/Reporter
Announcers
Commentator
Editors
Team Operations
General Manager
Travel Operations
Team Operations
Program Assistant
Logistics Director
League Coordinator
Equipment Manager
Clubhouse Manager
Technology
Video Operations
Event Technology
Business Operations
Youth Sports
League Administrator
Recreation Director
Program Coordinator
Ten Reasons to Choose the UW-Parkside Master’s Degree in Sport Management Program
You might ask yourself why you should pick the UW-Parkside Master of Science in Sport Management degree program. We think the answer is an easy one once you look at all the reasons to pick Parkside.
Only Sport Management Master’s Degree Available in UW System
UW-Parkside offers the only true sport management degree in UW System. Why limit your opportunities to narrow portions of an industry? Get the degree that offers you the most potential going forward in the entire sports industry.
Excellent Flexibility
Whether you are a full-time student or a working professional who just wants to get ahead, our program offers you the necessary flexibility to meet your needs.
- You can start any semester. No waiting for the fall or a cohort to fill up.
- Classes are offered all year including summer and winter sessions. You can choose when you wish to further your education.
- Classes are offered at a variety of times (night and day) and in a variety of formats (online and distance) to meet your needs.
- Need a break? Our format allows you to take classes at your pace including the ability to take a semester off if you need to do with minimal disruption. Why get stuck in a cohort format?
Quality faculty with Industry Experience
Learn from experienced faculty, and leaders in the business community, who bring sports industry experience and knowledge to the table along with full-time availability for your academic needs.
Affordability
Earn a high-quality education at an affordable price. Our per credit and overall cost easily beat virtually every competitor out there. Do the math.
Great Location
Located between Milwaukee and Chicago, UW-Parkside is located between the big cities of Kenosha and Racine and only two miles from Lake Michigan. Easy access to I-94. Be part of a growing, vibrant area that offers big city benefits without the hassle. Major companies such as Amazon, Foxconn, and Uline all recently picked the Racine/Kenosha area. You should do the same.
Established Program Tradition
The sport management program has been in existence at UW-Parkside for nearly two decades. UW-Parkside undergraduate alumni work around the world in all types of sports and at all levels of sport from the major leagues to park districts. Become part of an established tradition. Join a growing group of successful alumni who are creating new networking opportunities every day.
Networking
As noted above, UW-Parkside alumni work around the world at all levels of sport. And, they frequently come back to campus to talk about their careers, give advice and seek interns or employees for their organizations. It is also quite common for speakers from all types of sports organizations to appear on our campus in classes or other types of events.
Access to NCAA Division-II Athletics
Our MSSM program offers graduate assistantships, teaching assistantships with an athletic department component, and internships with the only NCAA Division-II athletic program in Wisconsin. The Rangers compete in fourteen different varsity sports and are a part of the renowned Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC).
Personal Advising
Work directly with a full-time faculty member with sports industry experience who can help you choose classes and, more importantly, help you on your career path.
Great Internship and Career Opportunities
Located in the highly-populated Milwaukee/Chicago corridor, UW-Parkside is in a prime location for sports organizations of all types from professional sports to youth sports, from teams to suppliers, and everything in-between. Our faculty and alumni also have contacts throughout the state and region. Why limit your chances for success by picking an isolated school?
Frequently Asked Questions
How many credits/courses are required for the MSSM program?
It is a 33-credit program. All courses are three credits meaning you need to complete 11 courses.
When are classes offered?
Our program was built on flexibility for you, the student. Core courses are mainly offered at night or in an online format. Electives are offered throughout the day or in an online format. Distance courses with no timetable such as internships and independent studies are also available.
Do I have to start in the fall?
No. We allow students to start the MSSM program in every semester. Classes rotate every semester and we offer classes in all four semesters. If you are ready to start, now is the time. There’s no need to wait for a cohort to fill.
How long does the MSSM program take to complete?
The answer to that is entirely up to you. It typically takes 1.5 to 2 years depending on the number of courses/credits you take each semester.
I’m in a hurry. What’s the shortest time possible?
The MSSM degree can be completed in one calendar year. However, we recommend that this option should only be pursued by full-time students with few outside distractions or work duties.
I was not a sport management major in undergrad. Can I still apply?
Yes! We have many successful students in the MSSM program who bring a variety of undergrad majors to our program. Of course, a background in sport management or business would be the ideal preparation for the MSSM program. Even taking a few sport management or business classes and/or completing an internship with a sports organization would also be very beneficial.
I hate exams. Do I have to take an entrance exam like the GRE or GMAT to apply?
No entrance exam is required for admission to the MSSM program. But, we cannot promise you no exams once you are taking classes!
How do I apply?
What are you looking for in the personal statement?
Tell us why you want to pursue the MSSM degree. What are your goals and ambitions? What things are important to you? Are there things from your past that we should know about?
What is the application deadline?
We admit students to the MSSM program on a rolling basis. That being said, the earlier you apply, the better. If you know you are going to apply, we suggest applying and allowing yourself more time to prepare for the upcoming experience.
Recommended dates are as follows:
Fall | August 1
Winterim | December 1
Spring | January 1
Summer | April 1
I’m a working professional. Is the program for me?
Yes! You are one of the types of student we had in mind when developing the program. The program is designed to be flexible for your benefit. Courses are offered at varying times and in varying formats including online and distance. There are no limitations of a cohort format. You have the ability to step in and out depending on your personal needs as long as the program is completed within seven years.
Why are there required courses?
We want you to acquire the basic skills (research, law, finance, leadership, ethics and revenue generation) that you will need to succeed in the 21st century sports industry. The courses you select after that are up to you.
What about internships?
Completing an internship is not required. But, the Milwaukee/Chicago corridor is loaded with great internship opportunities. You can also complete an internship in your hometown or around the world with the approval of your academic advisor. We also have a great relationship with the UW-Parkside Athletic Department where our Rangers compete at the NCAA Division-II level of competition. Many of our students work with administration and coaches in that program.
How much does the program cost?
The total overall cost of the program depends on how many courses are taken in a semester and in what format as there is a small fee added to online courses.
Simply stated, we believe we offer a high-quality program and degree at a very affordable price when compared to our competitors.
Is there any financial aid available?
Do you have any graduate assistantships or teaching assistantships available?
UW-Parkside offers a variety of graduate assistantships and teaching assistantships which also work in the UW-Parkside Athletic Department. Keep an eye out for opportunity announcements and details.
What about housing?
There is housing available on campus.
The area surrounding the UW-Parkside campus also offers a variety of housing options from the private sector.
PROGRAM CONTACT INFO
Bill Miller | miller1@uwp.edu | 262-595-3359
Kim Armstrong | armstrok@uwp.edu | 262-595-2059
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