Turn Your Passion for Sports into a Career That Moves the Game Forward
The sports industry is evolving—driven by data, innovation, and a demand for dynamic leaders who understand both business and the game. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment in entertainment and sports occupations is projected to grow 13 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. Our Master of Science in Sport Administration (MSSA) prepares you to thrive in the high-stakes world of sports business, whether you’re managing a team, directing marketing strategy, or building partnerships in global entertainment.
Program Highlights
✔️ 30 credit hours
✔️ 100% Online
✔️ Hands-on internship & Graduate Assistant opportunities
✔️ Faculty mentorship + career development support
✔️ Offered from an AACSB-accredited business school
✔️ HSTA tuition waiver for eligible West Virginia residents
Core Courses Include
- Sports Analytics
- Legal Concerns in Sport Administration
- Sport Finance and Business
- Marketing Management in the Sport Industry
- Sport Administration Research Methods
- Current Issues in Sport Administration
Career Paths
- Professional sports franchises (NFL, NBA, MLS, PGA, NASCAR, etc)
- College athletics administration (NCAA, NAIA, etc)
- Recreational Sport (NIRSA, YMCA, etc)
- Sports Marketing
- Sports Media and Communications
- Event and facility management
- Sponsorship and brand strategy
- Sports Analytics and Data Management
- Coaching and Player Development
Admission Requirements
Applicants should follow the admissions process described in this catalog or at the Graduate Admissions website: www.marshall.edu/graduate/admissions/how-to-apply-for-admission.
- Bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0+
- For GPAs between 2.5 and 2.99: submit resume and two letters of recommendation
Take the next step in sports leadership—right here at Marshall.
Plan of Study
Download Plan of Study
Students are required to complete 30 credit hours and pass a comprehensive assessment successfully. The comprehensive assessment is typically a written term paper required within the capstone course, STHM 696: Seminar in Sport Administration.
The student and his/her advisor shall prepare a Plan of Study, which must be approved during the semester in which the student initially enrolls. A plan should be appropriate to meet the student’s needs in his/her chosen field. It shall include the specific courses the student is expected to complete; and list all other requirements of the program or school. Courses listed on the Plan of Study shall be those judged appropriate by the faculty. Subsequent requests for changes in the plan must be formally approved by the Academic Advisor. Any deviation from the final Plan of Study and/or discrepancy between it and the student’s official transcript will delay graduation. Any approved Plan of Study may become void if a student is inactive for one year (unless on an official leave of absence).
Grade Point Average Requirement
A student must have a 3.0 overall G.P.A. in all program coursework, with no more than two Cs in his or her program; in addition, the student must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA in all courses completed after admission to the degree program, along with any previous Marshall University coursework to be counted toward the current degree. This standard must be met for the student to graduate. If the student falls below these standards, that student shall be placed on academic probation and be subject to the program’s dismissal.
