M.S.S. Sport Leadership

The Master of Sport Science in Sport Leadership is designed for professionals seeking advanced leadership roles within sport organizations, athletics, recreation, and education. The program emphasizes strategic leadership, organizational culture, ethical decision making, and evidence based practice. Graduates are prepared to lead at the administrative, executive, and policy levels.

This program is offered online only.

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Program Overview

The Master of Sport Science in Sport Leadership is designed for professionals seeking advanced leadership roles within sport organizations, athletics, recreation, and education. The program emphasizes strategic leadership, organizational culture, ethical decision making, and evidence based practice. Graduates are prepared to lead at the administrative, executive, and policy levels.

Why choose this program

This program is an excellent choice for professionals seeking to advance into senior leadership roles within the sport industry. Its research-informed curriculum blends academic excellence with practical, real-world application, giving students skills they can immediately apply in their careers. Designed for working professionals, the program emphasizes leadership development and career advancement while offering the flexibility to balance professional responsibilities. The versatile degree also prepares graduates for opportunities in athletics, recreation, education, and nonprofit sport organizations, making it a strong investment in long-term professional growth.

Who this program is for

• Coaches and administrators seeking leadership advancement

• Professionals working in athletics, recreation, or community sport

• Individuals aspiring to executive or director level roles

• Students interested in leadership research or doctoral study

What you will learn

• Leadership theory and application in sport contexts

• Strategic planning and organizational development

• Ethical leadership and governance in sport

• Human resource management and team leadership

• Research methods and evidence based leadership practice

• Managing change and innovation in sport organizations

Program Overview

The Master’s in Sport Leadership empowers professionals to lead with confidence through advanced training in ethical decision-making, data-driven strategy, athlete development, and organizational leadership, preparing graduates to excel in collegiate, professional, and community sport settings.

Why Choose This Program

Empowering future sport leaders to make ethical, data-driven decisions that elevate athletes, programs, and communities.

Who This Program Is For

Learn from faculty who bring expertise from diverse fields within the sports industry.

What You Will Learn

Gain real-world, hands-on experience that prepares you to lead confidently in today’s dynamic sport industry.

Career Outlook
The M.S.S. in Sports Leadership provides longterm upward mobility into supervisory and management roles. Leadership roles in youth sport, recreation, fitness, and athletics continue to grow as organizations emphasize quality leadership, safety, and athlete development. Career can include:
Senior Athletics Director
Director of Player Development
Sport Operations Director
Sport Marketing and Fan Engagement Director
High-Performance Program Director
Career Outlook
The M.S.S. in Sports Leadership provides longterm upward mobility into supervisory and management roles. Leadership roles in youth sport, recreation, fitness, and athletics continue to grow as organizations emphasize quality leadership, safety, and athlete development. Career can include:
Senior Athletics Director
Director of Player Development
Sport Operations Director
Sport Marketing and Fan Engagement Director
High-Performance Program Director

Career Outlook

Graduates of the Sports Leadership Program are prepared for a wide range of leadership and management careers within the sport, recreation, and athletic industries. With advanced knowledge in organizational leadership, program development, policy, and administration, graduates are equipped to lead teams, manage sport organizations, and oversee athletic programs at various levels. Employers increasingly seek professionals with advanced degrees who can manage the growing complexity of sport organizations and drive strategic success. Graduates can pursue rewarding careers with typical salaries ranging from $55,000 to $85,000 annually in early to mid-career leadership roles, while senior executives and directors may earn $90,000 to $120,000 or more depending on experience, organization size, and responsibilities. This degree also supports faster career advancement, stronger leadership opportunities, and increased earning potential in the sport industry. Career can include:

Senior Athletics Director
Director of Player Development
Sport Operations Director
Sport Marketing and Fan Engagement Director
High-Performance Program Director
From the Director
“Our Master’s in Sport Leadership prepares professionals to lead with vision and purpose in a dynamic and globally evolving sport landscape. By integrating advanced leadership theory with hands-on application, current industry developments, and international sport trends, the program challenges students to engage in strategic decision-making, innovation, and ethical leadership. Through experiential projects and collaboration with industry professionals, graduates are equipped to drive meaningful change and lead effectively across diverse sport organizations and cultural contexts.”
Dr. Noemi Zaharia, OLY

Director of Sports Leadership
Associate Professor of Sport Education

Courses

Core Courses
(6 semester hours)

  • Contemporary Issues in Sports
  • Quantitative Analysis in Sports

Major Courses
(18 semester hours)

  • Managing People and Performance in Sports Business

  • Revenue Generation and Fundraising in Sports Business

  • Sports Facility & Event Management

  • Sports Law & Risk Management

  • Leadership, Diversity and Gender Dynamics in the Sport Industry

  • The Impact of Leadership in Sport and Society

Track Options
(9 semester hours)

HIPE Option

  • High Impact Experiential Learning (6 hours)

  • Elective course (3 hours)

Thesis Option

  • Professional Writing and Applied Research (3 hours)

  • Thesis (6 hours)

Affordability

Our master’s programs are designed to advance your career, whether you’re transitioning from undergraduate studies or returning as a working professional. We offer affordable per-credit-hour tuition, zero out-of-state tuition fees, and an opportunity to earn your master’s degree in as little as 15 months.

Affordability

Our master’s programs are designed to advance your career, whether you’re transitioning from undergraduate studies or returning as a working professional. We offer affordable per-credit-hour tuition, zero out-of-state tuition fees, and an opportunity to earn your master’s degree in as little as 15 months.

Student Resources