Careers: Master of Science in Sport Administration

Careers: Master of Science in Sport Administration
12.11.2024
30 credit hours
01.06.2025
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Money Icon Career Outlook

Obtaining employment in sports requires a distinctive game plan that often draws heavily on face-to- face networking with industry professionals. That’s why we developed our online Master of Science in Sport Administration program to leverage the Bearcat Nation’s vast alumni network and UC faculty members with close industry connections. Distance learners will benefit from a framework built specifically for work in sports.

Distance learners will benefit from a framework built specifically for working in athletics including options to:

  • Connect directly with UC alumni and other sport professionals who hold positions relevant to individual career aspirations
  • Join our sport administration specific social media pages, including our LinkedIn group for job postings and discussions on the sports industry
  • Apply learnings from in-class projects and assignments to make an immediate impact on your current or future job in athletics
  • Work with faculty who will help formulate a transition plan for UC’s online MS in Sport Administration to the next career phase

While completing your degree, you will also have the opportunity to complete the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Certification (NIAAA) Program. The NIAAA program is known for cultivating a high standard of excellence as it helps prepare you for countless career opportunities.

Alumni working in athletics across the US

Sport Administration USA

Career Opportunities with a MS in Sport Administration and Management

Careers in the sports industry vary greatly. With a Sport Administration Master’s degree from The University of Cincinnati, you will have the business acumen combined with an understanding of the special nature of an athletic department that will prepare you for the competitive world of sports business.

Examples of careers our graduates pursue include:

  • Athletic Director
  • Coach
  • Public Relations Director
  • Facility Manager
  • Director of Operations
  • Event Coordinator
  • Marketing Director
  • Finance Director
  • Corporate Partnerships Manager
  • Student Athlete Advising Services
  • Fundraiser

The position of athletic director is one of the most common in the field. These are the central decision makers responsible for supervising almost every aspect of an athletic department or sports organization. Check out our Athletic Director Guide.

Those with an increased focus for an organization may want to work as event coordinators, guest relations managers or facility operations managers. These roles focus on the event itself, ensuring effective game day coordination, facilitating guest experiences and acting as the liaison between the event staff, team and fans.

Marketing is another high-demand area within the realm of sports management. Sports marketing professionals manage conversations about their franchise. They may also oversee sponsorship’s and have a hand in all public relations activity. Similarly, a corporate partnerships manager seeks out new opportunities for relationships that are mutually beneficial to both brands.

Financial and contract analysts focus on ensuring that the team or organization is fiscally sound and responsible. They can also analyze incoming contracts to make sure they represent the best interests of the organization.

Student Testimonials
“I wouldn’t be in the position I am today without University of Cincinnati Online's MS Sport Administration degree. High school athletics require crazy schedules. The professors relate because they know it from personal experience. They do a tremendous job making the online format as accessible as possible. ”

Brandon S., MS Sport Administration, Class of 2018
Assistant Athletic Director at Roger Bacon High School

“It was very difficult to find an online program that could work around my coaching schedule, but the online sport administration master’s program at the University of Cincinnati gave me the freedom to pursue my dreams at my pace. The professors were very supportive in assisting me to explore avenues and ideas for becoming an athletic director that will benefit me for the remainder of my administrative career. As a coach, and aspiring athletic director, I learned a great deal about what it takes to coordinate an athletic department; from marketing, to revenue generation, to risk management – I came into the program with limited knowledge in these areas, but left with a ton of experience.”

Derrick T

“The University of Cincinnati Sports Administration Master’s program provided the education and experience I needed to advance myself in the sports industry. I was able to take classes and work as a Graduate Assistant for the UC Athletics Department. Specifically, the online courses were very beneficial because with varied work hours I could take classes to obtain my degree. Every expectation I had for the program was met. The professors become your mentors; and professors along with other Sport Administration students become a professional network in the industry as well as life-long friends. I am very appreciative of my time in the UC Sports Administration Master’s program and I believe it gave me the tools I needed to eventually get my position in marketing at UConn Division of Athletics. And now I'm currently moving on to work for Army West Point Athletics, Development Department.”

Hannah Hinsch
UConn Division of Athletics- Marketing