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Sport Management (M.S.)

This graduate program is designed to prepare students for leadership roles within the sport industry. Students are provided with theoretical and practical knowledge to face the opportunities and challenges associated with sport business careers.  The curriculum is consistent with current principles and practices of academic and sport marketplace standards.

Sport Management (M.S.)


Description


What is Sport Management at ODU like?

This graduate program is designed to prepare students for leadership roles within the sport industry. Students are provided with theoretical and practical knowledge to face the opportunities and challenges associated with sport business careers.  The curriculum is consistent with current principles and practices of academic and sport marketplace standards.

Program Highlights


What makes Sport Management at ODU unique?

  • Sport industry relevant skill development

  • Convenience (can take classes on-campus and online)

  • 1-2 year completion plans

  • Students complete a full-time, semester long internship with a sport organization

  • Strong core curriculum and electives

  • All courses taught by experienced, Ph.D. faculty

Careers


What are some careers in this field?

Intercollegiate Athletic Director

Sport General Manager

Director of Marketing & Fan Experience

Event Manager

Employers


Graduates from this major have gone to work at

D.C. United Soccer Club, NBA Portland Trail Blazers, Norfolk Tides, Cal State Fullerton Athletics, Old Dominion University Athletics, United States Collegiate Athletic Association, Hampton Roads Sports Commission, YMCA, Topgolf   

Courses


What are some courses offered in Sport Management at ODU?

SMGT 746:
Strategic Marketing in Sport


This course will familiarize the student with theoretical and practical aspects of sport marketing including the dynamic nature of sport and the importance of branding. Through lecture and case-study analysis, the course will provide students with an understanding of the importance of marketing and consumer behavior theory and fundamentals specific to strategic marketing in the sport industry. Prerequisite: Must be a degree seeking student admitted into the M.S. Sport Management program.

SMGT 738:
Sport Finance


This course is designed to examine the principles and practices of financial management in diverse sport service settings. This course will explore the basic concepts of financial planning and analysis required to effectively manage a successful sport operation. The concepts covered in this course include finance, economics, accounting, and general business practices. The course is intended to offer a broad perspective of sport finance along with the basic skills associated with fiscal planning and management. Students will gain an understanding of the core principles associated with the financial management of sport enterprises. Prerequisite: Must be a degree seeking student admitted into the M.S. Sport Management program.

SMGT 652:
Facility Management for Sport, Recreation and Entertainment


This course examines the principles of facility operation for sport, recreation, and entertainment events. It will provide students with an understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities commonly faced by facility managers and how to effectively manage a sport facility. Students will analyze current research related to planning, funding, and operating facilities for sport, recreation, and entertainment. Prerequisites: Must be a degree seeking student admitted into the M.S. Sport Management program.

Requirements


What are the requirements to apply for Sport Management at ODU?

Students entering the Master of Science program in Sport Management should meet the minimum university admission requirements (Graduate Admission)

  • A completed online application

  • A baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited institution or an equivalent degree from a foreign institution.

  • Personal essay (no more than two pages) addressing motivations to apply to program, career interests, and ability to complete graduate level work.

  • Three letters of recommendation (from former professors and employers) - At least one must be from a former professor addressing your potential success for graduate school

  • Current copy of resume.

  • Transcripts from all prior postsecondary institutions.

For admission to the Sport Management program


GPA:

2.8 cumulative GPA or higher (on a 4.0 scale) ; 3.0 GPA or higher in the undergraduate major


GRE:

GRE score of 291 or higher (verbal and quantitative sections) or a score of 400 or higher on either the GMAT or MAT (waiver available in certain circumstances)


TOEFL:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 550 on the paper-based test (or 79-80 on the iBT) for non-native English speakers.


Cost

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates for the 2022-23 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

Virginia Resident


Per Credit:

$ 571

Non-Resident


Per Credit:

$ 1,394

Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States


Per Credit:

$ 595

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid

Funding Opportunities


Funding opportunities through graduate assistantships, industry partnerships, and part-time employment are available on an annual basis. Admitted and interested students should contact the Graduate Program Director for additional details. 

Next Steps


I like this program. What are the next steps?

Contact


Need help applying?

Meet Your Enrollment Team

Our enrollment coordinators are ready to help you through the admissions process.

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Graduate Program Director


Name:

Lynn Ridinger


Location:

2018 STUDENT RECREATION CTR, NORFOLK, VA, 23529



Office:

757-683-4353


Graduate Admissions


Location:

1000 Rollins Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529


Phone Office:

757-683-3685


Fax:

757-683-6512


Email:

gradadmit@odu.edu


International Admissions


Location:

2101 Dragas Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529


Phone Office:

757-683-3701


Fax:

757-683-3651


Email:

intladm@odu.edu

Additional Programs


Are there other programs at ODU I may be interested in?

With over 120 undergraduate programs, 130 graduate programs at the master'seducation specialist and doctoral levels plus a wealth of certificate and professional development programs, Old Dominion University has the program for you. Visit our academic program listing page to see other programs ODU has to offer.

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