Online Master of Science in Sport Administration
Where sport meets business strategy
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Master of Science in Sport Administration, Online
The online master's of sport administration (MSSPAD) is designed to prepare sport professionals to become stronger decision-makers while staying competitive within the sport industry.
Offered by the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Louisville, the sport management online master’s program is designed to prepare you for leadership roles within a diverse and evolving field.
Join a program that leverages the expertise of our faculty across all aspects of the curriculum to facilitate the development of your critical thinking and communication skills, making you a more effective leader and sport administration professional.
U.S. News & World Report Recognition
This program is offered through the College of Education and Human Development which has been consistently ranked for its Graduate Education programs as among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for its Graduate Education online programs, academic excellence and student support.
UofL's Online MSSPAD Program
100% Online, No GRE Required for Admission – Join Us and Prepare to Lead the Future of Sport Management!
Quick Facts
Online Courses
Credit Hours
Per Credit Hour
August / January / May
Master of Science in Sport Administration, 100% Online
The Big Picture
The sport industry does not reward passion alone. It rewards strategic leaders who understand finance, governance, analytics and communication at an advanced level. The online Master of Science in Sport Administration at the University of Louisville is designed for professionals ready to expand their influence, strengthen decision-making authority and compete at the highest levels of sport business.
The MS in Sport Administration online degree can help you prepare for leadership roles and develop or sharpen the tools you may already have while equipping you to manage complex and dynamic projects and challenges in various sport environments or organizations.
Whether you work in collegiate athletics, professional sport, recreation or sport marketing, this degree can give you the knowledge needed to expand your playbook and move from operational contributor to organizational decision-maker.
Online MS in Sport Administration Degree Highlights
- Enrich your leadership skills and effectiveness in sport business including management, research, communication, marketing, policy and law
- Learn from guest lecturers actively leading sport business organizations
- Advance expertise in sport finance, analytics, leadership and policy
- Strengthen strategic decision-making for complex sport organizations
- Earn your master’s degree in as little as 1 year
As sport organizations grow more complex and revenue-driven, leadership roles increasingly demand professionals with graduate-level expertise in analytics, finance and organizational strategy. Enterprises of all sizes seek professionals who can manage budgets, interpret data, navigate policy and guide teams through change.
Join a nationally recognized sports management program, ranked #3 in the U.S. and #29 in the world by Eduniversal Masters Rankings and previously #5 in the U.S. by Sports Management Degree Guide Top Programs.
"Sport gives us the opportunity to come together, to share passions, to feel part of something bigger. The master's program is geared toward individuals who already have experience in the sport business and are looking to elevate their skill sets. They take a deeper dive into the material they're learning and how to apply that in the organizations they're currently working in."
Meg Hancock, PhD
Faculty, Sport Administration
Prepare to elevate your business game strategy and become a team captain for your organization!
How to Apply to UofL’s Online MS in Sport Administration Degree
Check out typical application deadlines for the MSSPAD degree program at UofL and prepare your application packet according to the requirements outlined below.
Application Deadlines
| Preferred Deadline | Term | Start |
|---|---|---|
February 1 April 1 | Summer (Priority Deadline* for Internship) | For in-state and out-of-state applicants who intend to begin in the Summer or Fall May/August* |
| June 1 | Fall | For in-state and out-of-state applicants who intend to begin in the Fall August |
| November 1 | Spring | For in-state and out-of-state applicants who intend to begin in the Spring January |
* For applicants seeking placement in the Louisville Athletics Internship program upon starting their first semester.
Note: Applications received after these dates will be considered on a case-by-case basis, as spots are available. Admission to the program is competitive and applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible.
How to Apply for the Online Master of Science in Sport Administration
- Start your application for graduate admission
- Submit $65 non-refundable application fee
- Verify your identity - provide ID/documentation as requested
- Upload required materials*
- Request official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities. Transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s) by email: gradadm@louisville.edu (recommended) or mail: University of Louisville, Graduate School, 2211 S. Brook St., Louisville, KY 40292.
- Create a financial plan
What Admissions Requirements Are for the Online MSSPAD
To be considered for admission, applicants must have:
- a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution
- a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)
- applicants may need to speak to or demonstrate prior course work and experience
*Required application packet materials include:
- a personal statement (500 words or less) explaining your interest in the program and long-term objectives
- two letters of recommendation
- current resume
Please note, faculty may require interviews as part of the admission process.
*Your Application Portal:
Once you have started the graduate application, you can check the status and review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and next steps after an admissions decision is made.
Online MSSPAD International Student Requirements
The Master of Science in Sport Administration online program is open to international students. If you live outside of the United States and intend to complete an online academic program from your home country, be sure to review these additional admission requirements for international students.
- International students will not be issued a U.S. visa, since there are no campus attendance requirements.
All courses in the program are taught 100% online, allowing you to attain the entire degree from the comfort of your home and at any time convenient for you, regardless of your current location, anywhere in the world.
For more information on the application and admission process, please contact our Online Learning Enrollment Counselor through an information request.
How Much It Costs to Earn an Online MSSPAD Degree at UofL
Academic Year Tuition
$863 per credit hour
$250 per credit hour military tuition rate
Please note that other fees apply – check our tuition page for all applicable costs. All online courses are assessed an additional $10/credit hour fee per University of Louisville policies.
This program is a Title IV federal financial aid eligible program. Tuition rate does not include costs associated with a specific course or program, such as textbooks.
Standard and military tuition rates, fees and charges are subject to change and effective on the date enacted. For additional information on educational expenses and the cost of attendance, please visit the Student Financial Aid Office website.
Does Your Employer Offer Tuition Reimbursement?
Many employers often have programs available to assist their employees financially in their educational pursuits. Do not miss out on any potential opportunities. Reach out to your organization’s HR department to learn about available options.
What Will You Learn in the Online Master of Science in Sport Administration?
The master’s in sport administration online curriculum at UofL is structured to build executive-level capability across the business dimensions of sport. Core coursework includes advanced sport finance and economics, sport analytics, strategic marketing, sport policy, sport communication and legal issues in sport organizations. You will also complete research-focused study that aims to strengthen analytical thinking and evidence-based decision-making.
An applied internship experience allows you to integrate theory with professional practice, reinforcing your ability to lead within real-world sport environments. By graduation, you will possess the financial literacy, legal awareness and strategic perspective required to manage modern sport enterprises.
Online Courses
The online Master of Science in Sport Administration is a 33 credit hour program that requires 27 credit hours in core courses and 6 credit hours in electives (as approved by advisor). The program is 100% online. Courses are asynchronous, delivered in standard term length.
To see all available online courses and degree requirements, please visit UofL's Academic Catalog page (select Degree Requirements tab).
Exit Requirement
To complete the program, students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. No credit shall be accepted for carrying a grade lower than C (no C-minus).
Learn how to strategically shape your sport leadership career. Start working on your application and feel free to connect with us anytime if you have questions or need further guidance.
What Can I Do with a Master's in Sport Administration?
The expertise you’ll develop as a student in the Sport Administration master’s program enables you to become an effective leader and decision maker in sports business. You’ll develop a deeper understanding of management, finance, leadership, ethics, communication and marketing, as well as policy and law practiced within the field.
Some of the sport administration skills you will acquire include:
- Ability to apply financial and managerial accounting concepts that emphasize understanding annual reports, financial analysis ratios as well as methods for increasing revenue and cost control
- Ability to examine legal issues relevant to the field such as negligence, constitutional law, employment law, as well as intellectual property law and contract law
- Ability to plan and conduct health and sport sciences research for organizational growth, workforce development and talent management.
What Can I Do With an Online MSSPAD?
Graduates of this program are qualified to pursue a variety of sports administration, management and leadership jobs, as they are prepared to take the next step in their sport admin careers. Some of the positions and fields where you can find our graduates include:
- Athletic director
- Senior athletics administrator
- Facility & operations director
- Event management executive
- Sport marketing director
- Sport analytics manager
- Compliance officer
- Athletic administration
- Corporate sponsorship manager
- Recreation services director
Occupations for skilled sports professionals with a master's degree are expected to grow 8% from 2025 through 2033 (Lightcast.io). Specifically, the 2024-2034 occupational outlook for administrative services and sport facilities managers is expected to grow 46% nationwide, which is on par with the average national occupational growth rate and has a median annual salary of approximately $107,000 (bls.gov). Career opportunities and earnings vary based on actual job role, geographic location, prior experience and employer. These figures reflect overall industry trends and are not a guarantee of individual results.
Organizations seek professionals who can manage budgets, interpret data, navigate policy and guide teams through change.
Get ready to join the pros and position yourself to lead through change in a competitive arena!
What Your Support Network Looks Like
Meet the team that will support your academic success in the online MS in Sport Administration program!
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Jacob Wolfe | Online Enrollment Counselor | online@louisville.edu | 800.871.8635 |
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Sarah Schuble | Director of Graduate Student Success | sarah.schuble@louisville.edu | 502.852.1462 |
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Meg Hancock, PhD | Program Director | meg.hancock@louisville.edu | 502.852.3237 |
Whether you need more info or are ready to apply and need further guidance, reach out to us – we are here for you!
What Else Should You Know?
The questions and answers below help you learn more about our program, delivery method, application and admission process and how to succeed as an online student at UofL and beyond.
What is a master's degree in sport administration?
UofL's online Master of Science in Sport Administration is designed to prepare sport professionals for leadership roles and stronger decision-making within the sport industry. The program develops expertise in areas including management, finance, analytics, communication, marketing, policy and law.
Is the MSSPAD program accredited?
Yes. UofL's Master of Science in Sport Administration is fully accredited through the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA). Our program was the first in the country accredited at all three levels (undergraduate, master’s and doctoral).
Can I complete the MSSPAD degree completely online?
Yes. The Master of Science in Sport Administration is 100% online, and courses are delivered asynchronously in standard-length terms.
Do I need a specific undergraduate major to be admitted to the MSSPAD? Are there prerequisites?
No. UofL admits applicants from all undergraduate majors. Students are not required to complete prerequisite courses before beginning the program.
What classes are required in the MSSPAD?
The MSSPAD requires 33 credit hours, including 27 credit hours of core courses and 6 credit hours of electives approved by an academic advisor. Core coursework includes areas such as sport finance and economics, sport analytics, strategic marketing, sport policy, sport communication, legal issues in sport organizations and research-focused study. The program also includes an applied internship experience.
How long does the MSSPAD take to complete?
Students can earn the master's degree in as little as one year. Most students complete the program in 1.5 to 2 years. The length of time depends on factors including the number of classes taken, work schedule and when the required internship is completed.
Can I transfer credits into the MSSPAD?
Yes. Students can transfer up to 6 graduate credit hours from an accredited university, subject to UofL's Graduate School Transfer of Credit Policy.
What are the admission requirements for the online MSSPAD?
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited institution and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance. Applicants may need to demonstrate prior coursework and experience.
What application materials are required for the MSSPAD?
The required application packet includes a personal statement of 500 words or less explaining the applicant's interest in the program and long-term objectives, two letters of recommendation, a current résumé and a virtual interview with the program. Applicants must also submit official transcripts from previously attended colleges and universities and a $65 nonrefundable application fee. Faculty may require additional interviews as part of the admission process.
Is the GRE required for admission?
No. The online MSSPAD does not require the GRE for admission.
What can I do with a master's degree in sport administration?
The program prepares students for leadership and decision-making roles in sports business and develops knowledge in management, finance, leadership, ethics, communication, marketing, policy and law. Career opportunities include athletic director, senior athletics administrator, facility and operations director, event management executive, sport marketing director, sport analytics manager, compliance officer, corporate sponsorship manager and recreation services director.
Does the MSSPAD require an internship?
Yes. The 33-credit-hour program includes an applied internship experience that allows students to integrate theory with professional practice and develop their ability to lead within real-world sport environments. The program's curriculum identifies the internship as 3 credit hours.
What support is available to online MSSPAD students?
Students have access to an Online Enrollment Counselor, Director of Graduate Student Success and Program Director as part of UofL's support network for the online MSSPAD program.
Can international students complete the MSSPAD online?
Yes. UofL's online MSSPAD is open to international students. Students who live outside the United States and complete the program from their home country will not be issued a U.S. visa because there are no campus attendance requirements. The program can be completed online from anywhere in the world.
Whether you need more info or are ready to apply and need further guidance, reach out to us – we are here for you!
