Sport Management and Policy graduate programs prepare graduates for a variety of positions in the sport industry and academia.   The graduate curriculum addresses the economic, legal, social, and ethical, issues affecting the sport industry. In addition to the application of business and management principles, our programs study the place of sport in society, and examine the historical, sociological, and philosophical dimensions of sport.  Examination of governmental and industry policies as they apply to sports is critical to each degree program.

Description of the Program

The non- thesis track is designed to prepare students for careers in sport management. The program of study consists of 36 credit hours including a practicum or internship experience. Requirements for the Non-thesis M.S. in Sport Management & Policy.

Entrance Requirements

Applicants with a baccalaureate degree in any field of study are eligible to apply to the M.S. program in sport management and policy (SMP).  Complete applications must be received by February 1 to be considered for admission and assistantships in the Fall. Late applications cannot be given full consideration. To be considered for admission, applicants must complete an application for graduate study, submit transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended, submit scores on the GRE, provide three letters of recommendation, and complete a departmental questionnaire.

Application Procedure

M.S – J.D. Joint Degree Program

The M.S. emphasis in Law and Sport Management Joint Degree is to provide students interested in a thorough understanding of the law and those wishing a leadership role in the expanding sports area an opportunity to couple these disciplines for advantageous career opportunities.  Students wishing to pursue this joint degree must apply and be admitted to each program.

Career Opportunities

The M.S. emphasis in sport management will qualify candidates for managerial positions in the sport industry. The four major settings served are intercollegiate sport administration, professional sport administration, facility and event management, and sport organization management. Candidates may specialize in the business/finance, management, or marketing/promotions areas of employment in these settings.

Assistantships

Graduate teaching assistantships are available in the Department of Kinesiology. Duties involve the teaching of activity courses in the required physical education activity program. Other assistantship opportunities are available in the Department of Recreational Sports and with the UGA Athletic Association. Information on Assistantships

Program Faculty

Thomas Baker, Assistant Professor
Ph.D., Sport Management, University of Florida
J.D., Loyola University School of Law
Area of Expertise: Sport Law
Research Interests: Sport Law and Risk Management

Kevin K. Byon, Assistant Professor
Ph.D., Sport Management, University of Florida
Areas of Expertise: Sport Marketing
Research Interests: Sport Consumer Behavior, Sport
Sponsorship, Sport Tourism, Measurement and Statistics

Rose Chepyator-Thomson, Professor
Ph.D., Physical Education/Educational Policy, University of Wisconsin at Madison
Areas of Expertise: Global and policy issues in sport and physical activity, multiculturalism in schools and higher education, and Globalization and African Sports
Research Interests: Gender, Race and Ethnicity in Physical Education and Sport; urban and transnational diversity in Physical Education and sport; international sport and public policy; colonialism and post colonialism in context of African sporting bodies

Billy Hawkins, Associate Professor, Program Coordinator
Ph.D., Sociology of Sport and Cultural Studies, University of Iowa
Area of Expertise: Sociology of Sport, Cultural Studies
Research Interests: Race and Sport, Religion and Sport, Collegiate Athletics

James J. Zhang, Professor and Director
International Center for Sport Management
Ph.D., Measurement/Sport Administration, Springfield College-Massachusetts
Areas of Expertise: Sport Consumer Behavior, Sport Organizational Behavior, Research Design, Measurement, and Statistics
Research Interests: Applied Measurement and/or Applied Studies Examining Sport Consumer and Organizational Behavior

Contacts

If you have any questions or problems, please contact Dr. James Zhang (program coordinator) at 706-542-4420 or jamesz48@uga.edu or the graduate coordinator’s assistant (graduate coordinator’s assistant) at kins@uga.edu or 706-542-4378.