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M.S. (Non-Thesis Option) in Sport Management & Policy


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 class hours including 12 hours of required courses, 12 hours of restricted electives in sport, and a 6 credit hour 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.

Minimum Standards

A minimum combined GRE score of 1,000 (Verbal and Quantitative sections, with a minimum verbal score of 440 and a minimum quantitative score of 560) and 4.0 on the Analytical Writing section is required for admittance. Minimum test scores must offset by demonstrated excellent accomplishment in other areas of the application.  Average GPA and test scores for incoming classes are listed below. The statement of purpose portion of the departmental questionnaire should reflect the applicants understanding of, and desire to enter into, a sport management career. Prior experience in the sports industry as it relates to the applicant’s career interests should be highlighted. References must include at least one from a professor or instructor that will speak to the applicant’s potential for academic success.

Recent Average GPA & GRE Scores for accepted M.S. students

GPA 3.34 GRE 1,150 (GMAT 665)

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.

Recent Internship Sites

  • Atlanta Braves
  • Atlanta Falcons
  • Atlanta Spirit (Hawks, Thrashers, Philips Arena)
  • New Jersey Nets
  • Chicago Sky (WNBA)
  • Gwinnet Gladiators
  • Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA)
  • University of Georgia Athletic Association
  • Marquette University Athletics Department
  • Georgia Southern University Athletic Department
  • Clarke Central High School, Athens, GA
  • United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA)
  • Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc.
  • Swagger LLC (Athens Twilight Criterium bicycle race)
  • Sports Media Challenge

Examples of Current Employment of the Program Alumni

  • University of Utah Athletics
  • University of Georgia Athletics
  • University of Wisconsin Athletics
  • TPC Sugarloaf
  • Atlanta Sports Council
  • Central Michigan University Athletics
  • Covenant College, Head Basketball Coach
  • The Gazelle Group

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

Joel Maxcy (Program coordinator), Associate Professor
Ph.D., Economics, Washington State University
Areas of Expertise: Sport economics
Research Interests: Industrial Organization, Labor Economics, Economics of Sport, Law and Economics, Sport Law, Antirust and Regulation, Labor Economics and Policy

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, Terrorism and Sport Facilities

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

Doyeon Won, Assistant Professor
Ph.D., Sport Management, The Ohio State University
Area of Expertise: Sport Management
Research Interests: Strategic Management in Sport, Consumer Behavior in Sport

Contacts

If you have any questions or problems, please contact Dr. Joel Maxcy (program coordinator) at 706-542-4420 or jmaxcy@uga.edu, Dr. Ted Baumgartner (graduate coordinator) at tbaumgar@uga.edu or 706-542-4424 or Ms. Marlee Stewart (graduate coordinator's assistant) at kins@uga.edu or 706-542-4378.


 

 

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