Master of Science in Sport Studies
Take the Next Step
By submitting this form, you agree to receive information about the Tulane School of Professional Advancement’s programs via email, phone and/or text. You may opt out at any time.
MS in Sport Studies at a Glance
The sports industry has one of the fastest-growing job markets in the U.S. With a Master of Science (MS) in Sport Studies from the Tulane School of Professional Advancement, in partnership with the Tulane Center for Sport, you’ll earn certificates in a variety of sport-related specialties through a flexible online degree program that delivers practical, professional skills for pursuing a career in the sports industry.
The courses in this program provide insight into a range of topics related to sport and culture, such as how sports franchises and leagues promote themselves, ethical issues in sports, the role sports have in uniting and dividing communities, the psychology behind athletic performance, and more.
TRANSFER
Transfer up to nine credits of graduate level courses to your program and earn your degree for less.
FACULTY
Nationally recognized faculty who practice what they teach and help you succeed beyond the classroom.
LOCATION
Flexible online courses that match your schedule. Accelerate your career without putting your life on pause.
BENEFITS
Course credit for experience and 20% tuition discounts available.
ADMISSIONS
Rolling admissions. No test scores. No recommendations. Four start dates. We make the admission process easy.
What You Will Learn While Earning Your Master's in Sport Studies
Earning an MS in Sport Studies involves gaining a comprehensive understanding of the sports industry from various perspectives. Key concepts you'll learn include:
- Sport Management and Administration: Understanding the business side of sports, including event management, marketing, finance, and organizational behavior.
- Psychology of Sport: Exploring mental aspects of athletic performance, motivation, team dynamics, and the psychological benefits of physical activity.
- Sociology of Sport: Examining the cultural and societal impact of sports, including issues of diversity, inclusion, and the role of sports in community and identity.
- Ethics and Law in Sport: Learning about legal issues, ethical considerations, and governance in sports, including topics like doping, sportsmanship, and regulatory compliance.
These concepts prepare you for various roles within the sports industry, from management and coaching to health promotion and sports media.
- Sport Marketing and Finance
- Ethical & Legal Issues in Sport
- Foundations of Sports Medicine
- Sport/Event Security and Response
Click here for a listing of the MS in Sport Studies' required courses and course descriptions.
To receive an MS in Sport Studies degree, students must complete coursework in two certificate programs of their choice, plus three required core courses, for a total of 33 credits. Graduate students seeking to enroll in more than nine credit hours per semester require approval from the Program Director. Students must also apply for a degree at the beginning of the semester in which the student plans to complete all required coursework. Applications for degree conferral are now online and will appear in a student's Gibson account when available.
Sport Administration Certificate requirements
Sport Coaching Certificate requirements
Sports Medicine Certificate requirements
Sport Security Certificate requirements
A Specialized, Interdisciplinary Degree With Name Recognition
Tulane University is a world-renowned institution and home to the Center for Sport—a one-of-a-kind, interdisciplinary alliance of sports industry professionals, academics, and athletes. Learn from professors who have real-world experience in the sports industry at all levels of play, in all areas where sport touches people. Visit our Kinesiology program’s YouTube playlist to learn more about the degrees and certificates you can earn to accompany a master’s while becoming more familiar with the application process at Tulane SoPA.
Faculty Who Practice What They Teach
Our Kinesiology faculty are outstanding practitioners in the field who share their expertise and experience with our students.
Tulane SoPA Faculty Feature
“I love teaching Motor Learning. It is a required course for Exercise Science students. Motor Learning is the basis of everything we do in life. It is the study of how we learn and acquire skills so it really is the basis of how we are able to operate in the world.”
Lanie Dornier, Ph.D.
Kinesiology Program Director
A Career in Sports—A Competitive Edge
During your time in the MS in Sports Studies program, you'll work with faculty members who have extensive experience working in different aspects of sports and can provide practical advice to help guide you along your career path. Whether you’re an athletic trainer or coach seeking advanced certification or you want to pursue a high-level position in sports administration, sport security, or coaching, this program is designed to give you the specialized training and professional skills you need to stand out among other applicants when pursuing highly competitive jobs in the sports industry.
As an MS in Sport Studies graduate, a wide range of career opportunities await:
- Athletics / Assistant Athletics Director
- Head / Assistant Coach
- Director of Sports Management
- Director of Event / Stadium Security
- Special Events Coordinator
- Sports Facilities Manager
- Team Programs & Operations Manager
- Sport Business Operations Manager
- Club Sport Director
- Lecturer in Sport Studies
- Director of Compliance
- Media Relations
- Tournament Director
Tulane SoPA Student Spotlight
“What I enjoyed most about being a SoPA student was the encouragement and patience of the professors as well as the flexibility of the online classes. I’m extremely grateful for that experience and the opportunity to earn my master’s degree at a manageable pace.”
Doshia Woods
Tulane SoPA class of 2020
Engaging & Flexible Student Experience, On-Campus & Online
Partnerships that translate into industry certifications, credit for experience, & career advancement opportunities.
Never watch a boring PowerPoint. We’ve developed the most interactive courses around.
Our courses are constantly refreshed and informed by what leaders in kinesiology fields expect from graduates.
Navigate degree requirements and prepare for the workforce with help from our academic advisors and career counselors.
Master's in Sport Studies Tuition and Aid
Tulane SoPA is more affordable than traditional private university tuition. With limited fees and a 20% tuition discount (if qualified), the cost is on par with many state schools.
All tuition is charged by the credit hour, and we have minimal fees. Visit our tuition page to see our current tuition rates and use our net price calculator.
We strive to make higher education affordable by offering 20% discounts, financial aid, and credit for work and life experience. Learn about financial aid, discounts, and scholarship opportunities to fund your MS in Sport Studies today.
Master's in Sport Studies Admissions
Apply anytime—no test scores or letters of recommendation are required.
To be considered for admission into the MS in Sport Studies or one of our graduate certificate programs, a prospective graduate student must have:
- Earned an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution prior to the first semester of proposed graduate study.
- At least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average in undergraduate coursework; students with grade point averages below 3.0 may be considered for provisional admission, provided they demonstrate significant professional experience in a relevant field.
Applications to the program must include the following:
- A statement of 250-500 words discussing interest in the MS in Sport Studies program and how the program will assist them to in achieving personal or professional objectives.
- Official college transcripts from each college attended.
Applicants may be conditionally admitted and allowed to take one class in their first semester, in which a B or better must be earned to be fully admitted to the program. Students who do not have a 3.0 grade point average in their undergraduate coursework but possess sufficient professional experience in the sport studies field may be admitted conditionally into the program.
Students in good standing may petition to transfer a maximum of nine credit hours (three courses) of graduate coursework from other colleges or universities to the MS in Sport Studies degree. However, only courses with grades of B or better, completed within five years of enrolling in the MS program, may be considered for transfer credit.
MS in Sport Studies FAQ
The sports industry is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, creating more opportunities for professionals with advanced sports knowledge and skills.
For example, careers in coaching and scouting are projected to grow by 9% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by increasing interest in sports at all levels, from youth leagues to professional teams, as well as advancements in sports technology and analytics. Tulane SoPA’s MS in Sport Studies equips graduates to take advantage of these expanding opportunities in this dynamic playing field.
Graduates of the MS in Sport Studies program are well-equipped for a variety of roles in the sports industry, including Athletic Director, Event or Stadium Security Manager, Sports Marketing Specialist, and Compliance Officer. The program also supports career advancement in areas like coaching, sports medicine, and sport business operations, ensuring students are prepared to meet the growing demands of the industry.
The MS in Sport Studies program provides skills in sports management, including event planning, marketing, and organizational behavior, while fostering leadership and ethical decision-making abilities. You’ll develop expertise in analyzing industry trends, managing diverse teams, and understanding the psychological and societal impacts of sports.
These practical and analytical skills prepare you to excel in the complex and fast-paced sports industry.
Our MS in Sport Studies is designed for flexibility, allowing you to tailor your education to match your career aspirations. In addition to the core courses, you can choose from four graduate certificates: Sport Administration, Sport Coaching, Sports Medicine, or Sport Security. This stackable certificate model lets you focus on specific areas of interest while still earning credits toward the full degree.
Yes, our MS in Sport Studies is specifically designed to accommodate working professionals. With flexible online courses and the ability to study part-time, you can advance your career without putting your current job or personal commitments on hold. Many students complete the degree while maintaining full-time employment.
A Unique “Stackable” Certificate Program
You can choose from three options for a graduate certificate within our Sport Studies Program. You can complete each graduate certificate by taking four courses, which can also be used to earn an MS in Sport Studies.
MS in Sport Studies Admission Deadlines
Spring Semester
Summer Session I
Summer Session II
Fall Semester
Enter your email to download our Kinesiology e-brochure.
By submitting this form, you agree to receive information about the Tulane School of Professional Advancement’s programs via email, phone and/or text. You may opt out at any time.
