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Sport Management

The Sport Management program prepares students for careers in the global sport industry. Our curriculum blends business practices with the needs of the sport industry, studying the place sport has in society, examining the sociological and philosophical dimensions of sport, and governmental and industry policies that apply to it. Students will learn through hands-on, real-world experiential learning and case studies led by our esteemed faculty.

Upon graduation, many of our students will begin careers at sports organizations at the professional, collegiate, or secondary level, while others explore corporate businesses and sponsorships opportunities. Many students will pursue post-graduate studies in law, business, or kinesiology.

Our graduates work in a variety of industries that include the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, and MLS; with professional sports teams like the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta United, Atlanta Falcons, Gwinnett Stripers, Dallas Cowboys; within agencies like IMG, Creative Artists Agency, Octagon, and Melt; and with industry-leading organizations like ESPN, the NCAA, Nike, and many more.

Degree Programs

Double Dawgs
Combined Bachelor's and Master's Degrees

Bachelor of Science in Education (BSEd)

  • BSEd in Sport Management

    Open up diverse career opportunities through our flexible program in sport management, emphasizing business principles and opportunities to tailor your course of study.

Minors

  • Sport Management Minor

    The Sport Management minor (15 hours) gives you the flexibility of coursework in the area of sport management without taking on a dual degree.

Master of Science (MS)

  • MS in Kinesiology (Sport Management and Policy)

    Our program prepares both scholars and professionals for the world of sport management. Choose a thesis or non-thesis program to hone your skills as a professional or researcher in the field.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

  • PhD in Kinesiology (Sport Management and Policy)

    Our Ph.D. in Kinesiology specialization in Sport Management and Policy will prepare you to be a leading researcher in the areas of law and risk management, sport marketing and consumer behavior, and social and cultural aspects of sport.

Our Faculty

Our faculty are experts in specific areas of sport management:

  • Marketing and Consumer Behavior
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Research and Analytics
  • Legal and Ethical Issues
  • Organizational Behavior
  • Sales and Strategy
  • Sport Policy and Governance
  • Risk Management

Courses

Sample SM Course Offerings

  • Sport Economics and Policy
  • Sport Marketing
  • Sport Event Management
  • Managing the Legal Aspects of Sport
  • Social Aspects of Sport
  • Sport Finance
  • Sport Policy and Governance
  • Philosophy and Ethics in Sport
  • Sport Organizational Behavior
  • Introduction to Sports Analytics

Experiential Learning

The Sport Management program at the University of Georgia provides opportunities for internships that will add valuable educational experience for students, and entry-level jobs that students have prepared for over their college careers. Students are required to fulfill experiential learning credits as a graduation requirement.

Download the Sport Management Internship Guide (PDF)

Partner Logos

Recruit Sport Management Interns

Post opportunities with the UGA Sport Management Program and hire talented students for positions when the fit is mutually beneficial. The Sport Management program will work with partners to meet talent needs. Have your brand connect with the future of the industry. To discuss your organization’s specific needs, please contact Michael Slonaker .

UGA Alumni Sports Industry Council

The UGA Alumni Sports Industry Council is an external advisory board that serves the student population in the UGA Sport Management and Policy program. The Council is a group of sport industry veterans who foster important links between the program and the sports business community. The Council provides student support in the areas of professional mentoring, and internship and employment placement. The Council also provides a number of services to the program including guest lecturing and scholarship support.

Faculty and Staff

Jaime Caperton Academic Advisor
Clay Collins Assistant Professor
Brody Couch Sport Management Academic Support Specialist
Lauren Flowers Senior Academic Advisor
Becca Leopkey Associate Professor
Grace Little Academic Advisor II
Teresa McClure Academic Advisor
Steven Salaga Associate Professor
David Schmidt Instructor
Michael Slonaker Instructor
Julian Williams Co-Director

Contact Info

115 Ramsey Center 330 River Road Athens, Georgia 30602
© University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602
706‑542‑3000