MS in Kinesiology (Sport Management and Policy)
The University of Georgia M.S. in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sport Management and Policy prepares students for a career in the world of sport through the completion of either a thesis or non-thesis program.
The M.S. Program in Sport Management and Policy includes a 37-credit hour curriculum geared to help you develop a foundation in management, marketing, law, finance, economics, budgeting, governance and policy, sociology, facility design, and event operations. Our courses will assist you in applying this knowledge to a variety of contexts in the sport industry. Students are required to complete a professional internship experience and a Capstone Project prior to graduation.
Upon graduation, many of our non-thesis students begin careers in professional sport, collegiate sport, or in the private or public sector. Our thesis students are well-prepared to enter leading research institutions to pursue doctoral degrees.
Our graduates work for franchises in all of the major North American professional leagues including the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, and MLS; with professional sports franchises such as the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta United, Atlanta Falcons, Gwinnett Stripers, and Dallas Cowboys; within agencies like IMG, Creative Artists Agency, Octagon, and Melt; and with industry-leading organizations such as ESPN, the NCAA, Nike, and many more.
Highlights
- Learn business skills as they relate to the sport industry, preparing students for a professional career in a variety of sport-specific settings.
- Faculty are experts in marketing and consumer behavior, economics, finance, research and analytics, legal and ethical issues, organizational behavior, sales and strategy, diversity and social justice, and risk management related to sport.
- Hands-on experiential learning opportunities at top sport business organizations across the world.
- Located in close proximity to franchises in every major professional sport league as well as the UGA Athletic Association, Augusta National, East Lake Country Club, and other top sport venues.
- Ability to combine academic coursework through the Terry College of Business, Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, and UGA School of Law.
Video: Study Sport Management at UGA
Understand the law, policies, marketing, and social justice issues that drive the sport industry in the University of Georgia’s Department of Kinesiology.

Curriculum
Our program will help you develop a foundation in finance, economics, budgeting, marketing, law, governance and policy, facility design, event operations and human resources management. Our courses will assist you in applying this knowledge to a variety of contexts in the sport industry.
Courses
Sample course offerings:
- KINS 7700 (Sport Data Analysis)
- KINS 6520 (Sport Finance)
- KINS 6810 (Sport Marketing)
- KINS 7260 (Legal Issues in Sport Management)
- KINS 7270 (Facility Design and Event Management)
- KINS 7370 (Sport Policy and Governance)
- KINS 7500 (Sport Organizational Behavior)
- KINS 7560 (Economic and Policy Analysis in Sport)
- KINS 6850 (Sport Sales and Fundraising)
- KINS 7220 (Sport and Society)
- KINS 7290 (Sport Sponsorship)
- KINS 7320 (Intercollegiate Athletics and Higher Education)
- KINS 7450 (Internship in Kinesiology)
- KINS 7800 (Practicum in Kinesiology)
Non-Thesis Track
This is the required track for future practitioners in the field. This track includes 37 hours of coursework, which includes:
- 21 hours of required coursework in sport management classes
- 3 hours in data management and analysis in sports
- 3 hours of internship/practicum
- 6 hours of electives
The M.S. non-thesis track provides students with the knowledge and skills to manage sport and exercise programs. But the breadth and depth of the program prepares you for diverse career opportunities in organizations such as:
- Professional sport teams
- College athletic departments
- Sport marketing and public relations firms
- Sports agencies
- Health and fitness facilities
- Parks and recreation departments
Thesis Track
If you choose the thesis track, you will become experienced in research under the direction of a sport management faculty member in your area of specific research interest.
This track includes 30 hours of coursework, which includes:
- 9 hours of required coursework
- 9 hours of thesis-related courses
- 6 hours of research courses
- 6 hours of electives
Our M.S./J.D. joint degree program prepares you to work in a sports leadership role. If you’d like to pursue this joint degree, you will need to apply and receive admission to each program.
Learn more about the M.S. in Sport Management and Policy/J.D. Joint Degree (PDF)
Our faculty have expertise in a range of subjects, with faculty members who serve as advisors to students in the sport management emphasis:
- Dr. Thomas Baker
Co-Director, Sport, Economics, and Law Lab - Dr. Rose Chepyator-Thomson
Director, Cultural Studies in Physical Activity Lab - Dr. Clay Collins
Assistant Professor - Dr. Becca Leopkey
Associate Professor - Dr. Steven Salaga
Co-Director, Sport, Economics, and Law Lab - Dr. James Zhang
Director, International Center for Sport Management
How to Apply
The Graduate School handles admission for all graduate programs at the University of Georgia, including those in the College of Education. The Graduate School website contains important details about the application process, orientation, and many other useful links to guide you through the process of attending UGA at the graduate level.
Start A Graduate School Application
Prospective Graduate Student Application Checklist
The following should be uploaded to the Graduate School’s application:
- Unofficial transcripts from each institution of higher education attended
- Statement of Purpose
- Statement of Purpose should summarize your career goals and how the degree program would help you attain those identified goals.
- If applying to a M.S.-thesis or Ph.D. program, ensure you describe your research interests and how your interests fit with a specific faculty member within the Department of Kinesiology.
- A CV or resume
- Contact information for three references
- Official GRE scores (M.S. thesis and Ph.D. applicants only)
- Scores can be sent to UGA’s Graduate School as a designated score recipient using code 5813.
Deadline to Apply
Thesis Track
- January 10th
Non-Thesis Track
Summer or Fall Semester
- March 15th
- Students are informed of their admissions decision on a rolling basis through the end of June.
Spring Semester
- October 15th
- Students are informed of their admissions decisions on a rolling basis through the end of November.
Graduate Assistantships
You can find more information on departmental assistantships and deadlines on the Department of Kinesiology page .
Experiential Learning
The Sport Management program at the University of Georgia provides intership opportunities that provide valuable educational experiences for students. Students are required to fulfill experiential learning credits as a graduation requirement.
Download the Sport Management Internship Guide (PDF)
Need to recruit sport management interns?
The Sport Management program will work with partners to meet their talent needs. Have your brand connect with the future of the industry by posting opportunities with the program. To discuss your organization’s specific needs and hire talented students for positions when the fit is mutually beneficial, please contact Michael Slonaker .
UGA Alumni Sports Industry Council
The UGA Alumni Sports Industry Council is an external advisory board made up of sport industry veterans who foster important links between the program and the sports business community. The group also provides student support in the areas of professional mentoring, program services, such as guest lecturers and scholarship support, as well as internship and employment placement.Alumni Spotlight
Additional Resources
Please use our online form if you have any questions for the department. Please be as specific as possible so that we may quickly assist you.
The College’s programs are taught by dedicated faculty who are experts in a range of areas and are passionate about helping students succeed both in their programs and professionally.
A close working relationship with your advisor is key as you progress through your program of study. Please note that most graduate students at UGA are not assigned to a faculty advisor until after admittance.
Almost all in-state students begin their studies at UGA paying limited tuition or fees. Please note that these amounts are subject to change and are meant to give prospective students an idea of the costs associated with a degree at the University of Georgia College of Education.
Students may qualify for a variety of assistantships, scholarships, and other financial awards to help offset the cost of tuition, housing, and other expenses.