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MS in Kinesiology (Sport Management and Policy)

Our MS in Kinesiology concentration in sport management and policy prepares both scholars and professionals for the world of sport management, by choosing either a thesis or non-thesis program.

Both specializations give you a full understanding of multiple areas of sport management through interdisciplinary classes that blend business practices with the needs of the sport industry. You will also study the place sport has in society, examining the sociological and philosophical dimensions of sport and governmental and industry policies that apply to it.

A thesis track is for students who wish to continue on to a doctoral degree and teach or conduct research at a university level.

Our faculty are leaders in specific areas of the sport management world:

  • Marketing and consumer behavior
  • Social/cultural diversity and social justice
  • Risk management

We also offer a joint MS-JD degree program in law and sport management. To pursue this program, you must be admitted to each program separately.

Program Highlights

  1. Learn business skills as they relate to the sport industry
  2. Faculty are experts in marketing, diversity and social justice, and risk management
  3. Learn foundational principles that blend sport and business

Deadline to Apply

January 10 (thesis), June 1 (non-thesis)

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.

Faculty and Curriculum

If you choose a thesis track, you will become experienced in research inquiry as you identify weaknesses in theories and practices in the sport management world. Through a systemic inquiry process, you will use documentation and reasoning to seek a better understanding about current phenomena; to revise, improve or change theories; or, develop a new theory.

This track includes 30 hours of coursework, which includes:

  • 9 hours or required coursework
  • 9 hours of thesis-related courses
  • 6 hours of research courses
  • 6 hours of electives

Both the thesis and non-thesis track will prepare you to be a scholar of the sport management industry, where you will delve into questions regarding marketing and consumer behavior; social justice and inequality in the industry; and risk management as it relates to law, regulation and policy. Through this experience, you will have a full understanding in a specific area of sport management studies, with the potential to be a nationally or internationally known scholar in a particular research topic.

Tuition and Financial Aid

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.

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Faculty profiles

Meet the Faculty

Meet Your Advisor

Most graduate students at UGA are not assigned to a faculty advisor until after admittance. A close working relationship with your advisor is paramount to progressing through your program of study.

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Student Life

Because we have graduate students from around the world who apply to our program, you will be a part of a diverse group of learners and thinkers whose ideas and perspectives will enhance your own experience.

You will take courses in the Ramsey Student Center for Physical Activities, the country's largest on-campus recreational facility.

Pursue a variety of positions in the sports industry and academia. The sport management and policy concentration addresses:

  • The economic, legal, social, and ethical issues affecting the field
  • The place of sport in society and the historical, sociological, and philosophical dimensions of sport
  • Governmental and industry policies as they apply to sport

The MS in Kinesiology program typically requires a minimum of 30 coursework hours for the thesis program and 36 hours for the non-thesis program. The thesis option includes:

  • Research courses (6 hours)
  • Thesis area courses (9 hours)
  • Concentration courses (9 hours)
  • Electives

The non-thesis track consists of 36 credit hours, including:

  • Research courses (3 hours)
  • Concentration courses (24 hours)
  • Internship/practicum (3 hours)
  • Electives

Our MS-JD 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.

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See for yourself how much UGA College of Education has to offer! Schedule a tour of campus to learn more about the UGA student experience.

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Admissions

Part 1: Apply to the University of Georgia

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

Part 2: Apply to the MS in Kinesiology (Sport Management and Policy)

In the Graduate School application, students should upload the following items:

  1. Statement of purpose: Outline your teaching philosophy, experience and career goals, not to exceed two single-spaced typed pages.
  2. Resumé/vita

Returning Applicants

Completed application due:
January 10 (thesis), June 1 (non-thesis)

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Program Resources

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