Key Takeaways
- In the sports business, who you know matters as much as what you know.
- A Master's of Science in Sport Management (MSSM) helps you build that network through structured, real-world experiences.
- Earning a master’s degree gives you a faster, more intentional path into the competitive world of sports management.
- SMU offers hands-on learning in the heart of the Dallas–Fort Worth area, the #1 sports business market.
The Power of Networking in the Sports Industry
Success in sports starts with who you know—and what you learn.
In the sports industry, opportunity often begins with access. Connections open doors to internships, jobs, and insider knowledge, making your network just as important as your résumé.
That’s where a Sport Management master’s degree can change the game. It gives you both the expertise and the relationships to move confidently into the sports business world.
From ticketing to team operations, the sports business runs on relationships. Employers value professionals who understand the culture, have an insider perspective, and can build meaningful partnerships.
A sport management degree helps you develop those relationships in a structured, intentional way. Instead of waiting for career opportunities, you create them.
How SMU Builds Your Network and Your Sports Career
Breaking into sports can be competitive. While passion gets you started, strategy and structure get you noticed. The Sport Management degree at SMU combines an academic foundation with professional experience, providing you with both credibility and connections.
Instead of navigating the industry on your own, you’ll enter it with a network, mentors, and a clear path forward.
Immersive Learning in a Major Sports Hub
Dallas–Fort Worth is a hub for pro teams, collegiate programs, and organizations of every scale. There’s no wonder why it’s ranked the #1 city for sports business. SMU MSSM students don’t just learn about sports in a classroom; they learn from the people shaping it. Through partnerships and applied projects, you’ll gain insight into how the industry works in the best place to do so.
Sports Executive Networking Events
Every fall, the program hosts a dedicated networking immersion where students meet more than 50 sports business executives from across the sports landscape, including professional teams, agencies, venues, and media organizations. It’s a hands-on, face-to-face opportunity to learn, ask questions, and start building lasting professional relationships.
Graduate Assistantships in Intercollegiate Athletics
SMU’s graduate assistantship program gives Sport Management students a chance to earn valuable experience working directly within SMU Athletics. These roles allow you to apply classroom concepts to real-world operations, helping manage events, marketing, compliance, and team administration while earning financial support toward your degree.
Working side by side with athletics professionals offers an insider’s view of collegiate sports and builds meaningful connections across the conference. For many students, these assistantships serve as a bridge to full-time roles in intercollegiate athletics and beyond.
Real-World Projects and Case Studies
SMU MSSM students work on real challenges facing today’s sports organizations, developing marketing strategies, event plans, and data-driven solutions. You’ll graduate with practical experience, a professional portfolio, and a clear sense of where you want to make your mark.
Mentorship and Alumni Access
Your professors are industry insiders who stay active in the field, and they’re committed to helping you grow your career in sports. You’ll gain guidance from alumni working in professional and collegiate athletics, sports media, and event management.
FAQ: Sport Management Degree at SMU Simmons
What can I do with a Sport Management degree?
Graduates work in professional and collegiate athletics, event management, marketing, sponsorship, analytics, and more.
What makes SMU’s MSSM program unique?
Located in the heart of Dallas–Fort Worth, SMU offers unmatched access to one of the nation’s top sports markets. Through industry partnerships, dedicated networking events, and courses taught by faculty from the highly ranked Cox School of Business, students gain both insider connections and a strong foundation in business strategy.
How soon can I start building my network?
Immediately. MSSM students meet alumni, executives, and mentors within their first semester.
Do I need a background in sports to apply?
No. The program welcomes students from all professional and academic backgrounds who are passionate about the business of sports.
Ready to Build Your Network?
Your sports career doesn’t have to wait. Learn how the M.S. in Sport Management at SMU Simmons can help you take the next step.
