Considering whether an MBA or an MBA alternative will better serve your dream of a job in sports? You are not alone.
Navigating through the specifics of these programs requires a clear understanding of what sets them apart—the curriculum, duration, specialization opportunities, networking potential, and the real-world applicability of the skills you get. Let’s compare a Master's of Business Administration (MBA) and the #1 MBA alternative for a job in sports to empower you to make a choice that resonates with your ideal career.
What is a Master’s of Sport Management?
A master’s in sport management is a graduate degree that prepares students for leadership and administrative roles in the sports industry, covering areas like marketing, finance, event management, and athlete representation. It blends business strategy with a deep understanding of the sports landscape.
If you’re passionate about building a career in sport management, the master’s in sport management (MSSM) is a distinct and specialized educational path.
MBA vs. MSSM: Comparing Two Paths to Jobs in Sports
MSSM |
MBA |
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An MSSM is designed to take 1 year for maximum impact in minimal time commitment. |
An MBA typically takes 2 years full-time, but accelerated formats are available. |
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The MS in Sport Management has a specialized focus in sports business, integrating analytics, leadership, and management. |
MBAs provide a broad overview of business disciplines – finance, marketing, strategy, operations. |
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Students in an MSSM have hands-on, industry-driven learning experiences with networking, graduate assistantships, and partnerships in sports and entertainment. |
MBA programs are known for providing a generalized foundation across multiple industries, giving students the ability to explore multiple career options. |
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An MSSM has targeted preparation for leadership in sports organizations, leagues, agencies, and corporate partnerships. |
With a broad curriculum focused on business fundamentals, an MBA provides versatile preparation for leadership across industries – potentially including sports, but also finance, marketing, consulting, and beyond. |
What do you learn in an MSSM vs. an MBA?
MS in Sport Management
With an MSSM, you're gearing up for concentrated learning in the world of sports management. This program combines the fundamentals of an MBA with the intricacies of sport business. This is the ideal degree for someone who wants to work in sports.
- Sport Marketing and Promotion
- Sport Finance
- Sport Law and Risk Management
- Sport Event Management
- Sport Leadership and Ethics
- Sport Media and Communication
- Managerial Accounting
- Managerial Finance
- Managing and Leading People
MBA
You can expect a broad spectrum of business-focused topics in a standard MBA program. This diversity allows you to adapt to various commercial contexts, ideal for individuals who aren’t sure what direction they want to pursue.
- Strategic Management
- Finance
- Marketing
- Operations Management
- Human Resource Management
- Business Analytics
Industry Connections for Jobs in Sports
The saying, "It's not what you know, but who you know," holds particular weight within the world of sports. This multi-billion-dollar industry thrives on a web of rich, interconnected relationships that can often define the trajectory of your career. Connections can make all the difference to a job in the sports industry.
Want to know more about building your sports network? This is a good place to start: Graduate Assistantships in Intercollegiate Athletics & Earning an MSSM
Generally, MBA programs cast a wide networking net but are typically more generalized. Your professors and classmates come from a wide range of industries and backgrounds. This expansive network may not offer the depth required for specialized connections, like those needed in the sports industry.
In contrast, an MSSM's concentrated expertise introduces you to professionals currently spinning the gears in sports management alongside peers and alumni who share your career trajectory. Industry leaders, skilled executives, and a close-knit community of sports enthusiasts become your immediate network. If you’ve already been working in sports or are trying to, you might be well aware that connections can make or break your success.
SMU's MSSM Program: The Best of Both Worlds
The benefits of an MSSM degree for professionals set on sports industry roles are compelling. Your direct immersion into the country’s #1 city for sports business and intensive preparation for a competitive industry make an MSSM from SMU the premiere degree for sport management hopefuls. But there’s a special aspect of the MSSM from SMU that makes it even more advantageous for those looking for an MBA alternative.
A significant portion of courses are taught within the Cox School of Business at SMU, a nationally ranked business program. This means your curriculum is taught by the same faculty as an MBA. This unique blend equips you with industry-tailored skills and a depth of general business knowledge at the same time.
Choosing between an MSSM and an MBA is a significant decision that will impact your professional journey to a job in sports. Remember, there's no universally perfect choice—the right program will vary based on your unique career dreams, lifestyle, and academic preference. Reflect on the degree timelines, curriculum focus, networking opportunities, and the benefit of specialized programs like SMU's MSSM.
To explore an MSSM more, download our guide: Your Path to a Job in Sport Management—Pursue a Master's in Sport Management.
