The global sports market is projected to reach over $117 billion this year without signs of slowing down. The sports industry is dynamic, offering a range of career opportunities, from managing professional teams to overseeing athletic facilities and representing athletes. If you are passionate about getting a job in sports, choosing the right educational path is essential.
Two popular graduate degrees in this field are Sports Administration and Sports Management. While they share some similarities, they also have distinct focuses that cater to different career goals. Let’s explore the differences between these two degrees, their career prospects, and why a Master of Science in Sport Management (MSSM) stands out in the competitive sports career market.
What is a Sports Administration Degree?
It’s in the name— a sports administration master’s program focuses on the administrative aspects of sports. Students learn about budgeting, facilities management, compliance, and governance. This degree is suited for those who enjoy managing behind-the-scenes operations of a sports or athletic organization, or who might specifically aspire to work in intercollegiate athletic administration.
Graduates of a sports administration program typically pursue roles as:
- Athletic directors
- Intercollegiate team general managers
- Compliance officers
- Sports information directors
- Facility managers
- League administrators
This degree is ideal for individuals who are passionate about the operational structure of sports organizations and intercollegiate athletic departments and prefer working in policy implementation, team logistics, and program oversight.
What is a Sports Management Degree?
Similarly, a sports management master’s program emphasizes leadership, business strategies, marketing finance, data analytics, legal guidelines, communication, events, and operational management within sports organizations and the sports industry. An MSSM blends fundamental business principles with the unique demands of sports, equipping students with the skills to navigate and innovate both internally and externally.
Sports Management master’s graduates typically pursue roles such as:
- Sports marketing director
- Sports consultant
- Event manager
- Sports agent
- Sponsorship coordinator
- Brand manager
This degree is suited for those who want to work closely with athletes, brands, and media, developing business strategies to enhance the financial and competitive success of sports organizations.
Comparing Sports Administration and Sports Management Master’s Programs
Scope and Focus
Sports Administration: Primarily centers on internal operations, including policy, compliance, and facilities management. This program is designed for those interested in the regulatory and organizational aspects of sports or who specifically aspire to work in intercollegiate athletic administration.
Sports Management: Offers a broader focus, integrating business skills with strategic planning, marketing, and leadership specific to the sports industry. It prepares students to address both operational and market-driven challenges.
Developed Skills
Sports Administration: Develops organizational skills, regulatory knowledge, and operational efficiency. Students gain expertise in legal compliance, risk management, and infrastructure planning.
Sports Management: Builds leadership, negotiation, finance, accounting, marketing, legal and strategic planning capabilities, making graduates versatile and well-equipped for various roles. The curriculum often includes sponsorship, data and analytics, managerial finance and accounting, legal, and marketing courses.
Career Paths
Sports Administration: Careers are often concentrated in intercollegiate athletics, recreational sports, or facility operations. Graduates frequently work in:
- College athletic departments
- Non-profit sports organizations
- Sports governing bodies (e.g., NCAA, FIFA. NAIA)
- Municipal parks and recreation departments
Sports Management: Offers broader opportunities, including roles with professional sports teams, consulting and marketing agencies, and global sports enterprises. Graduates can work in:
- Professional sports franchises
- Sports consulting agencies
- Sports marketing agencies
- Athlete representation firms
- Sponsorship and branding firms
- Find more careers you can pursue with an MSSM here.
Why Choose an MS in Sport Management?
Let’s make the case for an MSSM. The Master of Science in Sport Management is designed to provide a well-rounded education that blends business principles with the intricacies of the sports industry—it provides the best of both worlds.
Breadth of Learning
The MSSM program provides a comprehensive education that combines core business principles with specialized applications in the sports industry. It emphasizes innovation and adaptability, essential qualities in the fast-evolving sports world. Topics often covered include:
- Sports analytics and data-driven decision-making
- Fan engagement strategies
- Revenue generation strategies
- Globalization of sports
- Managerial finance & accounting
- Communication & PR
- Digital media in sports
Real-World Experience
Students in an MSSM program often benefit from:
- Internships with professional sports organizations.
- Hands-on projects that address real-world challenges.
- Case studies that bridge academic concepts with practical applications.
- Exposure to emerging trends like digital & streaming media, AI & data analytics, athlete branding, private equity & investment in sports, and sports technology.
Networking and Industry Connections
MSSM programs often boast strong alumni networks and connections with industry professionals. Faculty members frequently bring firsthand experience and partnerships with leading organizations, giving students unparalleled access to opportunities. Networking events, industry panels, and guest lectures provide direct interaction with sports executives.
Explore graduate assistantship positions in intercollegiate athletics.
Career Readiness
An MSSM prepares students for leadership roles by developing versatile skills applicable across multiple sectors. Graduates emerge ready to take on challenges in both traditional and emerging areas of the sports industry, including:
- Data analytics and performance metrics
- Global event management
- Sponsorship sales and revenue growth
With an MSSM degree, professionals can shape the future of sports by leveraging business expertise, strategic vision, and industry insight. Whether managing multimillion-dollar sponsorship deals or improving operational efficiencies in athletic organizations, professionals with an MSSM degree are positioned to drive success and innovation in the sports industry.
Pursuing an MSSM at SMU
Both Sports Administration and Sports Management degrees provide valuable opportunities in the sports industry, but they cater to different interests and career paths. If you are drawn to the regulatory, logistical, and operational aspects of sports, a sports administration degree may be the right fit. On the other hand, if you seek a career in sports marketing, revenue generation, athlete representation, or business strategy, a sports management degree could be more suitable.
For those looking for a well-rounded education that combines business, leadership, and hands-on experience, a Master of Science in Sport Management—particularly one from SMU—offers an excellent pathway to a dynamic and evolving career in sports.
If you’re curious about earning an MSSM, access our comprehensive guide: Your Path to a Job in Sport Management–Pursue a Master’s in Sport Management. With the guide, you can compare an MSSM to other degrees like an MBA, explore the career outlook in sports, and consider a number of internship opportunities in the sports industry.
