Quick Facts
Duration: 1 year (2 courses per term)
Starts: Fall 1, Fall 2, Winter, Spring, Summer
Class schedule: Asynchronous
Format: Online
The sports world operates at the intersection of business, entertainment and global culture. It is both unpredictable and highly regulated — the unexpected twists of competition must still follow distinct guidelines, laws and contracts. This makes for an exciting, fast-paced industry that demands strategic thinking and a deep understanding of the business of sports.
California Lutheran University’s online MS in Sport Management is the ideal degree for anyone seeking to develop unique sport industry skills and thrive in their career. This fully online program provides a strong foundation in business and management, tailored to the industry’s unique requirements.
In just one year, you can develop key skills in communication, marketing, leadership and financial management and gain insights into how sports intersect with different industries, cultures and societies worldwide. By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to make an impact on sports organizations locally and on the global stage.
The Cal Lutheran sport management program also places a strong emphasis on ethical judgment and community building. With courses that tackle in-demand subjects such as NIL (name, image and likeness) rights, sustainability in sports and contemporary social issues, the curriculum is comprehensive and cutting-edge.
Online Sport Management Master’s Degree Features
- Evening, online and hybrid classes that fit into your busy life and move at a pace that works for you
- Small class sizes where faculty know your name and guide your learning through meaningful collaboration
- Career-building skills you can apply immediately to benefit your organization
In this program, you will:
- Learn the business of sport on a global scale with skills that prepare you to succeed across different countries and cultural contexts
- Gain specialized NIL expertise from one of the only programs that offers dedicated courses and certification in this rapidly growing segment
- Expand your network through direct connections with industry leaders and professional sports teams
- Design your ideal sport career with guidance from dedicated mentors and capstone projects you select to match your professional aspirations
“California is the epicenter and incubator for sports teams and business. Cal Lutheran’s excellent location and longstanding connections to major sport organizations give our students the chance to gain valuable experiences by working closely with industry leaders and top teams.”
Customize Your Online Sport Management Master’s With an Emphasis Area
You have the option to select one of two emphasis areas, which can be completed through elective courses. Alternatively, you can opt for a general sport management degree by choosing electives that cover a range of topics from both areas.
- Digital Media, Communication and Marketing: Learn about sport communication and public relations, consumer behavior and analytics, global sport marketing and brand management and advanced media strategies.
- Global Sport Business: Get a comprehensive overview of international sports systems, including global business analytics, event planning and facility management, legal aspects of sports agency and sustainability in sports.
Sport Management Careers: Where a Master’s Can Take You
A Master of Science in Sport Management opens doors to a wide variety of jobs and career pathways in the sport industry, including roles in:
- Athletic administration
- Coaching
- DEIJ in sport
- Event management
- Facility management
- Media and public relations
- Sports agency
- Sports analytics
- Sports communication
- Sport finance
- Sports marketing
- Sports sales and ticketing
- Sports sustainability
No matter what you choose, you’ll have the support of Cal Lutheran’s faculty and staff, who are ready to help you plan your career path, make networking connections and find opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
A sport management degree combines elements of business, marketing, management, and finance with a focus on the sport industry. It prepares students for a wide range of careers within the sport sector, from athletic administration and marketing to event management and analytics.
The Cal Lutheran MS in Sport Management adds a global perspective to this education, expanding students’ cultural awareness and knowledge of international markets.
This is a 100% online degree, so you will not need to attend any on-campus courses.
You can choose an optional concentration in Digital Media, Communication and Marketing or Global Sport Business. You can also pursue a general sport management master’s degree without a concentration.
We welcome students from all educational and professional backgrounds. Your previous degree(s) may be in any field.
However, you do need a basic understanding of the sport business. You should be able to answer two questions: “Why is the field of sport management important?” and “What current trends/issues in the field of sport matter to you?”
Most students complete the degree in about a year if they take two courses per term. The degree requires 10 courses (30 credits), and there are five, eight-week terms per year.
Ready to learn more? Download our brochure, and explore our curriculum, admissions page and FAQ pages.
Request Information
To learn more about the Graduate Degree Programs offered by the Cal Lutheran School of Management and download a brochure, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with an enrollment specialist directly by calling us at 805-521-9856.
