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Sport Management (M.S.)

Grand View's Master of Science in Sport Management program prepares students for managerial positions in marketing and event management for professional sport teams, collegiate administration and coaching, or managerial positions in a wide range of private and public sport organizations.

Why Grand View?

  • The only degree of its kind in Iowa, this 36-credit-hour program accepts students who have just completed a bachelor's degree as well as working adults who prefer to attend part-time.
  • Because of its convenient schedule, you can complete the requirements in as little as 16 months in this face to face program with online summer courses.
  • The Master of Science in Sport Management, along with a coaching authorization, fulfills the requirements for the Iowa State Board of Educational Examaners' Athletic/Activities Director Authorization, regardless of the bachelor’s degree major.
  • Graduate internships in sport management are crucial to students gaining or expanding their experience in sport and refining career intentions. At Grand View, we have developed relationships with organizations that provide multiple internship opportunities in the Des Moines community and beyond, as well as graduate assistantships in a variety of fields.
  • Students have recently completed internships with the Iowa Barnstormers, The Principal Charity Golf Classic, Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau, Iowa State Athletics Compliance, Hurricane Junior Golf Tour, Iowa Community College Athletic Conference, City of Clive Parks and Recreation, Club B-Fit, Madison Mallards Baseball, Max Oxygen Crossfit, The West Des Moines Soccer Club, Aspen Athletic Clubs, and college and high school athletic departments.

Program Benefits

  • Acquire leading-edge know-how through our unique curriculum.
  • Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through an in-depth understanding of sport marketing, finance, intercollegiate athletics, facility and event management, sport ethics, global sports, and digital media in sport.
  • Learn from successful industry practitioners.
  • Leverage and apply your skills and knowledge in a practical setting through internship opportunities.

Career Options

  • Athletic Director
  • Event Manager
  • Collegiate Coach
  • Sales Executive
  • Marketing Manager or Director
  • Information Director
  • Development Director
  • Fitness Club Manager
  • Facilities Coordinator
  • Recreation Center Manager
  • Golf Course Manager
  • Park Superintendent
  • Tournament Director
  • Compliance Officer

Program Details

Admission and Application Requirements

Admission Requirements

Submit the following:

  • Include a statement of purpose with application that addresses:
  1. The student’s interest in the program, including the identification of short-term and long-term career goals
  2. The skills and experiences the student will contribute to the program
  3. Expectations the student has of the program
  • A professional resume.
  • Provide two letters of recommendation (academic or professional) who will complete an online recommendation form
  • Transcript from institution where bachelor's degree was earned
Course Requirements (36 credits)
Course Delivery: The MSSM program includes courses delivered in a variety of formats including in-person, online, and blended/hybrid courses. In-person courses meet every other week on either Monday or Tuesday nights.  Blended courses meet in-person on specific Mondays or Tuesdays during the semester. Online courses are completed asynchronously, providing flexibility with schedules.  All summer courses are delivered asynchronously online.
BSGR 510 Evidence-Based Practice 3 credits
BSGR 516 Governance in Sport Management 3 credits
BSGR 517 Sport Law and Ethics 3 credits
BSGR 536 Sports Communication 3 credits
BSGR 555 Financial Management 3 credits
BSGR 576 Sport Brand Management 3 credits
BSGR 577 Professional Franchise and College Sport Operations 3 credits
BSGR 585 Organizational Behavior and Leadership in Sport 3 credits
BSGR 587 Management of Sporting Events 3 credits
BSGR 588 Sport Marketing and Sponsorship 3 credits
BSGR 596 Critical Issues in Sport 3 credits
BSGR 599 Internship 3 credits

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Industries that Hire M.S. in Sport Management Graduates

  • College athletic programs
  • State and local sports programs
  • Leisure resorts
  • Sporting equipment and supply companies
  • Professional sports leagues
  • Media outlets
  • Public relations and advertising companies
  • Sporting and player associations
  • Sports agency and management businesses

Positions Held by Our Recent M.S. in Sport Management Graduates

    • Director of Events, Iowa Events Center
    • Manager of Athletics Communications, NAIA
    • Coordinator of Sports Information and Events, Marshalltown Community College
    • Training Coordinator, Learfield IMG College
    • Nike Wrestling Event Manager, Athlete Performance Solutions
    • Sales Account Consultant, Topgolf
    • Head Cross Country and Track & Field Coach, Kansas Wesleyan University
    • Head Coach, Phoenix Rising FC, Elite Club National League
    • Assistant Wrestling Coach, South Dakota State University
    • Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach, Louisiana Tech University
    • Assistant Cross Country and Track & Field Coach, Cornell College