College of Education and Human Development

School of Kinesiology

Sport management MEd

The sport management master of education (MEd) is a practitioner-oriented master's program designed to prepare students for advanced study or careers in sport administration, sport management, or sport and fitness related professions.

Required courses will provide students with a well-balanced perspective of the industry; elective courses allow students to focus on topics they find applicable and interesting related to the sport and physical activity industry. Students will have the opportunity to participate in coursework, independent study, internships, workshops, and professional site-based experiences.

We also offer a dual-degree option, partnering with Jiao Tong University (SJTU) in China.

Career exploration/opportunity

The sport management MEd prepares students to work in leadership and management roles with intramural and community athletic programs, university and college sports programs, and amateur and professional athletic leagues.

Sport management careers often take place behind the scenes. Possible careers are:

  • Athletic director
  • Development director
  • Marketing and social media manager for sports-related company
  • Event marketing associate for sports company
  • Athletic communications director
  • Facilities manager
  • Fitness club manager
  • Public and community relations executive
  • Fan experience manager

About our students

Quote from Dylan Jiles

During my undergraduate career I had access to a lot of resources and assistance because I was a student athlete. That experience really opened my eyes to how students who aren’t athletes are navigating their college experience. That’s the educational piece of my MEd; I’d like to pursue a career in academic advising. I want to help students achieve academic success.

Dylan Jiles Sport management MEd

Which degree is right for me?

The School of Kinesiology offers different types of master’s degree programs: The master of science/master of art (research based) and the master of education (professional based). Don’t know which program best fits you? Review our MS/MA vs MEd program information to help choose the program that's right for you.

How to apply

    Before you apply

    Review the MS/MA vs MEd information. This comparison page will help you to decide which program is the best fit for your educational and professional goals.

    Apply

    Admissions deadlines and criteria

    The School reviews applications on an ongoing basis. Application deadlines for specific academic terms are the following dates.

    • November 1 - Spring semester admission
    • March 1 - Summer session admission
    • July 1 (preferred May 1) - Fall semester admission
       

    Admission requirements include the following criteria

    For the physical activity and health program competitive students will have the following:

    • A bachelor's degree, preferably in kinesiology, exercise science, public health, biology, or psychology
    • A preferred 3.0 or higher GPA
    • Strong statement indicating purpose for MEd in physical activity and health and how the applicant's experience, education, and goals fit with the program.

    For the sport and exercise science program competitive students will have the following:

    • A bachelor's degree in kinesiology or exercise science, or comparable experience
    • A preferred 2.5 or higher GPA
    • Strong statement indicating purpose for MEd in sport and exercise science program and how the applicant's experience, education, and goals fit with the program.

    For the sport management program competitive students will have the following:

    • A bachelor's degree
    • A preferred 2.5 or higher GPA
    • Strong statement indicating purpose for MEd in sport management and how the applicant's experience, education and goals fit with the program.
       

    Application process

    All application materials should be submitted directly to the online application system. The School cannot review applications until all of the required materials listed below are submitted successfully.

    1. Application
      1. Apply online
      2. Required fields: Personal information, application information, educational background, languages, awards & activities, employment/residence information, financial support
    2. Application fee
      1. Pay electronically via credit card when submitting a finalized application
      2. $75 for US applicants
      3. $95 for international applicants
    3. Unofficial transcripts
      1. Submit unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you have attended or are currently attending, including the University of Minnesota.
      2. Transcripts should be uploaded directly to the online application system before submitting the application.
      3. Once admitted, students must submit official transcripts or academic records before enrolling at the U of M to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
      4. Instructions for important information about uploading transcripts and credentials.
    4. Description of research or work experience
      1. Upload a personal statement describing your career goals and rationale for interest in the MEd program and how this program will help with your future goals (limit of two pages).
    5. Resume or CV
      1. Upload in the online application system.


    A decision for admission notice will be emailed to applicants once:

    1. The submitted application is carefully reviewed by the department’s admission committee
    2. Transcripts and credentials are authenticated by Graduate School officials

    Applicants are typically notified of admission decisions 2-4 weeks after their complete application has been submitted.

    Nonnative english speakers and/or international students

    The TOEFL, MELAB, or IELTS is generally required of all applicants whose first language is not english, regardless of U.S. Citizenship status.

    Exceptions may be granted for applicants who will have completed 16 semester or 24 quarter credits within the past 24 months in residence as a full-time student at an accredited institution of higher learning in the United States before entering the University of Minnesota.

    Table outlining needed English proficiency scores.

    Transfer credits

    Please review the University policy on applying graduate credits to degree requirements. Transfer courses must be completed at the graduate level and approved by the academic advisor. Academic advisors can assist with individual needs and questions.

    Please contact the MEd Advisor if you have any questions regarding the online application.

    Interested in this program?

    Interested in one of the School of Kinesiology's graduate programs?
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    How did you hear about our program?

    Questions?

    We’re here to help. Get in touch with our Graduate Studies Office.

    Daheia Barr-Anderson Daheia Barr-Anderson

    • Director of Graduate Studies, Associate Professor, Physical Activity and Health Promotion
    • 612-301-1309
    • barra027@umn.edu

    Graduate education faculty Director, Behavioral Physical Activity Laboratory (BPAL) Professional memberships Council on Black Health (CBH) American College of Sports Medicine Special Interest Group: Minority Health & Research American Public Health…

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    Daheia Barr-Anderson
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    Vicki Schull Vicki Schull

    • Senior Lecturer, Sport Management, MEd Director, Sport Management
    • 612-625-5300
    • schu1850@umn.edu

    Vicki Schull is a Lecturer in sport management in the School of Kinesiology and an affiliated scholar with the Tucker Center for Research on Girls and Women in Sport.

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    Vicki Schull
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