Sports Leadership
Master of Arts
Introduction
Sports have always needed strong, visionary leaders — and that has never been more true than today. Our increasingly complex industry demands exceptional coaches, administrators, and business professionals who can step up to challenges, inspire others, and make bold decisions with confidence.
Whether you want to advance in your current career or wish to break into this exciting field, 麻豆社 can help you reach your goals. Our sports leadership graduate program was designed for working coaches, administrators, and other professionals. You can complete your coursework online, at your own pace.
Online & Accelerated Format
Earn your master’s degree in as little as one year, with a mix of asynchronous and live, online evening courses. Further accelerate your studies by taking courses over the summer term.
Hands-on & Engaged Learning
Attend JCU’s annual summer Sports Symposium, where you’ll engage with faculty, classmates, and guest speakers. Pursue an internship with a local organization, including Blue Streaks Athletics.
Industry Expertise & Connections
Benefit from the knowledge and connections of our expert faculty and the esteemed Mike Cleary Sports Leadership Board. JCU has strong relationships with regional sports teams and leaders.
Academics
Program Overview & Outcomes
The master’s program highlights the core skills and knowledge sports professionals use every day, including psychology, communication, marketing, finance, and ethics.
With an M.A. in sports leadership, you’ll be prepared for careers on the front lines, as well as in business, marketing, and sales. Among the sports management program’s learning goals, you will:
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Grow into an effective leader through grounded principles of leadership with application to sport and the sports industry
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Gain an understanding of professional, legal, and ethical principles
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Learn to implement policy regulations and operational strategies
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Build written and verbal communication skills with knowledge of current events and issues in the sports industry
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Understand the concept of diversity and inclusion and its impact on sports in socially responsible decision making
Admissions & Aid
This program is open to individuals with a bachelor's degree who show high promise of success in graduate study. To apply, you need:
- an undergraduate degree in a recognized area from an accredited institution
- an undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 2.75
- a minimum of three credits of college math/statistics
The following documents are required for a complete application:
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
- Resume/CV
- Two letter(s) of recommendation
- Personal statement - in 400-600 words, explain your aims and goals for the program
Applicants are admitted on a rolling basis. However, for best consideration, applications for specific terms should be received by these dates:
- May 1 - for fall semester start
- Feb. 1 - for summer semester start
- Feb. 15 - for graduate assistant positions
Other JCU Graduate Programs
If you’re interested in expanding your leadership potential or broadening your business knowledge, these additional JCU master’s programs may also appeal to you.
Sports Leadership Careers: Where Our Alumni Go
JCU alumni work in a wide variety of sports management, coaching, and leadership roles — and for organizations of all kinds. Here are a few example employers and internship sites:
