M.S. in sport management Simmons School of Education and Human Development

Overview

SMU’s Master of Science in Sport Management (MSSM) is designed for individuals who passionate about the business of sport who aspire to leadership roles in one of the world’s most dynamic industries. Located in Dallas – on of the nation’s top markets for sport and the business of sport – SMU positions its students for success.

Developed collaboratively by SMU’s Simmons School of Education and Human Development and Cox School of Business, the MSSM combines sport industry expertise with a strong business foundation. Courses are led by experienced professionals and prepare students for careers across professional sports organizations, sport media, marketing and sponsorship, ticket sales, facilities and sport law.

This 12-month is designed for both early-career and working professionals, with convenient evening classes and a curriculum grounded in experiential learning. Students engage in case-based coursework, build industry connections and complete a capstone internship that provides hands-on experience in the field.

An M.S. in sport management from SMU equips graduates with the strategic insight, professional network, and practical experience needed to succeed in the global sports business

Thinking Grad School? Think SMU.

Envisioning a brighter future? Think grad school at SMU, where you join a lifelong family network and see immediate returns on your educational investment. Take your new big step at SMU.

Student success

Our graduates consistently secure positions at leading sports franchises and business groups. SMU Simmons students become industry leaders in sports finance, marketing, and facilities management, addressing the field’s evolving demands and challenges.

This program prepares you to excel in the following areas and professions:

Sport operations
Marketing and fan experience
Partnership management
Team publicity and public relations
Ticketing and corporate relationships
Hospitality and game day experience
Sports media
Sports governance

No. 21

Global graduate sport management program

SportBusiness PostGraduate Rankings 2025

Top 20%

Best National Universities

U.S. News & World Report (2026)

No. 10

Best Colleges for Sport Management in America

Niche.com 2025

Student stories

The Master of Science in Sport Management program helped Blake Moss became a professional MLB agent.

Blake Moss ’21

“By developing my interpersonal and problem-solving skills, I now have a strong ability to accurately forecast the impacts of the slightest industry moves and how those moves can affect the entire sports landscape,” said Moss, a certified agent with the Major League Baseball Players Association.

Victor Ribakare ’18

“The MSSM provided me with the foundational knowledge I was seeking about the sport industry. It exposed me to a lot of different careers within sport – my initial encounter with sport activation came through my class work,” said Ribakare, director of sponsorship activation and account management for the Dallas Mavericks.

Admissions

Deadlines and details

Key dates and admissions information to help plan your application with confidence. Applicants have the opportunity on the MSSM program application to apply for financial assistance.

International students

All the essential admission requirements international students need to know.

Application questions

Find answers to Simmons School of Education and Human Development application questions.

Additional links

Requirements

Application
Application fee
Official transcripts
English language proficiency documentation (if applicable)
Letter of recommendation

View all requirements

Ready to apply?

Get started here.

Apply
Request Info

Tuition and financial aid

Tuition and costs

Explore the cost breakdown of tuition for graduate programs.

Financial aid

Find information on scholarships and financial support available at SMU.

Curriculum and learning

Featured courses

SPRT 6223

Sports Sponsorship

Students gain an understanding of sports sponsorship and an overview of various sports marketing strategies.

MAST 6478

Data Analytics

Develops a fundamental understanding of data and its applications to business.

SPRT 6221

Sports Law

Covers the laws, rules, and regulations that apply to the sport industry and affect the work-setting of sport organizations.

View course catalog

Outside the classroom

Programs and centers

Partner with institutions open to collaboration and focused on education and human development.
Clubs and organizations

Explore interests, develop leadership skills, and connect with like-minded peers.
Community engagement

Apply your classroom knowledge to real-world issues while making a positive impact.

Research

Tackle real-world challenges in areas such as sports law, business management, and marketing through case studies, site visits, and research opportunities.

Faculty

Our distinguished faculty are industry leaders and subject matter experts, bringing real-world experience and industry insights to the classroom.

Peter Carton

Director of Sport Management and Clinical Associate Professor

Kevin K. Byon

Department Chair, Glenn Simmons Endowed Professor

Sydney Hammit

Clinical Assistant Professor

Bo Li

Assistant Professor

Deukmook Bae

Assistant Professor

Jiayao Qi

Clinical Assistant Professor

Facilities

SMU Simmons students have access to state-of-the-art facilities where they can meet with industry experts, gain skills and collaborate with sport leaders on campus.

Annette Caldwell Simmons Hall

Home to the Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Annette Caldwell Simmons Hall has classrooms, study spaces, and research labs including the Integrative Physiology Laboratory.

David B. Miller Business Quadrangle

The recently expanded home of the Cox School of Business has classrooms with state-of-the-art technology, a business library, and various centers and institutes. Designed for collaboration among students and faculty, it offers a variety of flexible spaces for learning and events.

Request more info about this program

Request more info about the M.S. in sport management

Loading...

Frequently asked questions

A master’s degree in sport management opens the door to a number of exciting career paths, including athletic director, facilities manager, sports marketing director, general manager, sports media journalist, sports agent, team operations manager, sales manager and many others.

Sport business and sports administration are more specialized, while sport management has a broader focus. Sports administration focuses on the operational structure of sports organizations, and sport business focuses on the financial, economic and commercial side of the industry. Sport management professionals work closely with athletes, brands and media, as well as legal and operations departments, developing business strategies to enhance the financial and competitive success of sports organizations.

Yes, sport management professionals are in high demand as sports franchises continue to expand their reach and global footprint. A sport management master’s degree from SMU signals to employers that you have formal knowledge and skills in the specialty and makes you a more competitive candidate for leadership positions in the sports industry. The sport management master’s program at SMU benefits from its location in Dallas-Fort Worth, one of the country’s best sports business markets, and connects its students with a wide network of alumni and industry professionals.

Yes, MSSM programs boast strong alumni networks and connections with industry professionals. Faculty members frequently share firsthand experience and partnerships with leading organizations, giving students unparalleled access to opportunities. SMU MSSM students are especially well positioned, as Dallas-Fort Worth is one of the largest sports markets in the nation. In one of only seven markets that have NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS, and WNBA teams, students have access to several franchises to pursue internships and professional experiences during their program coursework and after.

Hands-on industry experience is built into the sport management graduate program at SMU. Following nine months of coursework, students complete their program with a capstone summer internship. Simmons sport management master’s students also benefit from SMU’s location in a major sports city. Students make connections through networking events and mentorship from professors and lecturers who are industry experts.

Graduates of Simmons’ M.S. in sport management program have landed jobs at major sports franchises, organizations and facilities including the: Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Stars, Dallas Mavericks, Texas Rangers, New Jersey Devils, PNC Field, Major League Baseball Players’ Association and many others.

Master of Science in sport management

Program format

Commitment

Duration