The Master of Science in Sport Management (MSM) is a fully online graduate program consisting of 30 total credit hours. Nine credits of coursework make up the core that all MSM students are required to take. The remaining 21 credits will be filled by elective courses. In addition to electives, students also have the option of completing the 15-credit Intercollegiate Athletic Administration (IAA) graduate certificate.
The MSM is designed to help students further their sport management education and make them sought-after by employers. The MSM provides advanced studies designed to fully prepare students for a career in the sports industry. As the number of sport management programs increases, students may need to further differentiate themselves by earning a master’s degree. While the number of opportunities to work in the industry may be growing, so too is the number of sport management graduates being produced to fill those opportunities. A graduate degree gives students the chance to distinguish themselves from other job seekers. Additionally, a master’s degree can help employees stand out in the industry when being considered for promotion and advancement within organizations.
The online degree gives students the flexibility of being able to complete their coursework anywhere and can be tailored to fit the schedule of the student – serving both the traditional student as well as the professional. Currently the number of distance programs in sport management in the region has dropped – NDSU’s MSM fills a need of area professionals to be able to complete their graduate degree in a program delivered entirely online.
Accelerated Degree Option
Additionally, Students interested in continuing their education in sport management beyond their bachelor's degree have the option to begin their graduate studies in sport management in their senior year. Students will apply for the accelerated program during their junior year. During their senior year, they will complete up to four courses that will count for both their undergraduate degree and their MSM degree. Following the completion of their undergraduate degree in their fourth year, the remainder of needed graduate courses will be taken during the fifth year.
