Gain the theoretical, administrative and managerial skills needed to excel in the sports industry by earning your Master of Sport Management (MSM) at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Taught by faculty who share their insights and practical knowledge based on extensive professional experience in sports, the 36-credits program will enable you to effectively manage and lead a wide range of activities in sports including organizational leadership, marketing, operations, fundraising, financial administration, and event management.

Program highlights

  • Offered 100% online, as well as in-person evening classes on the Metropolitan and Florham campuses in New Jersey
  • Industry-focused concentrations in Coaching Theory Strategies and Sports Administration
  • Faculty with extensive sports industry experience
  • Week long experiential study opportunity in Britain
  • Internships at leading sports companies such as New York Mets, Yankees, NJ Devils and more

Learning Outcomes

Each degree has measurement that indicate whether students are successful in meeting the specific outcomes for the degrees. The following are the four outcome measures that will be assessed for the graduates of Sport Management.

  • Strategic Orientation. An MSM graduate will demonstrate the ability to develop, implement, coordinate, and/or manage a strategic plan through a collaborative process.
  • Communication. An MSM graduate will demonstrate the ability to prepare and deliver effective oral presentations and/or write documents that present and evaluate information and opinion in a logical and analytical manner, incorporating research and documentation, and using style, grammar, mechanics, and format appropriate to an educated audience.
  • Information Literacy. An MSM graduate will demonstrate the ability to carry out thorough and effective information search strategies using traditional print, digital, and internet sources, evaluate the information accessed, and use this information along with existing knowledge to create something new.
  • Critical Thinking. An MSM graduate will demonstrate competency in critical thinking that encompasses dimensions of informal logic and ethical analysis.

Admissions requirements

  • Completed online application. There is no fee to apply
  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with a minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Official transcripts
  • Current professional resume
  • English proficiency test
  • GMAT and GRE scores are NOT required
  • One recommendation letter
  • Personal Statement (submit a written 1,000-word Personal Statement outlining current job and responsibilities as well as personal and professional goals.)

Degree requirements

The 36-credit MSM degree program requires five (5) courses, which includes a three-credit (3) internship or individual job-related project, as well as seven (7) courses.

Required Courses

Note: MSA6701, MSA6702, MSA6703: are available in an online modality; MSA 6704 – Mandatory

  • MSA 6701 Legal Issues in the Domestic and International Sports Industry
  • MSA 6702 Sports Administration Research and Policy Analysis
  • MSA 6703 Financial Administration in Sports
  • MSA 6704 Internship I or Individual Job Related Project [This course meets the required course for each certificate in the program. It cannot be taken until students complete at least 9-credits, 3 courses in the program]
  • MSA 6705 Strategic Planning, Implementation and Evaluation [Note: Capstone Course – after completion of at least 27 credits]

Elective Courses

[Only two electives allowed] NOTE: MSA6626, MSA6628, MSA6629, MSA6634, MSA6635: are available in an online modality

  • MSA 6624 Organization and Administration of Sports
  • MSA 6625 Physiological Basis of Physical Fitness
  • MSA 6626 Nutrition for Sports and Fitness
  • MSA 6628 Valuing Diversity
  • MSA 6629 Motivation and Performance
  • MSA 6630 Global Sports
  • MSA 6634 Sports Security
  • MSA 6635 Events Planning and Administration
  • MSA 6636 Internship II

Concentrations

The MSM degree offers three areas of specializations, and students must complete five courses in an area of specialization and the required Internship (MSA 6704) to be awarded a specialization in that area. The areas of specialization are:

  • Sports Administration
  • Coaching Theories and Strategies
  • High School Athletic Director

NOTE: MSA 6704 – Mandatory for all specializations

Sports Administration

[Select Any Five Courses plus MSA 6704 Internship] Note: MSA6601, MSA6602, MSA6603, MSA6604, MSA6606, MSA6607, MSA6608, MSA6609, MSA6610: are available in an online modality

  • MSA 6601 Organizational Leadership and Team Development
  • MSA 6602 Facility Development, Administration and Programming
  • MSA 6603 Sports Marketing and Promotions
  • MSA 6604 Sports in a Social Context
  • MSA 6605 Legal and Professional Ethics in Sports
  • MSA 6606 Group Dynamics
  • MSA 6607 Human Resource Administration in Sports Organizations
  • MSA 6608 Sports Risk Assessment
  • MSA 6609 Communications and Media Relations
  • MSA 6610 Strategies in Fundraising and Development

Coaching Theory and Strategies

[Select Any Five Courses plus MSA 6704 Internship] NOTE: MSA6608, MSA6611, MSA6613, MSA6614, MSA6615, MSA6633: are available in an online modality

  • MSA 6605 Legal and Professional Ethics in Sports
  • MSA 6608 Sports Risk Assessment
  • MSA 6611 Coaching Leadership
  • MSA 6612 Coaching Theory, Methods and Issues
  • MSA 6613 Coaching Psychology
  • MSA 6614 Assessing Human Performance
  • MSA 6615 Effective Team Administration
  • MSA 6633 Weight Training and Conditioning

High School Athletic Director 

ONLY NJ certified teachers are eligible for the high school athletic director certificate.  All courses available in online modality.

[Select Any Five Courses plus MSA 6704 Internship. Courses completed would fulfill the NJ Supervisor Standard certificate requirement.] NOTE: EDUC6702, EDUC6703, EDUC6704, EDUC6718: are available in an online modality. EDUC6607: MSA department requirement for minor or certificate.

  • EDUC 6702 Curriculum and Instruction Theory and Practice
  • EDUC 6703 Supervision of Instruction and Personnel Evaluation
  • EDUC 6704 Change: Curriculum Development and Program Improvement
  • EDUC 6718 Curriculum Program Evaluation and Student Assessment
  • MSA 6607 Human Resource Administration in Sports Organizations

Study Abroad at Wroxton

We have a study abroad class built into our curriculum. Any of our students (MSA, BA/MSA, or BA) can take the course.

SPAD 4000 International Sports Administration (3-credits)
MSA 6630 Global Sports (3-credits)

8 Perfect Days in England. Learn about sports based cultures and history! Explore sports business opportunities! Some of the sites we visit include, but not limited to:

  • Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum 7 Tour
  • Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Stadium
  • Villa Park – home of the Aston Villa Football Club
  • The World Rugby Museum
  • Silverstone Motor Racing Circuit
  • River and Rowing Museum

Career options

  • Athletic Director
  • Brand Marketing Manager
  • Media Relations Director
  • Sport Event Manager
  • Tournament Director

Testimonial

“Fairleigh Dickinson’s MSA program gave me an opportunity to pursue my passion. I am grateful that I received a great education and obtained key internships.”

– Bryan Wasyluk, Manager Arena Operations, Barclays Center

Contact Information
Robyn Lubisco, Ph.D, Associate Professor, Florham Campus
201-692-7180 (Metro Campus)
973-443-8971 (Florham Campus)
lubisco@fdu.edu
Contact Information
J.C. Kim, Professor, Metropolitan Campus
201-692-7272
jckim1@fdu.edu

Course Descriptions

  • EDUC6607 This course includes a systematic study of the selection, administration and interpretation of formal and informal techniques and instruments used to assess phonological and phonemic aware- ness, word recognition, vocabulary development and reading comprehension. Students practice writing reports of reading evaluations and state required ISIPS - Individual Student Improvement Plans.

  • EDUC6702 Students will study and analyze the historic and philosophic roots of contemporary curriculum theory and development. New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards and alignment will be addressed in this course, and the implication on New Jersey Administrative Code requirements on program, assessment and graduation requirements.

  • EDUC6703 Students will study and analyze the various models of supervision and evaluation with a special emphasis on the development of the skills necessary to promote effective instruction of the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards in the classroom. Formative and summative staff evaluation strategies as well as effective coaching and mentoring techniques necessary for success in a diverse school community will be investigated. The implication of the New Jersey Administration Code requirements on professional behavior, SLO'S, SGP'S PARCC testing, and schoolwide improvement of program and state assessment of pupil performance will be reviewed.

  • EDUC6704 Students will examine current research on educational change and collaborative strategies for increasing communication and engaging stakeholders in the change process. A primary focus of the course is to provide students with the skills needed in assessing the school culture, developing a vision and plan for school improvement. The course will focus on several change models and strategies, strategic planning, and the communication of the change process within the learning community.

  • EDUC6718 This course focuses on basic measurement concepts, the role of measurement in education, construction of teacher-made tests and other classroom assessments, interpretation of standardized tests and fundamental descriptive statistics for evaluating student performance, school improvement efforts, and various designs for process and outcome evaluation of curricula. In addition, the course will provide a comprehensive understanding of the purposes and the logic of various testing programs, including classroom testing,state and national testing programs. Data analysis of New Jersey Statewide Tests that measure student performance will be used to assist in developing skills in data-based decision making that lead to the construction of school improvement plans and determining school goals for professional development and instructional emphasis.

  • MSA6601 This course will study how teams are organized and the role of leadership in motivating team performance. Topics to be convered include sports leadership in the sport and community, group and team development, and the role of the leader in moving the organization to their vision of success.

  • MSA6602 Principles and applications of planning, designing, financing, budgeting and construction in the sports field, as well as the use of facilities for sports and non-sport activities, will be explored. Facility operations, event management and planning, and equipment purchasing, maintenance and inventory will be included in the course.

  • MSA6603 The course will explore the concepts of marketing, promotions, and public relations for various components of the sports industry. At the foundation of marketing and promotion are strategic planning and coordination of efforts. Marketing strategies and varying consumer behaviors in different sports venues will be analyzed as social and economic issues related to buying and selling of sports. The inclusion of sponsorships and endorsements into the marketing efforts will also be included.

  • MSA6604 This course will explore the concepts of sports and their sociological impact on a nation or state as well as the impact of the role of sports organizations as a social institution.

  • MSA6605 This course will explore the moral and ethical dilemmas encountered by managers in the sports industry. Topics include (but not limited to) sportsmanship, and violence, performance enhancing drugs, race, gender, religion, and media. Students will learn to recognize moral questions, understand various ethical theories how to apply them to solve moral problems.

  • MSA6606 The course will explore the basic nature of groups and how productive groups develop. Topics will include the various models of group development, the stages of development, informal and formal groups, team building, and changing informal work groups or team norms.

  • MSA6607 This course will explore administrative regulations, and techniques, procedures and policies for effective personnel administration, and legal and ethical parameters that guide personnel in organizations. Additional topics include communication, compensation, negotiation, appraisal processes, training and development, and decision making.

  • MSA6608 This course will investigate the costs of sporting accidents, which can be a significant financial and emotional burden for an organization. Although organizations look at legal liabilities, there are other costs that organizations need to consider. Case studies and scenarios will be utilized in the class.

  • MSA6609 This course will explore practical techniques in understanding the media, how to build relationships with journalists, how to communicate messages effectively, and what steps to take when faced with a crisis. The course aims to equip students with common sense tools to properly manage their message while handling a variety of media that range from newspapers to radio and TV to the Internet.

  • MSA6610 This course will explore ways organizations can capitalize on fund raising activities to improve market share visibility. Examples from private and volunteer organizations will be used in the course.

  • MSA6611 This course will explore leadership skills needed for those entering into coaching positions.

  • MSA6612 This course will explore the foundations for coaching as a profession and how coaching has influenced society and been influenced by society. Topic areas will include the psychology of coaching, coaching players, and the relationship between players and coaches as well as coaches and colleagues.

  • MSA6613 This course will investigate the foundations of the psychological factors related to coaching. The course will review the concepts of psychology and how coaches can encourage optimum performance from the players.

  • MSA6614 This course will explore the concepts of human performance for sports and appropriate assessment processes. As organizations seek to attain a certain performance goal, there is a need to ensure the individuals involved meet the requisite standards of performance or have the ability to do so. Various assessment tools will be reviewed as will case studies that demonstrate standards in use.

  • MSA6615 This course will investigate how effective teams are developed. There are a number of essential concepts that will be studied, including assessing a current team; defining team objectives and criteria of success; establishing team capabilities; defining ground rules; assessing the team culture and behavior; developing effective personal collaboration processes; conducting effective meetings; and conducting good team decision processes.

  • MSA6624 This course will study the fundamental skills of sports administration including planning, organizing, staffing, coordinating, and budgeting in public, not-for-profit, and for profit sectors.

  • MSA6625 This course will explore the physiological basis for testing physical fitness, the range of methods for assessing power, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility. Different tests will be studied as well as methods for improving fitness in participants.

  • MSA6626 This course will study fundamental principles of nutrition and physical training for sports and exercise. The role of nutrition and physiology will be investigated as they relate to performance. Nutritional needs for specific sports and appropriate preparation for competition, the use of performance enhancement supplements, screening procedures for various substances, and legal issues will also be explored.

  • MSA6628 This course will explore the concepts of diversity in teams. Diversity includes various categories, such as gender, age, education, and nationality. As individuals work together, there is a need to understand individual differences that my influence the operations. The course will use case studies in addition to lectures.

  • MSA6629 This course will examine the impact of motivation on performance in the areas of sports administration. Various motivational theories, concepts of positive reinforcement and recognition programs, and maximization of performance relative to individual and group will be studied.

  • MSA6630 Sports extend beyond national boundaries. This course will explore the sports from a global perspective by examining the similarities and differences between various national sports cultures. The course will also investigate the types of sports activities found in specific cultures in order to determine the potential for expansion of activities into other international venues.

  • MSA6633 This course will explore the theory and practice behind weight training and conditioning of sports participants. Included will be assessments and exercises designed to increase strength and endurance. Assessments will range from novices to professional level athletes.

  • MSA6634 This course will investigate the various strategies employed for major sports events. Ensuring a safe and secure environment for the players and spectators is necessary for organizational survival. The course will employ case studies and scenarios to develop potential strategies.

  • MSA6635 This course will explore the choosing of the appropriate venue, presentations, exhibits, selecting and managing vendors, and providing on-site coordination. In addition, establishing priorities, building alliances, and defining duties and responsibilities for various areas will be investigated.

  • MSA6636 This is a practical experience of previously learned skills and knowledge. The internship assignment will depend on the student146s background and specific goals, and must be approved by the Program Director.

  • MSA6701 This course will study current issues within various areas of the domestic and international sports industry including legal liability of coaches, administrators, and players; potential issues for facilities and sponsored events; regulations of amateur sports; legal relationships in professional sports; antitrust aspects of sports activities; and risk management.

  • MSA6702 This course will explore current issues and trends relative to administration and operation of various types of sports and recreation programs. Research into leadership models that have led to productive programs as well as the implication of policy on sports and recreation will also be studied.

  • MSA6703 This course is designed to provide an understanding of different financial decisions that confront the sports industry. In addition to basic accounting skills, the course will explore financial statement analysis, working capital, and budgeting.

  • MSA6704 This is a practical experience of previously learned skills and knowledge. The internship assignment will depend on the student146s background and specific goals. Although efforts will be made to match students with appropriate opportunities to enhance their learning, some students may not be able to perform such an internship due to work or family responsibilities. In those cases, a specific job related project can be approved by the Program Chair.

  • MSA6705 This is the capstone course of the program. Students will be expected to develop either an operational or strategic plan, an implementation schedule and plan, and an evaluation process for the plans. This course can be taken once the student satisfactorily completes 27 credits in the program.

  • SPAD4000 This course is a travel abroad course that includes exploring various issues related to the governance of international sport organizations and events throughout the world and their impact on operations and management within the sport industry. Areas covered include the Olympics, World Cup, Paralympics, International Marketing, culture, politics, and ethical dimensions. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the various facets of conducting sport business in the international marketplace. Students will be required to complete a research paper approved by the instructor after completing the course, and this paper will be used as a Senior Thesis. It will also be used a writing sample for the learning outcomes assessment. (Students may substitute an Independent Study Research Project approved by the program director if they are unable to travel with the class)