Master of Science in Sport Management (M.S.)

Mission Statement

The Mission of the Master of Science in Sport Management program is to prepare future leaders of the sport industry through critical examination of both academic and practical application of management principles to various segments of the sport industry. The faculty seeks to challenge, engage, and cultivate the students in becoming a skilled and knowledgeable sport manager. To that end, the program will (1) prepare students to work in a variety of sport settings, (2) produce graduates who utilize critical thinking skills to solve controversies and issues in sport management settings, (3) produce graduates who demonstrate an understanding of the issues and principles of law as they apply to sport settings, (4) prepare students to assess the effectiveness of strategies used by sport organizations when developing managerial strategies related to overall organizational success, and (5) develop students’ understanding of basic management strategies used to maintain or improve facility and venue operations. The program will utilize a combination of traditional, experiential, and online instruction methods.

Student Learning Outcomes

After successfully completing the degree requirements:

1. Students will demonstrate the ability to work in a variety of sport settings.
2. Students will utilize critical thinking skills to analyze controversies and issues in sport management settings.
3. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the issues and principles of law as they apply to sport settings.
4. Students will effectively recognize and discuss the effectiveness of strategies used by sport organizations when developing managerial strategies related to overall organizational success.
5. Students will develop students’ understanding of basic management strategies used to maintain or improve facility and venue operations.
6. Students will demonstrate the ability to convey information through both written and oral communication techniques.

Admission Requirements

Candidates seeking admission to the Master of Science in Sport Management will submit the following materials.

1. Completion of graduate application and payment of application fee.
2. Successful completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or the equivalent at a foreign institution based on a four-year degree.
3. Submission of official transcripts from all schools or colleges previously attended.
4. Submission of official GRE or GMAT test scores.
5. Three (3) letters of recommendation with at least one academic reference and one nonacademic reference.
6. Submission of resume/vitae.
7. Submission of a personal statement of purpose that includes a description of career goals over the next five (5) years, reasons for interest in the graduate program at Coastal Carolina University, and relevant experience and achievements.
8. If a non-native speaker of English, provide official results from tests taken within the last three (3) years or one of the following acceptable means of documenting English language proficiency consistent with success in graduate programs (Note that higher scores may be required of some graduate programs so applicants are urged to consult their desired program to identify whether a higher score is required):
   1. A minimum score of 550 on the paper-based (PBT) or 79 on the internet (iBT) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL);
   2. A minimum score of 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam;
   3. Certificate of Completion of level 112 of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) from an ELS Language Center;
   4. Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic with a score of 59;
   5. Cambridge CAE (Certificate of Advanced English ) with a minimum level of C1;
   6. Cambridge CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English) with a minimum level of C1;
   7. MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery) with a score of 77:
   8. TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) with a score of 745:
   9. Bachelor’s degree earned from a regionally accredited U.S. institution of higher education within the last three (3) years.

Evaluation of Transfer Credit

After having completed all requirements for admission, matriculated students will be given a statement of credits accepted for transfer by the University within the first semester of enrollment. Students from regionally accredited colleges and universities may transfer credit for academic courses completed with grades of “B” or better, but the University reserves the right to determine what credit, if any, for courses taken elsewhere will be counted toward its degrees. A maximum of twelve (12) transferable credits from any regionally accredited program will be applicable toward a Coastal Carolina University degree. Completion of transfer credits must be within the last six (6) years.

Curriculum

The proposed Master of Sport Management degree will require 36 graduate credit hours. As this degree seeks to provide a broad range of skills and experiences, the curriculum is divided into core coursework, elective coursework and a capstone experience.