Program Overview
The Master of Science in Sport Management at Northern Illinois University is a rigorous postgraduate programme delivered on-campus at Northern Illinois University. Designed for graduates and professionals seeking advanced expertise in business & management, the programme develops both theoretical foundations and applied skills essential for today's competitive environment.
Spanning 1–2 years, students engage with cutting-edge research, industry-relevant case studies, and practical projects. Instruction is delivered in English by research-active faculty with professional expertise.
The programme culminates in a dissertation or capstone project. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles, research careers, and doctoral study in business & management.
Key Program Features
- Immersive On-Campus Experience: In-person seminars, laboratory sessions, and professional networking at Northern Illinois University.
- Expert Faculty: Taught by research-active academics and practitioners with deep expertise in Business & Management.
- Diverse International Cohort: Study alongside students from around the world, broadening your global professional network.
- Research-Informed Curriculum: Content grounded in the latest academic research and real-world industry practice.
- Dissertation / Capstone Project: Culminating independent project applying your expertise to an original research question or industry challenge.
- Dedicated Career Support: Access to career coaching, employer networking events, and job placement assistance.
Career Opportunities
Career Outlook for M.S. in Sport Management
Average mid-career salary for alumni: Top job titles for alumni: Top employers for alumni:
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Job Outlook MLB : Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Colorado Rockies, Memphis Redbirds, Milwaukee Brewers, MLB Home Office NBA/WNBA : Chicago Bulls, Chicago Sky, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs NFL : Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers NHL : Chicago Blackhawks, Arizona Coyotes, Colorado Avalanche Intercollegiate Athletics : University of Illinois, University of Colorado, Ole Miss, University of Nevada, University of Washington
Program Curriculum
Curriculum and Requirements
Your coursework will include MBA-level courses in areas such as finance, marketing, operations management and information systems, complementing your sport management core and elective classes.
View Coursework and Program Requirements
Learning Outcomes During your program of study, you will: Apply management, leadership and organizational concepts, principles and theories in directing a sport organization Design, analyze and evaluate research in sport Understand, apply and analyze legal concepts related to sport Construct and utilize marketing concepts and principles in marketing sport Identify and analyze the current issues and problems facing sport Apply fiscal management practices in managing a sport organization Function as an ethical practitioner in the sport industry Demonstrate advanced knowledge, skills and competencies in a practical (internship) sport organizational setting. Real-world Learning You are required to complete an internship, the culminating course in your program. The internship is a full-time management experience in an off-campus sport management setting with a minimum time requirement of 150 hours. Our students have completed internship experiences with professional and semi-professional sport organizations (including the Chicago Bears, the Chicago Bulls, the Chicago Fire, the Rockford IceHogs and the Detroit Tigers) as well as intercollegiate athletic departments and private corporations around northern Illinois and across the United States. Internship The LESM 586 internship is the culminating requirement for the M.S. in Sport Management program. It's a three-credit hour field experience designed to provide you with the opportunity to develop practical skills and knowledge in a professional sport setting. Internship Application and Agreement
Admission Requirements
How to Apply
You’ll apply through the Graduate School .
- Fall application deadline: July 15 (May 1 for international applicants)
- Spring deadline: Dec. 10 (Oct. 1 for international applicants)
- Summer deadline: June 1
Application Materials You'll need: A bachelor's degree (including transcripts) from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher. Two letters of recommendation. Personal statement of purpose for graduate admission. Apply Today!
Costs and Funding
Our competitive tuition and fees helps ensure an excellent return on the investment of your time and resources. Learn about additional funding opportunities for graduate students .
Assistantships
Many NIU graduate students have an assistantship , which provides financial support (typically a tuition waiver and stipend), as well as career preparation.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
USD 700/year (international)
Costs and Funding
Our competitive tuition and fees helps ensure an excellent return on the investment of your time and resources. Learn about additional funding opportunities for graduate students .
Assistantships
Many NIU graduate students have an assistantship , which provides financial support (typically a tuition waiver and stipend), as well as career preparation.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Costs and Funding
Our competitive tuition and fees helps ensure an excellent return on the investment of your time and resources. Learn about additional funding opportunities for graduate students .
Assistantships
Many NIU graduate students have an assistantship , which provides financial support (typically a tuition waiver and stipend), as well as career preparation.
About Northern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, United States
Northern Illinois University is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields....
University Profile- Application Deadline nd add critical quantitative skills to your resume
- Language English
- Duration 5 year(s)
- Credits 60–120 ECTS (confirm with the university)