College of Education and Human Development

School of Kinesiology

Master's in education (MEd) in sports management

Earn a sport management MEd to prepare for the next step in your career. This coursework-based graduate program is designed for working professionals looking to advance and grow their network.  

1-2 years to complete the program
3 start date options (fall, spring, summer)
25 student class size on average

Start your journey

    Become competitive in the sport management industry

    The Master of Education (MEd) in sport management equips you with a strong foundation in core areas of sport administration, preparing you to take the next step in your career. Whether you're aiming to work in professional sports or community programs this program helps you build the skills and confidence to lead. 

    This primarily in-person program allows you to network with faculty and peers while you learn. You'll also have the support of an academic and faculty advisor, offering personalized guidance on coursework and career planning.

    Beyond the classroom, students in this program are in a large sports hub. Minneapolis and St. Paul is home to numerous sport organizations on the recreational, amateur, collegiate, and professional levels, allowing students to network and find roles in many sport-related organizations.

    Careers

    A master's in sport and exercise science opens up program a wide variety of career opportunities.

    • Development director
    • Marketing and social media manager
    • Event marketing associate
    • Facilities manager
    • Fitness club manager
    • Public and community relations executive
    • Fan experience manager

      Our graduates have gone on to work in sports management across many organizations, including:

      • Minnesota Timberwolves/Minnesota Lynx
      • Minnesota Twins
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • Gopher Athletics
      • Minnesota United FC
      • Minnesota Aurora FC
      • High school activities
      • Community parks and recreation
      • College athletics

      How to apply

      Before applying

      Review the MS vs. MEd degree information to ensure you want to apply for the MEd program: A professional and coursework-focused program.

      Admission deadlines

      The School of Kinesiology reviews applications on a rolling basis. Review the deadlines below to be admitted to a specific semester:

      • November 1: Spring start
      • March first: Summer start
      • May 1 (preferred) and July 1 (final): Fall start

        Admission requirements

        Application process

        1. Apply online
        2. Submit your application materials
          1. Statement of purpose for the program, including details on how the application’s experience, education, and goals align with the program (limit 2 pages)
          2. Resume or CV
          3. Unofficial transcripts
        3. Applicants are notified of admission decisions approximately 2-4 weeks after their application is submitted

        Tuition

        Visit the College of Education and Human Development's 2025-2026 professional program costs page for information on the master's in education (MEd) in sports management program costs.

        Visit OneStop for the most up-to-date tuition information and to understand the full cost of attendance.

        Financial aid

        External funding can be obtained in various ways, including:

        Visit our funding webpage for more external resources and opportunities.

        Request information

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        About our students

        Quote from Dylan Jiles

        Dylan Jiles

        During my undergraduate career I had access to a lot of resources and assistance because I was a student athlete. That experience really opened my eyes to how students who aren’t athletes are navigating their college experience. That’s the educational piece of my MEd; I’d like to pursue a career in academic advising. I want to help students achieve academic success.

        Dylan Jiles Sport management MEd

        Coursework

        Courses in this master's program are led by experienced faculty, ensuring you're learning the latest trends and best practices in sport management. Our curriculum dives into areas essential to be successful in the industry, including:

        • Sport finance
        • Sport ethics and policy
        • Sport marketing
        • Sport organizational management

        This program is 30 credits, divided into core courses, research methods, electives, and a capstone project. For more information, visit the Graduate Program Catalog.

          Partnerships

          Students are able to network with real organizations in certain courses, working with them to solve their organizational challenges. Organizations our program has partnered with include:

          • Minnesota Hockey
          • USA Curling
          • NCAA Men’s and Women’s Final Four tournament
          • NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
          • 2026 IIHF World Junior Championships

          Contact

          We’re here to help. Request more information or reach out to one of our staff.

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          Vicki Schull Vicki Schull

          • Senior Lecturer, Sport Management; Director, Sport Management MEd
          • 612-625-5300
          • schu1850@umn.edu

          Vicki Schull is a lecturer in sport management in the School of Kinesiology and an affiliated scholar with the Tucker Center for Research on Girls and Women in Sport.

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          Vicki Schull
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