Skip to main content

Search

X Close

Search

X Close

John Carroll University / Academics / Exercise Science & Sports Leadership / Programs / Graduate Programs / M.A. in Sports Leadership

Online Master of Arts (M.A.) in Sports Leadership

Excel in a Variety of Sports Leadership Careers

Sports has always needed strong, visionary leaders. That has never been more true than today. This increasingly complex industry requires exceptional coaches, administrators, and business professionals who can step up to challenges, inspire others, and be decisive decision-makers in a dynamic environment with confidence and ability. The fully online Master of Arts in Sports Leadership program emphasizes key areas that sports professionals draw on every day, including psychology, communication, marketing, finance, and ethics.

A Program to Elevate Your Sports Leadership Career

This intensive, fully online degree program is designed specifically for sports industry professionals. As a graduate student, you will have opportunities for hands-on experience through project-based work, internships, and other practical training.

Develop Winning Leadership Skills

You will gain the knowledge and skills to become an effective leader with the knowledge and perspective of today’s sports landscape.

Work Closely with Industry Leaders

The program offers opportunities to gain experience working with faculty members and industry leaders to build your base of skills and experience and expand your professional network.

A Curriculum Built for Your Success

Program courses include

  • Psychological Aspects of Sport
  • Management of Sport Organizations
  • Legal and Ethical Aspects of Sports
  • Sports Finance
  • Summer Sports Symposium (annual)
  • Successful completion of an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.
  • This program has no set submission deadline. Applications are considered on a rolling basis upon completion. Admission decisions will be made based on space in the program.
  • No GRE Required
  • Free Application
  • Official Transcript(s)
  • 2 Letters of Recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  • No GRE Required

A Field Growing by 22%

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in entertainment and sports occupations will grow by 22% by 2030.

Earning Potential of $90k

Salaries can range from up to $90,000 a year, or higher for an athletic director or marketing manager.

Build Your Network

Students work closely with department faculty and local and regional leaders in the sports industry.

How John Carroll University Can Help You Elevate Your Sports Leadership Career

Where You Need to Be

Located in Cleveland, home to three major professional sports franchises, John Carroll University is a private, Jesuit Catholic university that welcomes students of all backgrounds.

Build Your Sports Leadership Skill Set

Through study and application of leadership theory as it applies to sports and the sports industry, you’ll build a powerful toolbox of knowledge and skills to pursue your career goals.

Professional Development Specific to Sports Leaders

You’ll learn to demonstrate an understanding of professional, legal, and ethical principles in pursuit of truth, accuracy, and fairness for an individual or organization. You’ll also develop the ability to formulate and implement policy regulations and operational strategies.

Curriculum Highlights

MSL 500 Leadership and Organizational Theory

Explores major leadership theories and models, and practical application of theories; examines methods used by successful leaders throughout history.

MSL 502 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Sport

Analyzes the ways people in sport and sport organizations can differ, and how power and inequality based on diversity impacts academic and occupational experiences and outcomes.

MSL 504 Sport Promotion, Marketing, and Public Relations

Establishes familiarity with media relations, creating and writing athletic publications, and using social media and other marketing techniques to promote athletic programs.

Pursue Your Career Goals

A Comprehensive Program for Sports Professionals

The program requires 30 total credit hours and is taught in a 15-week semester format. With a focus on working professionals, the program is delivered year-round, online, in semester-long modules. Students will connect with faculty members, the university, and each other at an annual Sports Symposium held on campus each summer.

Internship Opportunities

Master of Arts in Sports Leadership students can gain a variety of experiences right on campus. Internships are available within the JCU Athletic Department in various roles, including Administration, Sports Information, Coaching, Strength and Conditioning, and Athletic Training.

Mike Cleary Sports Leadership Advisory Board

Students have opportunities to expand their professional network through JCU’s Mike Cleary Sports Leadership Advisory Board, which includes coaches, executives, and industry leaders committed to providing resources and professional advice to students pursuing sports-related careers.

Nationally Ranked

BEST REGIONAL UNIVERSITIES MIDWEST RANKINGS

#2 U.S. News and World Report

BEST COLLEGE VALUE

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance

Sports Leadership Logos

Prepare for a Variety of Sports Leadership Careers

  • Sports Administrators
  • Directors of Athletics
  • Coaches (at all levels)
  • Sports Marketing, Promotions, and Ticket Sales
  • Professional Scouts
  • Sports Information and Communications Professionals
JCU Northeast Map

Our Alumni Work Across the Sports Landscape

John Carroll graduates can be found in markets, sports franchises, and colleges, universities, and leading secondary schools across the country. More than 20 JCU alums can currently be found in the NFL as players, coaches, or executives.

Andre R., Graduate School Your Inspired Future with the JCU Graduate School
Graduate Bulletin
Loading...