Sports is a huge economic enterprise that offers a wide range of career opportunities — but competition for sports-related jobs can be quite heavy. If you're interested in starting or advancing your career in the business of sports, you can build the skills you need in Northwestern's Master of Arts in Sports Administration program.
Sports administration master's classes are taught by faculty members who share their insights and practical knowledge based on extensive professional experience in sports. The program offers access to team executives and professionals in areas such as operations, marketing, and sponsorship in collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. The curriculum offers a wide range of electives to enable you to focus on your areas of interest. Optional specializations in sports analytics and college sports management are also available.
Whatever your career goal, in Northwestern's on-campus and online master's in sports administration program you'll build a deep skill set and broaden your network.
Next application deadline: July 15
Application questions? Text or call our enrollment advising team for live support at 312-548-6506. *
I knew that there were a lot of key insights that I could take from this program and apply directly to my life, both during my playing career and when I [move to the sports business sector].”
A.J. Lewis (MSA '22), professional baseball player at Colorado Rockies; MBA Candidate, University of Michigan
Build industry experience with unique opportunities
The on-campus and online sports administration master's program proudly offers several distinctive opportunities to help students build toward their post-program goals—inside and outside of the classroom.
Student Leadership Council
The master's in sports administration student leadership council (SLC) consists of current students, alumni, and faculty committed to enhancing the sports administration master’s experience through social and professional development. Through their drive and passion for sports, this board helps bring exciting ideas to life for the program.
Revenue above replacement podcast
Since 2021, the master’s in sports administration program has hosted the weekly Revenue Above Replacement podcast and integrated it into the degree curriculum. Students taking MSA 401: Sports Research Methods and Quantitative Analysis work to create production plans for the show, including guest selection and interview questions.
Networking and Events
Successful networking is crucial to entering the competitive world of sports. The SPS’s master’s in sports administration provides students the opportunity to expand their professional circle through regular networking events, guest speakers, and outings to Chicago-area sports operations.
Sports Administration Symposium
In addition to the annual school-wide symposium, the online master’s in sports administration program hosts its own symposium each spring. Featuring panel discussions and a networking happy hour, this is a moment for sports administration degree students to connect with and learn from peers, faculty, and alumni in-person.
Develop expertise for a career in sports
An interdisciplinary professional program, graduates of the sports administration master's program will possess the knowledge, skills and aptitude to:
Lead enterprising sports organizations within an evolving environment
Synthesize data to support evidence based decision making
Evaluate revenue streams and risk mitigation
Create effective business plans to set strategic direction of a sports entity
Customize your degree to fit your goals
The master's of sports administration program offers two specializations, College Sports Management and Sports Analytics, to put you on the right track for your long game.
Students in the master's of sports administration program are required to complete 11 courses to earn the degree. The sports administration curriculum covers six core courses, three elective courses, a leadership course, and a capstone class or thesis project. Review curriculum details and elective choices while you consider applying to this program.
Flexible on-campus and online format
The School of Professional Studies offers courses for the sports administration master’s degree online and at the Evanston and Chicago campuses. Students are encouraged to pursue whichever format best meets their needs, including a blend of both options. Please note that the sports analytics specialization is only offered through the online master’s in sports administration. View the course schedule to see which classes will be offered in upcoming quarters.
Student Stories
There is such a tremendous world-class network of people who are truly there to help and want to offer ideas to students who are getting their start in the sports industry.”
A.J. Edds (MSA '19), Assistant Director of Sports Administration, Big Ten Conference
It gives you a background in a lot of different things. Whether you're talking about accounting, marketing, legal issues, or leadership, it really gives you a broad sense of the sports business.”
Katherine Damisch (MSA '17), Marketing Coordinator, Chicago Wolves
A variety of factors are considered when your application to the master's in sports administration program is reviewed. Background and experience vary from student to student. For a complete list of requirements, see the admission page for SPS graduate programs.
Sports Administration Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition for the master's in sports administration program at Northwestern is comparable to similar US programs. Financial aid opportunities exist for students at Northwestern. Complete details can be found on the sports administration tuition and financial aid page.
Registration Information for Sports Administration
Already accepted into the master's in sports administration program? Get ahead and register for your classes as soon as possible to ensure maximum efficiency in your trajectory.
Sports Administration Networking Opportunities
Successful networking can be an essential component for entry into the sports field. Northwestern University's sports administration networking opportunities provide students and alumni with a competitive advantage as they begin and look to advance in their careers.
Careers in Sports Administration
Only a tiny fraction of people will ever join the professional ranks as players, coaches or top executives, but jobs connected to sports marketing and administration will continue to grow, a result of demographics and the increasing demand for sophisticated organizations that specialize in youth sports. Those with appropriately rigorous education in the field will likely find significant professional opportunity. For details visit the sports administration jobs page.
Sports Administration Faculty
SPS's on-campus and online sports administration master's courses are taught by faculty with real-world experience in sports marketing, public relations, media finance, management and operations business operations—including former athletes and coaches. Get to know the instructors on our sports administration faculty page.
MSA Student Board
Learn about the MSA Student Board and their efforts to create and host network events for the program.
Find out more
Northwestern Master's in Sports Administration
Frequently Asked Questions
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How is Northwestern’s Sports Administration Master’s program distinct from similar programs at other schools?
The online Master’s in Sports Administration at Northwestern distinguishes itself from other sports administration master’s programs in many ways, including:
Approach: A business-focused program designed for working professionals, Northwestern’s Master’s degree in Sports Administration emphasizes the practical and leadership skills you need to achieve your career goals.
Faculty: As leading practitioners in their field, the faculty for Northwestern’s MA in Sports Administration program keep their curriculum current with the industry trends they’re seeing in the workplace.
Network: The School of Professional Studies recognizes the importance of networking for success in athletics, so the Sports Administration Master’s program provides a wide variety of ways for students to grow their professional connections, both in person and online. Examples of the program’s networking opportunities include guest speakers, social events, and access to the program’s robust alumni network.
Environment: Based in the Chicago area’s rich sports landscape, Northwestern’s Master’s in Sports Administration program pulls case studies and guest speakers from local teams whenever possible. Students located in and around the city also have the opportunity for site visits and in-person networking events hosted by the MSA student leadership council.
Technological Integration: Northwestern’s Sports Administration Master’s program recognizes the ubiquity and importance of technology across industries, including the sports industry. The curriculum requires that all students take MSA 451: The Technology of Sports, and AI literacy is being integrated throughout all relevant coursework.
Is the program more business-focused or athletics-focused?
The online Master’s in Sports Administration program is heavily business-oriented, with core courses in areas such as marketing, public relations, analytics, and law. Explore the sports administration curriculum to learn more about electives and the specializations in sports analytics and college sports.
Is the program designed for career changers?
Northwestern’s online Master’s degree in Sports Administration is suitable for career changers as well as those already working in the field and seeking professional advancement. In addition to its rigorous, comprehensive curriculum and specialization options, the Sports Administration Master’s program can accelerate your career growth by helping you build the professional network so integral to success in the world of athletics.
Is prior sports industry experience required for the Master’s in Sports Administration?
You do not have to have prior experience in the sports industry to be accepted into the Sports Administration online master’s program. The application consists of two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, your resume, and official transcripts from your undergraduate education; all applications are reviewed holistically, and admission to SPS graduate programs is selective, rather than competitive. For more information on applying to the Master’s degree in Sports Administration, please visit our graduate admissions page or contact an enrollment adviser.
Are internships or practicums available as part of the Master’s in Sports Administration program?
You can earn academic credit toward your Sports Administration Master’s degree for approved internship experiences by enrolling in MSA 579: Practicum in Sports Administration. Please note that while you are welcome to use the program faculty and peers as resources for acquiring internships, the School of Professional Studies does not formally facilitate these opportunities.
What are the networking opportunities as a student in the online Master’s in Sports Administration?
In-class guest speakers with relevant sports industry experience
Interactions with faculty and peers through classroom discussions and projects
Connections with Northwestern’s expansive alumni network in the sports industry and beyond
Access to career resources such as the Northwestern Career Advancement program, career coaching via InsideTrack, webinars, and more
What can you do with a master’s in sports administration?
The online Master’s in Sports Administration program from Northwestern prepares you to take on a multitude of roles in athletics administration and its ancillary businesses. Like the games themselves, the market for jobs in the sports industry is highly competitive, and your career goals may take some time to realize fully. That said, a master’s in sports administration will help set you apart from the crowd and build a solid foundation for a career in sports. Potential titles for professionals with an MSA include public relations manager, operations manager, athletics director, marketing director, agent, or business manager; graduates of the SPS MA in Sports Administration program have gone on to hold such roles with elite organizations including the Chicago Bulls, Nike, the Big Ten Conference, and more. Explore the sports administration jobs page to learn more.
What is the tuition for the Master’s in Sports Administration program?
Tuition for the Sports Administration Master’s degree program in the 2026-2027 academic year is $4,500 per course, plus an additional $135 technology fee per course for online courses. With 11 courses required for completion, the estimated tuition cost for the entire MSA program is $49,500.
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