Sport Management

Turn your passion for sports into purposeful leadership. Howard Payne University's Master of Sport Management program prepares you for careers in collegiate athletics, professional sports, recreation, and athletic administration while equipping you to lead with integrity and confidence.

With flexible coursework, experienced faculty, and a Christ-centered learning environment, you'll gain practical skills in leadership, marketing, finance, event management, and organizational strategy—all within a supportive community that invests in your success.

At Howard Payne, you'll graduate ready to make an impact in the sports industry.

Students in the Master of Education in Sport Management program will:

• Develop leadership and decision-making skills to address complex challenges in sport organizations 
• Apply ethical principles to leadership, governance, and management within athletics and recreation
• Understand the sport industry landscape, including marketing and promotions, finance, analytics, and organizational behavior
• Engage in hands-on learning through a capstone mentorship experience and sport event design management and implementation

Rooted in Howard Payne University's Christ-centered mission, the Master of Sport Management program prepares students to lead with integrity, purpose, and a commitment to servant leadership. Students develop the knowledge and leadership skills needed to make ethical decisions, build strong organizations, and positively influence athletes, teams, and communities. By combining advanced sport management education with Christian values, graduates are equipped to lead with excellence, serve with character, and make a lasting impact in the sports industry.

To learn more about the values that guide the Howard Payne University community, explore our Core Values.

The program consists of 10 courses totaling 30 graduate hours and can be completed in 20 months. Two courses are offered in each of five consecutive terms (fall, spring, summer, fall and spring). Courses are scheduled for two 8-week sessions each fall and spring. Summer courses will run the entire summer sessions. All coursework is delivered online.

Ethics in Sport and Wellness Leadership

Sport Finance

Sport Organization Behavior/Human Resources

International Sport

Sport Marketing and Promotions

Sport Analytics

• Full consideration for admission will be given to candidates with a baccalaureate degree and a major or minor in Exercise and Sport Science, Kinesiology, Sport Management, Sport Administration or a related field and an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. If the baccalaureate degree is outside of the above-mentioned fields, candidates may be required to document relevant academic/professional experience prior to entering the program.
• International students must submit TOEFL scores, unless baccalaureate degree was obtained from a US/UK institution. Because this program is delivered entirely online, it does not qualify for student visa sponsorship.
• Transfer students may apply up to six (6) semester hours of relevant graduate coursework, at the discretion of the university. Candidates who are employed must provide a letter of support from their immediate supervisor.
• To apply, submit (1) application for admission (Click here for application), (2) official copies of all undergraduate (and graduate, if applicable) coursework/transcripts, (3) a 500-word essay addressing your professional goals, how the M.Ed. Sport Management program can benefit you, and what your experiences to date may contribute to your academic journey, and (4) two letters of recommendation for a master level academic program or one academic readiness letter and your professional employer support letter (if applicable) to:
  
  Sport Management Program Admissions
  School of Education
  Howard Payne University
  1000 Fisk Street
  Brownwood, TX 76801
  325-649-8056
  
  OR
  
  Please email:
  Sport Management program, johnwilson@hputx.edu

The HPU Sport Management graduate program is among the most competitively priced master’s degrees offered by a private Christian university in Texas for individuals pursuing or currently working in the sport industry. Information regarding tuition per credit hour and associated fees is available in the HPU Course Catalog. Students should also anticipate potential additional expenses, including textbooks, required subscriptions, and professional membership dues.

Graduate assistantships are available in the KIN Department, the HPU Wellness Program and Athletics. Stipends vary but they are renewable for the 20-month program duration. These positions are competitive and require a separate application. Awards are made prior to the fall semester of course enrollment.

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