Sport & Wellness Leadership (SWELL)

Worldwide, the sport and wellness industries represent highly visible and significant opportunities for impacting quality of life, accounting for more than $4 trillion of investment by individuals, corporations and communities. Unlike graduate programs that may focus on one or the other, we think core knowledge and skill sets are adaptable to both settings. Consequently, graduates may find greater career flexibility and opportunity for service, enriched by Howard Payne University’s faith tradition and holistic emphasis.

1. Apply critical thinking and analytical skills to sport and wellness leadership challenges.

2. Cultivate an ethical knowledge and skill framework to leverage sport and wellness for greater good to society.

3. Understand sport and wellness in societal contexts; resource allocation and development; legal and ethical aspects of program leadership; program promotion, marketing and public relations; processes of change and current issues impacting the sport and wellness industries.

4. Pursue practical experiential research and event management experiences to serve as foundation for sound decision-making and program development.

5. Prepare for doctoral study and/or professional employment in interscholastic and intercollegiate athletics, professional sport, youth sport, sport facility management, sport marketing and communication, campus recreation, private recreation, corporate wellness, community wellness, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, government agencies, health coaching and related settings.

Rooted in Howard Payne University's Christ-centered mission, the Master of Education in Sport and Wellness Leadership program prepares students to lead with integrity, compassion, and a servant's heart. Students develop the knowledge and leadership skills to inspire healthy communities, support personal growth, and foster wellness through ethical decision-making and purposeful leadership. By combining advanced leadership training with Christian values, graduates are equipped to make a meaningful impact in sports, wellness, education, and their communities.

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. 

KIN 5301 – Leadership Studies in Sport/Wellness

KIN 5302 – Resource Management in Sport/Wellness

KIN 5303 – Socio-Cultural Dimensions of Sport/Wellness

KIN 5304 – Legal Foundations of Sport/Wellness

KIN 5305 – Strategic Communication in Sport/Wellness

KIN 5306 – Contemporary Issues in Sport/Wellness

KIN 5311 – Event Planning and Design

KIN 5312 – Event Implementation and Management

KIN 5316 – Research in Sport/Wellness

KIN 5320 – SWELL Leadership Capstone

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 and Leadership Wellness 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 

Email: jheupel@hputx.edu

The SWELL program of studies is the most affordable master’s degree in the state of Texas for professionals entering or employed in the sport and wellness industries. The 2026-2027 tuition is $686 per credit hour. Additional expenses involve texts, subscriptions and professional membership dues. In addition, limited campus housing and board plans are available.

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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