Master of Science Sport Management with a Concentration in Sport Analytics (MS)
Lynn Ridinger, Ph.D, Graduate Program Director
2010 Student Recreation Center
757-683-4353
This concentration is designed to provide students with knowledge, skills, and abilities in sport analytics. Expertise in sport analytics is in demand as the sport industry increasingly relies on data-driven decision making to enhance team performance, fan engagement, and business outcomes. This concentration prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities, including analytics roles across various domains within sport organizations.
Admission and Entrance Requirements
Applicants for the M.S. in Sport Management with a Concentration in Sport Analytics are required to submit credentials for consideration through the Office of Graduate Admissions or International Admissions at Old Dominion University. We have rolling admissions, but applicants who submit materials prior to March 1st for Fall admissions and prior to November 1st for Spring admissions will receive first consideration. Students applying for admission with regular status must have:
- A completed online application submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions or International Admissions.
- Domestic students submit at: https://www.odu.edu/admission/graduate
- International students submit at: https://www.odu.edu/admission/international
- A baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited institution or an equivalent degree from a foreign institution.
- 2.8 cumulative GPA or higher (on a 4.0 scale)*
- 3.0 GPA or higher in the undergraduate major*
- Personal essay (no more than two pages) addressing motivations to apply to program, career interests, and ability to complete graduate level work.
- Two letters of recommendation from former professors or employers.
- Current copy of resume.
- Transcripts from all prior post-secondary institutions.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 550 on the paper-based test (79 on the iBT) or 6.5 overall on the IELTS for non-native English speakers.
- A standardized test score (GRE, GMAT, or MAT) is optional, but may help demonstrate the ability to take on the rigor of graduate level studies. It is recommended if an applicant has an overall GPA lower than 3.0.
* Students who have a low GPA may be considered for admission with provisional status.
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Sport Management Core Courses + | ||
| SMGT 738 | Sport Finance | 3 |
| SMGT 746 | Strategic Marketing in Sport | 3 |
| SMGT 760 | Sport Law | 3 |
| SMGT 775 | Management and Leadership in Sport | 3 |
| Research Core + | ||
| FOUN 611 | Introduction to Research Methods in Education | 3 |
| or FOUN 612 | Applied Research Methods in Education | |
| SMGT 580 | Introduction to Sport Analytics | 3 |
| Capstone Experience + | ||
| Select one of the following options: | 6 | |
Thesis Option: | ||
| Thesis Research in Sport Management | ||
| Thesis in Sport Management | ||
Research Project Option: ++ | ||
| Research Problems in Sport Management (plus one additional elective) | ||
Internship Option: ++ | ||
| Internship in Sport Management | ||
| Electives * | ||
| Select 9 credits from the following: | 9 | |
| Principles of Coaching Management | ||
| Sport and Social Justice | ||
| Facility Management for Sport, Recreation and Entertainment | ||
| Sponsorship and Event Planning | ||
| Ethics in Sport Management | ||
| Social Issues in Sport | ||
| Sport Entrepreneurship | ||
| Applied Sport Analytics | ||
| Sport Communication | ||
| Concentration in Sport Analytics ** | ||
| Introduction to Sport Analytics | ||
| Introduction to Data Science and Analytics | ||
| Applied Sport Analytics | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 33 | |
- +
Required courses.
- ++
Denotes an additional requirement of comprehensive exam based on core course requirements.
- *
List of electives is not comprehensive. Prior approval from graduate advisor is required for other possible electives.
- **
The Sport Analytics concentration is optional. It includes one required course (SMGT 580) and two of three electives.
Continuance and Exit Requirements
Students must meet all requirements for continuance as outlined in the graduate continuance policy for the University. Students completing the program must:
- Have an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
- Have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher in the major.
- Demonstrate writing proficiency.
- Satisfy all course competencies.
- Complete an internship or research problem or thesis.
- If doing an internship or research problem, also pass a comprehensive examination.
- Complete exit survey.
- File the necessary paperwork for graduation.