Master of Science in Sport Management (MSSM)

What We Need From You

• Completed application form
• An official transcript indicating a bachelor’s degree conferred from a regionally accredited institution of higher education
• For applicants whose native language is not English, a minimum TOEFL test score of 600 on the paper-based test, a score of 250 on the computer-based test, or score of 100 on the internet-based test for international applicants (Minimum passing score may vary as the ETS revises the exam.)

Still completing your bachelor’s?

Send all official transcripts for all colleges attended and an official transcript from a regionally accredited institution of higher education showing all undergraduate coursework completed and a letter from the school’s registrar on letterhead validating the anticipated degree and degree completion date.

How to send transcripts to Baker.

Based on reasonable projections of faculty availability and appropriate curriculum considerations, the following courses can change as deemed necessary by Baker University to fulfill its role and mission. Students can finish the curriculum requirements in 18 to 20 months. Students may take one or two courses at a time, but must maintain a 3.50 grade point average if doubling up.

MSSM 524 Leadership and Management in Sport

Leadership and Management in Sport develops managerial skills as organizers, facilitators, communicators, and team builders. The course provides an overview of the principles related to management and leadership styles, problem-solving, decision-making, program management, and budget analysis for sport organizations. It defines specific management skills and functions, presents actions that contribute to goal achievement, and identifies attributes that enhance successful organizational performance. (3 credits)

MSSM 525 Organizational Culture and Dynamics

Organizational Culture and Dynamics helps students develop the ability to guide individual people and teams to company objectives. By focusing on relationships and recognizing diversity among their peers and colleagues, students evaluate social and psychological dynamics within their organizations. They also learn communication techniques that contribute to organizational effectiveness. (3 credits)

MSSM 560 Marketing Strategies in Sport

Marketing Strategies in Sport examines the processes of marketing in the contemporary customer-oriented environment. Students explore the dimensions of the consumer market and analyze consumer buying behavior and decision-making processes based on fundamental market research. Strategies covered in this course include branding, promotions, social media marketing, and relationship building with consumers, media, and the community. (3 credits)

MSSM 538 Sponsorship and Revenue in Sport

Sponsorship and Revenue in Sport provides an in-depth approach to generating revenue for sport organizations, including the use of strategic partnerships, fundraising initiatives, special events, and sales strategies. Topics include strategies for securing sponsorships, sponsorship activation, and managing sponsor relations. Fundraising campaigns and donor relations will also be discussed. (3 credits)

MSSM 533 Sports Facility and Event Management

Sports Facility and Event Management is designed to explore and analyze principles for planning, designing, and managing indoor and outdoor facilities for sport and recreation. Topics covered include design trends, standards and guidelines, sustainable and efficient building materials, facility maintenance and operations, liability and risk management, and basics for event management and programming. Possible visits to local facilities will be arranged. (3 credits)

MSSM 517 Legal Aspects of Sport Business

Legal Aspects of Sport Business focuses on the legal environment and its effect on business decisions and operations. Contracts, torts, regulation of sport business and governing bodies, premises liability, intellectual property law, constitutional law, antitrust law, collective bargaining, and negligence are studied. Awareness and pragmatic guidelines for risk management decision making in sport business are also examined. (3 credits)

MSSM 532 Communication and Public Relations in Sport

Communication and Public Relations in Sport provides an integrated approach to relationship management, including customer relations, public relations, community relations, and media relations. The course is designed to provide an in-depth analysis of communication theories, strategies, and applications within the context of the sport industry. The course is intended to provide a general overview of various communications strategies, as well as corporate social responsibility initiatives. (3 credits)

MSSM 555 Administration, Policy, and Governance

Administration, Policy and Governance examines management theory with governance and policy, focusing on the development of skills and techniques to navigate the work environment within defined rules, regulations, and processes, both internal and external to the organization. This course examines policy, governance and the strategic planning process in youth, high school, college, Olympic, and professional sport. (3 credits)

MSSM 515 Finance for Managers

Designed for nonfinancial managers, this course presents principles of finance, including balance sheet composition, cash flow management, and capital budgeting. (3 credits)

MSSM 535 Human Resource Management

This course deals with recruitment, training, evaluation, promotion, and retention of today’s increasingly diverse employees. Study how to attract, secure, enable, and retain productive employees and volunteers as part of a multicultural workforce. The course also covers issues related to compliance with employment laws and regulations. (3 credits)

MSSM 570 Directed Field Experience (Internship)

The Sport Management Direct Field Experience (Internship) is designed to provide an in-depth learning experience in a professional work setting where students observe and complete meaningful tasks to advance organizational objectives. The DFE (Internship) provides a program candidate (intern) with hands-on experiences necessary to transfer beliefs, values, theory, and knowledge into practice. The students work experience will be under the supervision of a faculty sponsor, as well as an onsite supervisor, and will be designed to provide a practical experience in the field of sports administration. (3 credits)

• Successful completion of the specified Master of Science in Sport Management curriculum (30 credit hours)
• A 3.0 overall grade point average with no grades below C
• An MSSM core GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Completion of all course work within six years of the date of initial enrollment
• Filing an intent to graduate form with the Office of the Registrar
• Payment of all tuition and fees
• Approval by the faculty and Board of Trustees