GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAM

As a leader in the field of Sports Administration, St. Thomas University (Biscayne College) pioneered the first undergraduate sports administration program in the nation in 1973. In 1977, St. Thomas University began offering a Master of Science (M.S.) in Sports Administration as a vehicle for teaching the unique skills of management necessary for the modern sports administrator. The curriculum design, blending management and sports business courses, meets the challenge of the rapidly changing world of sports. The growth of professional sports, college athletics, leisure services, facility management, and media and business participation has created a need for specialized professional preparation. The complex nature of today’s sports programs is increasing the need for professionally prepared sports managers.

In 1994, a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) with a specialization in Sports Administration was introduced to meet the need for more accounting and financially trained professionals. America is on the move, and the business of sports, from professional baseball to managing a fitness center, needs well-prepared administrators.

Two joint degrees with the law school, a J.D./M.S. and a J.D./M.B.A., were first offered in 2000 and 2006 respectively. With so many aspects of sports having legal ramifications, these alternatives for the law school students interested in the sports aspects are growing in popularity. (Note: The joint degrees require prior acceptance into the University’s School of Law in addition to admission into a Sports Administration Master’s program.)

All graduate degrees in Sports Administration at St. Thomas University are approved by the North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM) and the National Association for Sports and Physical Education (NASPE).

Professionals from all areas of sports and athletics are engaged in lending counsel and instruction through adjunct professorships, classroom presentations, volunteer opportunities, and internships. Throughout the year, leaders from professional and collegiate sports are invited to be guest speakers regarding specific areas in sports management. The South Florida sports environment provides a natural laboratory setting for students to obtain valuable experience while pursuing their degrees.

The uniqueness of the sports administration programs at St. Thomas University revolves around three elements:
1. Business courses with an application to sports comprise the curriculum.
2. South Florida is a natural laboratory setting which affords numerous opportunities for aspiring sports administrators to gain valuable experience while pursuing their graduate degrees.
3. The South Florida area, a major sports market, exposes students to sports industry professionals who serve as guest lecturers and adjunct professors, thus increasing their networking base.

The St. Thomas University Department of Management facilitates students in preparation for professional and managerial careers. This is accomplished by fostering an environment conducive to the development of professionally prepared, responsible and ethical leaders with capabilities to manage in a challenging, diverse, and dynamic environment. The graduate sports administration programs afford students the opportunity to gain invaluable on-the-job sports-related experiences while increasing knowledge and developing professionally.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

St. Thomas University’s Sports Administration program utilizes a selective admissions process to ensure the high quality of its students and graduates. The specific admission requirements are:
1. Completed and signed application. (Fee required.)
2. A double-spaced typed one to two page statement of goals that includes career objectives.
3. Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
4. Three letters of recommendation, one of which should be submitted by the applicant’s supervisor or academic advisor.
5. A minimum overall GPA of 2.75 (3.00 for MBA) for all undergraduate course work.
6. Interview: Those applicants who meet the quantitative admissions standards will be invited to St. Thomas University, at their own expense, for a personal interview. As part of the interview process, each interviewee will be required to take the writing assessment through the Academic Enhancement Center.
7. If appropriate, international students must submit transcript evaluations of their documents by an accredited evaluator. Copies of certificates and/or diplomas must be submitted.
8. All international students requiring I-20 visas must submit a Certification or Letter of Finances and a Letter of Sponsorship.
*To obtain pdf versions of the application form, and for more information regarding the application form, please click here.

• Students are required to maintain a 3.0 (B) cumulative grade point average at all times for continuation in the program.
• Failure to register for two consecutive semesters/terms results in withdrawal from the University.
• Passing a Comprehensive Examination is required for graduation.
• All other graduate academic policies apply.
• Each student, in conjunction with his/her advisor, designs an approved program of study taking into account the student’s prior academic programs, areas of interest, and course availability.