Sport Management
Frequently Asked Questions
How many students are in the program?
The master's program ranges from 20-25 students and the Ph.D. program 4-6 students.
How many faculty members?
There are three full-time faculty in the graduate Sport Management programs.
When should I apply?
The master’s program application deadline is March 1. Decisions are made by April 1 and students are expected to notify the program and university of their intent by May 1. The Ph.D. program has rolling admissions. A decision is made on each application as it is received. It is advisable to apply before March 1 for the best possible chance at earning a spot in the program and funding.
What are the admissions requirements?
Graduate – UConn requires that students have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average from their undergraduate institution to be admitted into the graduate school. The same is expected for the master's grade point average for students applying for the Ph.D. program. We do ask that all students take the Graduate Record Exam. Scores should be in the 50th percentile (1000) range for the master’s program and 1200 as a minimum for the Ph.D. program. Related work or internship experience is a plus. Please see the Graduate School site for more information if you do not meet these criteria or if you are an international student taking the TOEFL. http://www.grad.uconn.edu/requirements.html
What materials are needed in application?
Where do I send my application?
Can I apply online?
Please see the "How to Apply" page for details on deadlines, materials, and application procedures.
Where can I get information about financial aid?
Please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid Services for information on financial aid.
What are my residential/housing options?
Please visit the Department of Residential Life for information on housing.
How do I apply for a graduate assistantship and what kind of work can I expect to do as a graduate assistant?
There is no formal application process for graduate assistantships in the Department of Kinesiology. Indicate your interest in a position when applying. A limited number of assistantships are available through the department and are typically reserved for Ph.D. students. Other options include the Division of Athletics or other offices on campus. It is advisable to contact those offices and work with your prospective advisor to pursue assistantship opportunities.
This entirely depends on the type of graduate assistantship you have. Many master's students work in the Division of Athletics as either assistant coaches or administrators. Their work experience in hands-on NCAA Division I athletics. Ph.D. students typically work as either teaching or research assistants for individual faculty members. That experience is outlines and managed by the faculty member. A full graduate assistantship is 20 hours of work per week. A half graduate assistantship is 10. For more information on pay rates please see: http://www.payroll.uconn.edu/graduate.html
How do I know which courses to take?
Please see the M.A. Guidelines or Ph.D. Guidelines for details on coursework.
How long will it take to get my degree?
Students in the master's program generally take 2 years and a summer for the internship. Doctoral students generally take 3 to 4 years.
What are the differences between the master's and doctoral programs?
The master's program is geared more toward the practical application of sport management and sociology and meant to give students a broad-based exposure to the theories and topics current in those fields. Graduates tend to find employment as college coaches, athletic administrators, professional sport managers, sport media producers, etc. The Ph.D. program prepares students for careers as faculty members in Sport Management with the opportunity to concentrate on the sociological issues in sport. Students can also choose additional concentrations in areas such a psychology, management, marketing, leadership, finance, etc.
What do international students need to know when applying?
Please visit the Department of International Services and Programs for information.
What is the process for contacting/selecting an advisor?
Prospective Ph.D. students interested in studying with a particular faculty member should contact that faculty member directly. Faculty members will accept Ph.D. students who share similar research interests and background. Master's students can request a faculty advisor on their application. Those who do not indicate a preference will be assigned to one of the faculty advisors.
Why should I elect to study sport management at UConn, rather than at another institution?
From Graduate School site:
As a resource for the future—both for the state of Connecticut and for the students who enroll in its programs—the University of Connecticut can be anything a graduate student wants it to be. With the wealth of opportunities available, graduate students thrive in an environment that encourages them to choose their own path through post-secondary education. The University grows by responding to challenges, opportunities, and needs. What remains constant is UConn's commitment to high quality teaching, research, and public service.
In sport management, graduate students receive a different education than in most other sport management programs. The emphasis on the impact of sport on society and the impact of society on sport make the program unique. Other benefits include the program being small to allow for small class size and considerable faculty-student interaction, being a part of an academic program growing in recognition, and attending a university that is making great strides in improving the education experience of its students.
Who should I contact with additional questions?
Please contact the following faculty members:
- Jennifer Bruening
- Laura Burton
- Janet Fink
