M.Ed. in Special Education
The University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville offers a Master of Education (M.E...
Master of Business Administration - Sports Management
Jacksonville, Florida
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville, Florida, offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Sports Management through its AACSB-accredited Coggin College of Business. This specialized program is designed to prepare professionals for leadership and executive roles within the dynamic and ever-evolving sports industry. It combines a robust foundation in general business administration with specialized knowledge in the unique aspects of sports business, including marketing, finance, facilities management, and legal issues. The program is flexible, catering to both full-time and part-time students, and typically requires 30-36 credit hours, with provisions for foundational prerequisite coursework for those without a business or sports management undergraduate background. UNF's location in a sports-rich city like Jacksonville provides a distinct advantage for real-world engagement.
AACSB-accredited: The Coggin College of Business at the University of North Florida holds the prestigious AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accreditation. This is a globally recognized hallmark of excellence in business education, ensuring that the MBA program, including its Sports Management concentration, adheres to the highest standards for curriculum quality, faculty expertise, and student learning outcomes. Earning an MBA from an AACSB-accredited institution like UNF provides graduates with a highly respected and globally recognized credential, signifying a rigorous and relevant business education.
Curriculum: The MBA with a Sports Management concentration at UNF integrates a strong core MBA curriculum with specialized sports-focused coursework. The general MBA foundation covers essential business disciplines such as financial accounting, managerial economics, advanced financial management, marketing strategy, organizational leadership, and strategic management. For the Sports Management concentration, students typically take courses such as "Foundations of Sport Management" (if they don't have an undergraduate background in the field), along with electives that may include "Ethics and Issues in Sport," "Sport Finance," "Facilities and Risk Management," and "Marketing and Promotions." The curriculum aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of business principles as applied to the unique challenges and opportunities within the sports industry, from professional leagues and college athletics to event management and sports marketing.
Research Focus: While primarily a professional degree aimed at career advancement, the MBA with a Sports Management concentration at UNF emphasizes an analytical and evidence-based approach to decision-making within the sports industry. Students are encouraged to critically analyze trends in sports business, evaluate financial models of sports organizations, and understand fan engagement dynamics. The curriculum often incorporates case studies, simulations, and applied projects that require students to research real-world issues in sports management. Faculty members, who often have a blend of academic expertise and practical experience in the sports industry, guide students in applying theoretical concepts to current challenges, fostering a research-informed perspective vital for strategic leadership in the field.
Industry Engagement: UNF's MBA program, especially the Sports Management concentration, benefits significantly from its location in Jacksonville, a city with a robust sports landscape including professional teams (NFL Jaguars), major events, and a strong collegiate sports presence. UNF's Sport Management program boasts strong partnerships with numerous reputable sports organizations in the Jacksonville area, providing unparalleled professional development opportunities. Students can expect opportunities for internships, guest lectures by sports industry executives, site visits to sports facilities, and networking events. These strong ties ensure graduates gain invaluable real-world experience and direct insights into the operational and strategic demands of the sports business. The program often highlights its commitment to experiential and community-based learning.
Global Perspective: The MBA with a Sports Management concentration at UNF incorporates a global perspective by acknowledging the increasing internationalization of the sports industry. Major sports leagues and events have a global reach, involving international broadcasting rights, global sponsorships, and the movement of athletes across borders. While the core curriculum might focus on the U.S. context, discussions often extend to understanding global sports markets, international sports law, cross-cultural fan engagement, and the challenges and opportunities of conducting sports business on a global scale. UNF's overall commitment to global business education, as evidenced by its separate GlobalMBA program, further enriches the learning environment and prepares graduates to operate effectively in an interconnected global sports landscape.
Location
Jacksonville, Florida
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 18803
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $31
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Standardized Test Requirements
- GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test): Minimum score of 550 required.
- GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Minimum score of 304 required.
The University of North Florida (UNF) offers a variety of scholarships specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals while easing the financial burden of studying in the United States. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievements, leadership potential, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UNF provides merit scholarships to international students based on their academic performance, standardized test scores, and extracurricular accomplishments. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically to eligible applicants during the admissions process.
International Student Scholarships: Special scholarships are reserved exclusively for international students. Examples include the International Freshman Scholarship and the International Transfer Scholarship, which reward high-achieving students with financial aid packages that may cover partial to full tuition fees.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While limited for international students, some need-based financial aid options may be available through private organizations or partnerships coordinated by UNF’s financial aid office. International students are encouraged to explore external scholarship databases for additional funding opportunities.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain academic departments and colleges at UNF offer scholarships targeted to students enrolled in specific fields of study. International students can apply for these scholarships based on their major, research interests, or academic achievements within their discipline.
An MBA with a Sports Management concentration from the University of North Florida (UNF) is an excellent pathway for individuals passionate about the business of sports. Delivered through the AACSB-accredited Coggin College of Business, this program provides a strong foundation in core business disciplines while specializing in the unique aspects of the sports industry. UNF's strategic location in Jacksonville, a city with a robust sports ecosystem, offers unparalleled experiential learning opportunities. Graduates emerge with the managerial acumen and industry-specific knowledge to lead and innovate in various segments of the global sports landscape.
Athletic Director (Collegiate/High School): Oversees all aspects of an institution's athletic programs, including budgeting, compliance, facilities, coaching staff, and student-athlete welfare. This role requires strong leadership and administrative skills.
Sports Marketing Manager/Director: Develops and executes marketing strategies for sports teams, leagues, events, or brands. This involves creating promotional campaigns, managing sponsorships, enhancing fan engagement, and leveraging digital platforms to build brand awareness and drive revenue.
Sports Event Manager/Coordinator: Plans, organizes, and executes sporting events of various scales, from local tournaments to large-scale championships. Responsibilities include venue selection, logistics, budgeting, staffing, and ensuring a seamless experience for participants and spectators.
Sports Sponsorship Manager: Focuses on securing and managing corporate partnerships and sponsorship deals for sports organizations, teams, or events. They identify potential sponsors, negotiate agreements, and ensure sponsors receive optimal visibility and return on investment.
Sports Facilities Manager/Operations Director: Oversees the day-to-day operations and long-term strategic planning for sports venues such as stadiums, arenas, and training complexes. This includes managing maintenance, security, concessions, event logistics, and financial performance.
Sports Agent/Athlete Manager: Represents professional athletes, handling contract negotiations with teams, securing endorsement deals, managing public relations, and providing career and financial guidance. This role demands strong negotiation and interpersonal skills.
Ticket Sales & Service Manager: Leads teams responsible for selling tickets, premium seating, and hospitality packages for sports events or venues. They develop sales strategies, manage customer relationships, and analyze data to optimize revenue.
Sports Business Development Manager: Identifies and pursues new business opportunities for sports organizations, teams, or agencies. This can involve expanding into new markets, creating new revenue streams, or forging strategic alliances within the sports ecosystem.
Sports Analytics Specialist: Utilizes data to analyze player performance, team strategies, fan engagement, and business operations. Graduates with an MBA can translate complex data into actionable insights for coaches, front office executives, and marketing departments to improve performance and decision-making.
Community Relations/Public Relations Manager (Sports): Manages the public image and community engagement efforts for sports organizations. This involves handling media relations, coordinating charity events, managing social media, and building positive relationships with fans and the local community.
