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M.A. in Kinesiology & Sport Management
Vermillion, South Dakota
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
USD's M.A. in Kinesiology & Sport Management is a 30-credit-hour program that allows students to specialize in either Exercise Science or Sport Management. It stands out for its flexible formats, with both online and hybrid options available, catering to the needs of diverse learners and working professionals. The program aims to provide a broad base of knowledge applicable to various settings, from local recreational leagues to professional teams. It emphasizes applying business-related skills to the unique challenges of the sport industry, preparing graduates for leadership, coaching, and inspiring others toward wellness. USD's online kinesiology master's degree in sport management has been recognized nationally for its affordability, flexibility, and academic prestige.
Curriculum: The curriculum is structured to provide a solid foundation in the chosen specialization. For the Sport Management concentration, sample courses include "Sport Facility and Risk Management," "Legal Aspects of Sport," "Sport Budgeting and Finance," and "Sport Analytics." The curriculum aims to provide insight into current issues in sports, facility management, and legal aspects within the sport industry. For the Exercise Science specialization, coursework includes "Applied Physiology of Exercise," "Advanced Biomechanics," and "Laboratory Techniques in Exercise Physiology," aligning with guidelines from the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA). Both tracks may offer thesis and non-thesis options, allowing students to tailor their academic experience to their career aspirations.
Research Focus: The Division of Kinesiology & Sport Management at USD has an active research environment, with faculty contributing to scholarship across various areas. Recent master's graduates have crafted degree plans around research areas such as legal liability in sport, risk management in sport and athletics, creating more inclusive sport and physical activity spaces, and differences in gait performance. The division houses a state-of-the-art biomechanics laboratory with advanced equipment like Vicon cameras, force plate technology, and Bod Pod, facilitating cutting-edge research opportunities for students. This research focus ensures that the curriculum is informed by current scientific advancements and prepares students for evidence-based practice.
Industry Engagement: USD emphasizes strong industry connections to provide students with practical experience and networking opportunities. Faculty members bring a wealth of professional experience and industry connections to the program. While specific formal partnerships for the graduate program are not extensively detailed, the Division of Kinesiology & Sport Management aims to provide students with resources and networking connections needed for career advancement. Graduate assistantships are often available, providing unique experiences in areas like coaching student-athletes, assisting sports medicine staff, supporting event management, or conducting research in the biomechanics lab, offering valuable real-world, professional experience. The program's connections can also help with internships nationally and internationally.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in Kinesiology & Sport Management at USD inherently incorporates a global perspective by addressing issues relevant to the worldwide sports industry and human movement. The curriculum prepares students to understand sport and wellness within a broad context, recognizing that the principles of kinesiology and the business of sport transcend geographical boundaries. Topics such as global sports marketing, international sport governance, and cross-cultural considerations in exercise science contribute to a global outlook. The program's aim to prepare graduates for a wide range of career opportunities, from local to professional teams, implies an understanding of the globalized nature of sport and health, ensuring graduates are equipped to navigate international trends and practices in their careers.
Location
Vermillion, South Dakota
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 12800
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $38
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.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of South Dakota (USD) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden of studying abroad and make quality education at USD more accessible to talented students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: USD awards merit-based scholarships to international students based on their academic achievements, leadership potential, and extracurricular involvement. These scholarships recognize outstanding high school or previous college performance and are renewable for multiple years, provided students maintain satisfactory academic progress.
International Student Academic Scholarships: These scholarships are specifically tailored for international undergraduate students and can cover a significant portion of tuition fees. Eligibility is typically based on a combination of academic excellence and the completion of the admission process by specified deadlines. Many of these scholarships are automatically considered upon application, so no separate application is required.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: For international graduate students, USD provides graduate assistantships and fellowships that offer financial support alongside valuable professional experience. These opportunities often include tuition waivers and a stipend in exchange for research, teaching, or administrative work within the university.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain USD academic departments and colleges offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields of study, such as business, health sciences, or fine arts. These scholarships often reward exceptional talent and dedication within those disciplines.
Graduates with an M.A. in Kinesiology & Sport Management from the University of South Dakota (USD) are exceptionally well-prepared for diverse roles within the burgeoning health, fitness, and sport industries. Whether specializing in Exercise Science or Sport Management, students gain a robust blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, making them valuable assets in various settings. The job outlook for many roles in this sector is strong, reflecting a growing societal emphasis on health, wellness, and the expanding global sports market. For example, employment of exercise physiologists is projected to grow 10% from 2023 to 2033, and medical and health services managers (which can include athletic directors and facility managers) are projected to grow 29% in the same period.
Athletic Director (High School/Collegiate): A highly sought-after role for Sport Management graduates, involving the oversight of all aspects of an athletic program, including budgeting, facilities, staff, compliance, and student-athlete welfare.
Sport Marketing Manager: These professionals develop and execute marketing strategies for sports teams, leagues, events, or brands. They focus on fan engagement, brand promotion, and revenue generation through sponsorships and advertising.
Sport Event Manager: Graduates can plan, organize, and execute a wide range of sporting events, from local tournaments to large-scale professional competitions. This involves logistics, budgeting, venue management, and ensuring participant and spectator experience.
Sport Facilities Manager: Responsible for the operation and maintenance of sports venues, arenas, or recreational complexes. This role ensures the safety, functionality, and efficient use of facilities for various events and activities.
Strength and Conditioning Coach: For those with an Exercise Science specialization, this role involves designing and implementing exercise programs to improve athletic performance, prevent injuries, and rehabilitate athletes across collegiate, professional, or private settings.
Exercise Physiologist: These professionals work in clinical or research settings, developing and supervising exercise programs for individuals with chronic diseases or health conditions. They conduct fitness assessments and provide guidance on improving health and physical function. The median annual wage for exercise physiologists was $58,160 in May 2024.
Personal Trainer/Fitness Director (Advanced): While bachelor's degrees can lead to personal training, an M.A. allows for leadership roles such as Fitness Director, overseeing fitness programs, staff, and operations in health clubs, corporate wellness centers, or university recreation departments.
Community Recreation and Sports Director: These professionals manage sports leagues, recreational programs, and facilities for local communities, focusing on promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles for all ages.
Sports Agent/Player Relations: While competitive, an M.A. in Sport Management can provide the business acumen and understanding of legal/financial aspects necessary to represent athletes, negotiate contracts, and manage their careers.
Sport Data Analyst/Sport Scientist: With a strong foundation in research and analytics from either specialization, graduates can work with teams or organizations to analyze performance data, player statistics, or market trends to inform strategic decisions and optimize outcomes.
