Sport and Recreation Management
Secure Your Success
The online M.S. Sport and Recreation Management degree prepares students for leadership roles in sport, esports, and recreation organizations by focusing on people management, facility operations, and legal considerations in the industry. With the same faculty teaching online who teach in our classrooms, students get the quality education they want with the flexibility they need.
Gain practical expertise in event and facility management, sport and event marketing, and research and data analysis —each essential for informed decision-making and advancing practices in sport management and recreation administration.
To learn more about the Department of Sport and Recreation Management, visit their social media:
Two Concentrations Available
Coursework focuses on main segments of the sport and recreation industry: performance, production, and promotion. The Sport and Recreation Management degree program offers the flexibility and convenience of online coursework.
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Recreation Administration
Dive into big ideas by exploring the philosophical, ethical, and historical roots of leisure in today’s world. Students will build on that foundation and dig into the real-world challenges—and exciting opportunities—facing public recreation and non-profit organizations, from fundraising to resource management. Additionally, students will study important topics like staffing, inclusivity, safety, and community engagement, all while developing leadership skills and learning how to make engaged, data-driven decisions.
Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Graduate Catalog.
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Sport Management
Prepare for dynamic careers in sport management by exploring both traditional and emerging aspects of the industry. Students gain a deep understanding of revenue generation, communication strategies, and the evolving responsibilities of sport managers. Emphasis is placed on using modern technologies and data to effectively engage with diverse audiences and adapt to current trends in the field. Students will explore all levels of sport: youth, high school, collegiate, professional, amateur, competitive, non-competitive, recreational, private, and nonprofit/profit organizations.
Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Graduate Catalog.
Many Career Opportunities
A career in sport management or recreation administration offers passionate individuals an opportunity to combine their passion with professional expertise. A wide range of career opportunities that positively impact athletes, communities, and organizations are available. Some popular paths include:
- Collegiate athletics director
- Racetrack marketing director
- Private fitness facility manager
- Campus recreation director
- Professional promotions coordinator
- Parks and recreation manager
- Sales representative for a sports equipment company
- Manager for a sporting goods retail store
- Events coordinator at a professional facility or recreation area
- Sport media producer
- Legal consultant for a sport or recreation business licensing company
- Corporate wellness manager
- Outdoor recreation planner (national/state parks or wilderness areas)
"I gained so much experience and it really made me stand out in the job search. I
actually landed a job before graduation and I think that’s awesome. They [the faculty]
prioritize getting real world experience to support and apply what you’re learning
in the classroom. That really made it stand out to me, the priority of outside experiences.
I’m just so thankful. It wouldn’t have been possible without them and the support
that they provided me...it’s been a great experience and I wouldn’t change it for
the world."
- Allyson Parks, Graduate
Cost
Credits to complete this program: 33-36 credit hours
| TN Residents | *eRate | Out of State |
|---|---|---|
| $672 per credit hour | $835.50 per credit hour | $1,513 per credit hour |
| - The *eRate applies to students living out of state and taking all web-based courses. - Additional fees may be required. - Visit the Paying for College page to read more about costs and financial aid options. - The costs associated with attending ETSU can include both direct and indirect costs. Please review ETSU's Cost of Attendance for more details. |
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Steps to Apply
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Step 1 - Create your ETSU Application Account
Step 1 Create your ETSU Application Account by choosing the "Sign Up" option
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Step 2 - Sign into the ETSU Application Portal
Step 2 Sign into the ETSU Application Portal and select "Start a New Application"
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Step 3 - Complete the Remaining Fields
Step 3 Choose "Graduate," select your student type (domestic or international), select "Master's," term, then choose Sport and Recreation Management and complete the remainder of the form.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why should a student pursue this program at ETSU?
Program features include:
- An all-online asynchronous class structure, making this a super flexible program for working professionals
- Experiential learning and project-based classes
- Productive and tight-knit faculty who want to see their students succeed
- Close relationships with regional and national sport and recreation organizations
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What are students saying?
“I have enjoyed this program’s approach of having the material that we learn in the classroom correlate to our current areas of employment. This method of learning encourages a continuous conversation of how we can better ourselves as professionals while staying current with the issues of our field.” -Former student
“When I think about the program, the first thing that comes to mind is the tremendous amount of support from the professors. It is wonderful to have professors that truly want to see you succeed and will do whatever they can to help you achieve your goals both in the classroom and in life.” -Current program enrollee
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What accreditations apply to this program?
East Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist, and doctoral degrees. East Tennessee State University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of East Tennessee State University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org).
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Does a student's undergraduate degree have to be related to this field?
No. However, an undergraduate degree in physical education, sport management, or closely related field is preferred. Other degrees will be considered by the graduate coordinator.
More information about students enrolled in this program:
- Many current students came directly from their undergraduate program, some are already working or gaining experience in various ways, and the flexibility of our online program appeals to them and their long-term goals.
- Many students are currently working in sport or recreation and, depending on what part of the industry they’re working in, a graduate degree may be either necessary or one way they can differentiate themselves from their peers.
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Does this program require the GRE?
No, the GRE is not required for admission.
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Are the courses for this program asynchronous or synchronous?
The entire program is online asynchronous, and there are no meeting times or required on-campus activities.
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Does this program require an internship or thesis?
Students will work with the program coordinator to select either an internship or thesis track.
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What is the time to completion?
Full-time students typically complete the program in 2 years.
Completion timelines for part-time students vary depending on the student's preferences and number of courses taken each academic term. Students must complete the program within the six-year matriculation limit (starting from their date of first enrollment). Part-time students will work with the coordinator to determine a schedule that works best.
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When can I start?
Students may start in the Fall, Spring, or Summer term.
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Are scholarships available?
Yes. Please visit the College of Business and Technology (CBAT) scholarships page for more information. ETSU's Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships offers scholarship information for all student levels. The department offers research and faculty-supporting Graduate Assistantships (GA). Students are also encouraged to visit the Paying for Graduate School website for information regarding ETSU graduate scholarships and other financial resources.